Red Cross, Bi-Lo promote disaster supply kits
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That’s the message the Red Cross is hammering home in an effort to convince people of the need to assemble a family disaster supply kit.
The ongoing war, coupled with fears of a terrorist attack, has intensified the need to have a disaster supply kit. In addition to a terrorist strike, the disaster supply kits can come in handy during extended power outages, tornadoes or winter storms.
“We’re getting more and more calls every day from people who want to put together a disaster kit, but don’t know the best items to include,” said local Red Cross director Debby Maddux, who indicated each kit should also be somewhat personalized. “You want to include such basic items as canned food and water, but if you have small children you are going to want to include diapers, and if you have older people in your family you might need to include prescription medicines.”
Bi-Lo has joined the Red Cross in helping to promote the need for these disaster kits. Bi-Lo manager Steve Baker has taken the time to construct a display at the front of his store showing several common items that are smart to include in the kits. The Bi-Lo display includes first aid supplies and medicine, foods like peanut butter and raisins, and handy supplies such as tape and a hammer.
“We don’t want to scare people into thinking we’re going to be attacked by terrorists,” said Baker. “These are items which are beneficial to everybody, not just after a terrorist disaster.
“We were fortunate the tornadoes that came through here on Wednesday didn’t take out an entire residential community. If tornadoes decimated several subdivisions, the disaster kits would really be needed.”
In addition to providing store space for a display, Bi-Lo has also helped the Red Cross with brochure printing costs. These easy-to-read brochures are included in the Bi-Lo store display and contain step-by-step instructions about the best way to assemble your family disaster supply kit.
“Bi-Lo has been really good to us,” said Maddux. “Most people don’t realize that all the money for the Red Cross comes entirely from donations. That’s why only 33 counties in the state have a Red Cross chapter because it takes a lot of money.”
Brochures are available at Bi-Lo or by calling the Red Cross at 473-2595.
In case of disaster
• Six basics of a disaster supply kit: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, tools, and emergency supplies.
• Place those items in an easy-to-carry container such as a large trash can with a lid, a backpack or a duffle bag.
• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. It’s also smart to keep a smaller version of this kit in your car.