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Welcome to the UAC's Disaster Preparedness Website. In the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster, you want to make certain that you have what it takes to get through tough times or bad situations. Although the information on this website does not guarantee your safety or well being, we do offer advice that will greatly help you in the event of an emergency.
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- Top recommended items
What you need to have stored somewhere in your home in the event of an emergency:
- Large amounts of bottled water: The UAC recommends to have hundreds of gallons of water in storage if you have the room to store it, but at absolute minimum have on hand at least one gallon of water per person per day, for at least two weeks time (14 gallons per person).
- Food: Store at least a weeks worth of non-perishable food items in a safe place. These can be canned foods, dried fruits, or large sacks of rice or other items that do not require refrigeration and do not spoil. Remember to have a can opener stored with the food. If you can afford them, purchase many cases of U.S. Army Meal-Ready-to-Eat meals (MREs). MREs are available at many surplus stores or online.
- Matches: To heat up food as well as to cook meals, you may need to build a fire in extreme circumstances. You'll need to have a large box of matches stored with your emergency supplies. Keep the box of matches strictly for emergency use only, you won't want to be caught with an empty box if disaster strikes.
- Large First Aid Kit: Purchase a large first aid kit at a local drug store and keep it on hand in case of emergency. If you ever absolutely need to use any materials out of the kit before a disaster, be certain that you re-purchase the supplies you use and keep the kit fully stocked at all times.
These are just the top items you need to have in storage in case of emergency. Click here to see other items that are recommended to have in your supplies. |
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- PLAN & DRILL
You need to prepare for emergencies, not only with physical items, but with training.
- The first step that should be determined right now is choosing a location for you and your family to meet up in the event of an emergency. This location should be outside of the house and in a secure and concealed area. Make certain that your entire family knows the location, and agrees to meet up there in the event of a disaster.
- Hold drills with your family, and make certain that they know what to do and will not choke up under the pressure of a major disaster. Drill for various disasters including fires, earthquakes, chemical & biological attacks, and other emergencies. Go through all the steps that you would need to do if the drill were in fact the actual emergency, for example if you are drilling for a chemical or biological attack, make certain that your family knows how to, and puts on gas masks. If you are drilling for an earthquake, make certain that your family knows to stand in a doorway or other secure area during the earthquake and then to meet up at the meeting spot once the tremors have stopped. These simple little drills can save the lives of your loved ones. |
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- BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL ATTACK
In the event of a biological or chemical attack, you'll need life saving knowledge, as well as items to have on hand.
- Number one: Invest in a gas mask. These can be fairly steep in price for a high quality mask, but it is a small price to pay for you and your family’s health. The UAC recommended mask is the M-40 Gasmask used by the U.S. Army which runs around $100 and can be found at most military surplus stores as well as online.
- In the event of a biological or chemical attack, if you do not have a gas mask, it is recommended to quickly find a cloth to firmly cover your mouth, a dense-weave cotton material is recommended. Absolutely make certain that all the air that you breath goes through the cloth and not around it. |
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- NUCLEAR ATTACK
There is much that you can do in the event of a nuclear attack to limit exposure to radioactive materials. Most of the threat comes not from the blast itself, but from radiation exposure afterwards. These are some steps that could be taken to help reduce the risk of death or serious injury, and can also be used in the event of a "Dirty Bomb" radioactive attack as well.
- The number one priority on your mind in the event of a nuclear attack is finding shelter as far below ground as possible. If there is advanced warning, you'll want to quickly seek shelter or any protective shielding from the pressure wave.
- After a blast has occurred, close all windows and turn of any ventilation systems. Radioactive material may be present in the air outside and you'll need to limit your exposure to it as much as possible. You will want to drink bottled water as well, as radioactive materials may be present in city water supplies.
- If significant radiation is present, you may take potassium iodide to protect your thyroid gland, which is particularly vulnerable to radiation. |
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- OTHER ITEMS TO HAVE IN YOUR SUPPLY KIT
The items listed at the top of this page are the most important items to have in your kit, but aside from bottled water, food, matches, and a first aid kit, the UAC also recommends keeping the following stored with your supplies at your home.
- A hand pump water purifier: These items can be purchased at most surplus stores as well as online. Your bottled water supply will only last so long, after which running water may still be unavailable in your area and water may be in scarce supply. A manual pump water purifier can be used to make most water drinkable, even if it is simply out of a stream or bucket of rainwater. Make certain when you purchase the pump that it says it protects against and filters out most bacteria.
- A well made hunters knife: And keep it sharp! A knife can be useful in countless situations, whether it be for defense or for simply cutting rope, food, or other items. You'll want to invest in a very sturdy knife, recommended in the price range of around $30+.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Duct tape, this can have many uses in an emergency and is good to have on hand.
- A battery operated radio + extra batteries.
- A Fire Extinguisher.
- A Shovel (Small folding shovel)
- A whistle: to signal for help.
Clothing:
- A warm jacket and long sleeved shirt.
- A rain coat.
- At least one blanket per person.
- Long pants.
- Gloves.
- Good shoes or boots.
- Several extra pairs of socks: You'll need these in case your socks get wet. NEVER wear a wet pair of socks. Keeping your feet dry and in good shape is very important for your survival. |
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- OTHER SURVIVAL TIPS & TRICKS
Tips that can be applied to day to day life, and other tips that can help in case of emergency.
- Stay vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings. Keep a sharp eye out for anything out of the ordinary. If you see something that you feel is suspicious, report it to authorities immediately by calling 911.
- Always wear a belt even if you do not need one. A belt can be used to tie things in case rope is not available.
- Always have a plan in case of emergency. Know escape routs of buildings that you enter, and have a plan of where to go and what to do if a major disaster occurs.
- If you can afford it, invest in a reliable dirt bike, especially if you live in a city. City roads will be jammed to the point of no escape in the event of a major emergency or city-wide evacuation. A dirt bike will allow you to travel long distances and go where you need to go. You may travel between vehicles on the road, or even use trails and other paths that cars or trucks would not be able to travel on. If you have a dirt bike stored, you need only drive it once in a while to keep the engine in good shape. |
If you wish to suggest more survival tips and tricks, sent an e-mail to us and we will be happy to review your suggestions. |
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