With the hurricane season behind us and winter looming, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) says now is the time to restock the disaster supplies kit.

A key part of preparedness, the disaster supplies kit should contain a range of critical supplies for a three-day period for each family member, including bottled water, non-perishable foods, sleeping bag or bedding, change of clothes, flashlights, battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a can opener.

It is time to use the year-old food, water and batteries, and replace them with new items.

"Even though the bottled water and non-perishable foods have a long shelf life, its still a good idea to change them out annually to keep them fresh," says GEMA Director Charley English.

All Georgians should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days in an emergency. It is also wise to consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in the workplace, vehicle or other places where you spend time.

Additional items that might be included in a disaster supply kit include:

• Prescription medications and glasses

• Infant formula and diapers

• Pet food and extra water for your pet

• Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

• Cash or traveler's checks and change

• Emergency reference material, such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov

• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels; and

• Paper and pencil.

The mission of GEMA is to provide a comprehensive and aggressive all-hazards approach to homeland security initiatives, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery and special events. For information on preparedness and response activities, visit GEMA's Web site at www.gema.state.ga.us or http://www.georgia911.org/. Other valuable sites include http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ or http://www.redcross.org/.

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