MCM - Do It Yourself!

	About DIY Guides
Working on a project and need a little help? Get assistance from our DIY Guides. We'll be posting DIY Guides, on a variety of subjects approximately every two weeks so check back often. Also if there's a project you'd like to see us tackle send an email to emarketing@mcmelectronics.com.

	DIY Guide - Emergency Kit

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. We'll help you get started with your emergency kit. For more information and tips visit www.ready.gov.

What you need:

A Plan

Plan in advance what you and your family will do in an emergency. Your plan should include a communications plan and address sheltering-in-place and evacuation. Go to www.ready.gov for more information and templates to help get you started.

A Kit

Prepare a kit of emergency supplies that will allow you and your family to survive for at least three days in the event an emergency happens.

A basic kit should include:

Portable NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries
	First Alert Portable AM/FM/Emergency Alert Radio Receives all 7 NOAA broadcast channels, as well as AM/FM band. Automatically sounds an alert tone for emergency conditions such as chemical spills, floods, evacuations, tornadoes, civil emergencies and more in your area. Requires four "AA" batteries (not included). MCM recommends part #80-5735
	Extra Batteries "AA" batteries. MCM recommends part #291-035
Battery Powered or Hand-Crank Flashlight
	32 LED Flashlight Super bright LEDs for strong, long lasting light. Lightweight yet rugged aluminum casing. Requires three "D" batteries (not included). MCM recommends part #58-10900
	Batteries "D" batteries. MCM recommends part #291-055
Or
	Sima FireFly – LED Crank Flashlight with cell phone charger Always ready, crank-powered, no batteries required. Also charges cell phone batteries. One minute of cranking provides 25~30 minutes of light or two minutes of talk time. Three LEDs offer superior illumination. Handy kit includes palm sized crank light. MCM recommends part #80-6870
First Aid Kit
	52 Piece First Aid Kit Plastic carry case includes guide and a variety of products for minor first aid needs. MCM recommends part #821-765
Dust Mask - to help filter contaminated air
	Five Piece Dust Mask Set Lightweight protection against non-toxic dust. MCM recommends part #22-6295
Duct Tape & Plastic Sheeting - to shelter in place
	3M Duct Tape Waterproof backing tears easily. 2" x 60 yards. MCM recommends part #108-3826
	Clear Plastic Drop Cloths 9' x 12'. Three drop cloths per pack. MCM recommends part #22-9140
Emergency Kit - purchase a pre-made kit to get started quickly
	First Alert Emergency Kit Includes a crank-powered, AM/FM/SW radio, crank-powered flashlight, 61 piece first aid kit and a 60" x 48" polar fleece blanket. MCM recommends part #80-6845
Other Items to Include
	Water & Food – at least a 3 day supply per person Can opener – if kit contains canned food Whistle – to signal for help Moist towelettes, garbage bags & ties – for personal sanitation Prescription medication & glasses Food & water for your pet

Stay Informed

Know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region, as well as emergency plans that have been established by your state and local government.

Get Involved

After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step: get training in first aid and emergency response and get involved in preparing your community. Citizen Corps provides residents with opportunities to prepare, train and support local emergency responders. For more information or to get involved visit www.citizencorps.gov to find your local Citizen Corps council.