Disclaimer

This product provides general educational information about household emergency preparedness. It is not medical, legal or professional advice. Not affiliated with FEMA, the Red Cross or any government agency.

Follow officials first

In an emergency, instructions from local emergency management, the National Weather Service, your utility and first responders come before anything in this product. If they say evacuate, evacuate. Call 911 for emergencies.

Health

The archive covers basic first aid and how to organize medications — nothing more. It does not diagnose, treat or tell you how much of any medicine to take. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about medications, an emergency supply, and anything specific to your family’s health. First-aid information follows the American Red Cross; a class teaches it far better than any page can.

Food and water safety

Water guidance follows the CDC and the EPA. Home canning and preserving follow the USDA and the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s tested procedures only — no shortcuts. Improper canning can cause botulism, which can kill. When in doubt, throw it out.

Foraging

Never eat a wild plant or mushroom without positive identification by an expert. Some edible plants have deadly look-alikes. The foraging pages teach caution first.

Fire, fuel and carbon monoxide

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or any fuel-burning device indoors, in a garage, or near windows and vents. Carbon monoxide is invisible and kills. Use battery-powered CO alarms. Projects involving fire, fuel, electricity or tools carry risk; follow manufacturer instructions and local codes.

The builder’s numbers

Calorie needs are estimates from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; water needs follow Ready.gov (one gallon per person per day). Prices are national averages for planning. Shelf lives are typical; check package dates. Your situation may need more.

No guarantee of outcome

Preparation improves your odds. It cannot guarantee safety in any disaster. You are responsible for how you use this information.

Questions: support@thelastcupboard.com