PREPAREDNESS

While the City of Vinton is working to make the community more flood resilient, there are measures every person can take to become individually prepared and resilient. Assembling a disaster preparedness kit (like the one pictured below) and storing plenty of water are good first steps.
Photograph of disaster preparedness kit materials

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS KIT

This kit includes:
  • Emergency non-perishable food
  • Water
  • First aid kit with bandages and antibiotics
  • Rain poncho
  • Flashlight
  • Whistle
  • Thermal blanket
  • First aid guidebook
This checklist from Safeguard Iowa helps you develop a more robust emergency kit over the course of 20 weeks—spreading out both the cost and effort.

CLEAN DRINKING WATER

One of the most important resources after a disaster is clean drinking water. Be prepared for the unexpected by having a supply of bottled water stored in a dry, room-temperature or cooler room away from sunlight.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has established guidelines for water storage before and after emergencies. FEMA counsels that you should have at least:
  • 3-day supply of water (better yet, 5-10 days if possible)
  • One gallon of water per person per day (better yet, two gallons per person per day)
A normally active person needs at least one half-gallon of water daily just for drinking. Store more water if you plan on cleaning and bathing.
These situations may require more water on hand:
  • Individual needs depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate.
  • Presence of children, nursing mothers, and ill people.
  • Very hot temperatures, which can double the amount of water needed.
  • Medical emergencies.