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Change Your Clocks, Check Your Emergency Supply Stocks
Daylight Saving Begins March 8, 2009. Are Your Preparedness Supplies Up to Date?
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With Daylight Saving Time fast approaching, the El Dorado County Health Services Department is encouraging residents to check that their emergency supply stocks are up to date when they change their clocks. 

According to Chris Weston, Program Manager with the Health Services Department, emergency supplies should be checked twice a year.  “A good rule of thumb is to check supply kits when it is time to change clocks in the spring and fall,” said Weston.  “Discard anything that has expired, is leaking or damaged.  Rotate existing supplies and replace anything that has been ‘borrowed’ from the supply kit.” 

Residents should have an emergency stockpile that includes at least a three to seven-day supply of non-perishable food and water for each person in the home.  The following are items recommended for emergency supply kits:

• Water (at least one gallon per person, per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Portable radio
• Extra clothing
• First aid kit
• Copies of important documents
• Pet food and supplies
• Medications and personal hygiene supplies for each member of the family

“For people who do not yet have an emergency stockpile, now is the time to become prepared,” said Weston.  “Putting together an emergency supply kit might seem overwhelming and expensive, especially if you try to do it all at once.  Instead, pick up one to two items each time you are at the grocery store or stock up on canned foods and bottled water when there is a sale.” Weston suggests that emergency stockpiles be stored together in an easy to access place.  It is also a good idea to have a portable kit that can be taken during an evacuation.

For additional preparedness information, including tips on maintaining or creating an emergency preparedness stockpile, and a complete list of recommended emergency supplies, visit:  www.ready.gov or www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov.