Author of What to Expect When You’re Accepted: An African American
Christian’s Guide to College (Judson Press, 2007)
Unfortunately, history has shown us that a disaster can occur on your college campus when you least expect it. No matter where you may happen to be at a given time, floods, fire, fallen ceilings, gang violence, an infectious outbreak, bomb scares, and in the worst case scenario, mass murders can take place right in the middle of your classroom. Bad things can happen. The good news is that many colleges and universities are taking a more proactive approach in designing emergency plans to help students and faculty escape the crisis situations that could come their way.
Don’t rely only on your school’s administration when it comes to protecting your health and life during your college years. Campus security can’t be everywhere; the health clinic may be a long difficult trek away; and you may be among the first to know when something goes down. In conjunction with common sense and uncommon grace, you may save yourself and some of your peers by taking some basic steps to prepare for the unexpected.
There are three critical kinds of ingredients when it comes to developing an emergency kit for a potential tragedy, crisis, or disaster. Those ingredients fall into the categories of physical supplies, emergency response information, and spiritual resources. Having these ingredients at your fingertips can save valuable time—and priceless lives, including your own. Let’s look at the essentials in physical supplies and preparation first.
Be Prepared—With Physical Supplies
ESSENTIALS
Water. If you can, store a three-day supply of bottled water in your room or storage area. At the recommended 8 cups of water daily, that translates into 1.5 gallons. In addition, purchase a box of 50 water purification tablets and store them in a safe dry place. You may need them in the event your water supply becomes contaminated. A standard source for these tablets is a company called Aquatabs (www.aquatabs.ca).
First-aid kit. Be sure that it includes pain reliever, burn ointment, sterile gauze pads, antibiotic ointment among other essential supplies.
Prescription medications. Keep all your prescription medications in a safe place. Write down any allergy related issues you may have and place that information in your wallet or purse where emergency personnel or Good Samaritans might find it.
Corrective lenses. If you wear contacts or eyeglasses make sure you have a spare pair
someplace close to you, as well as supplies for your contacts.
Transportation. If you have a car, keep an extra set of car keys somewhere safe. Tell your family members and a trusted friend where the keys are. You may need their assistance one day—even if the emergency is as commonplace as you locking your keys in the car!
Fire extinguisher. Dormitories and apartment buildings typically have one in the hallway for public use, but purchase one for your own room or rental unit. Having it handy may save precious seconds in case of a fire.
Survival supplies. A utility knife, flashlight, box of matches, and a pair of strong scissors will never fail you in a crisis moment. Put these items away and keep them safe. Check the flashlight batteries to ensure they haven’t expired, and ensure the matches are waterproof. (StanSport Waterproof Matches are a good choice; you can order them online at www.quakekare.com). Be sure you have candles to go with the matches!
Food. Purchase canned goods and a variety of nonperishable dry foods. Be sure that such
items have a long shelf life and that they are edible without preliminary preparation. And don’t forget that manual can opener.
SAFETY
Protective footwear. Strong and sturdy shoes are a must. You may think I’m a bit over the top, but I always keep a pair of steel-toed shoes and knee-high gumboots in my closet.
Gloves. Heavy-duty gloves are invaluable should you need to clear broken glass and other types of debris.
Extra clothes. Store a spare set of heavy-duty clothing somewhere safe. Place the items in a vacuum-tight bag if you can. In the event of a flood, such a bag could come in handy.
Cell phone. Never lose sight of your mobile phone. Keep it close by (and fully charged, and grabbing your phone’s charger wouldn’t be a bad idea, either) at all times. And remember to enter your emergency contact name and number in the phone’s memory under “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) in the address book.
Map. A current roadmap of the area will help you avoid disorientation when detours block your normal route of travel.
Storage containers. Purchase at least one water-safe container of some sort in which to store essential documents, cherished belongings, and valuable electronics.
Writing implements. Pens, pencils, and permanent markers are good items to have on hand in an emergency. Place them along with writing paper in a Ziploc bag.
Miscellaneous. What is your favorite book? How about that favorite puzzle book? Buy an extra copy and store it with your emergency supplies. Like to play cards? Keep a spare deck with your survival kit. A portable radio will be useful for information as well as entertainment.
You will be thankful to have something to while away your time should you ever be stranded in a crisis situation.
SANITATION SUPPLIES
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Soap, both bar and liquid
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Shampoo
• Medicated power
• Feminine hygiene products
• Bath towels
• Paper towels
• Box of tissues
• Toilet tissue
• Trash bags
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
• Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
• Adjustable wrench
• Hammer
• Rope
• Duct tape
• Chalk
Author Resource:-
Christopher Michael Jones has recently published his first book, What to Expect When You're Accepted: An African American Christian's Guide to College (http://www.judsonpress.com/author.cfm?author_id=771,634) (Judson Press 2007). A Graduate Fellow and Research Assistant for the State of New Jersey Amistad Commission, Rev. Jones is a PhD Candidate in Speech Communications at The University of Memphis whose focus includes Rhetoric in Black Preaching during the Reconstruction Era and Tonality in Black Preaching as Communal Call. Jones earned his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Rutgers University-New Brunswick as a Merit Scholar. He has also studied Religion and Society at Christ Church College, University of Oxford and was selected in 2006 as one of America's emerging Young-Adult Leaders by the NAACP Leadership 500 Summit. Jones finished 2nd place in the Fall 2006 The African American Pulpit “Seminarian Sermon Contest" publishing the sermon titled "By Whose Authority Do You Preach?" Jones is the associate pastor at the historic Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, TN and former Hip-Hop and R&B music producer having produced multi-platinum recording artists The Notorious B.I.G, Nas, and Toni Braxton to name a few.
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