Clean Air and Warmth
As a result of some emergencies, tiny particles may be released into the air. For example, an explosion can release dust that could cause difficulty breathing or lung damage.
You should be prepared to protect yourself and others by creating barriers between the particles and you so that you are breathing in clean air. Here are some ways to do that:
- Use face masks or dense-weave cotton material that snugly cover your nose and mouth. Have all household members try theirs on for fit to ensure that they are breathing through the mask or material and not around it.
- For some emergencies, it will be safest to stay inside and protect yourself and others from the air outside. You should create barriers by taping up windows, doors and air vents. Keep heavyweight plastic garbage bags or sheeting, duct tape and scissors in your codeReady Kit to seal off rooms.
- A High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration (HEPA) air purifier can remove particles that may already be in your house or shelter.
You should also be prepared to protect yourself and others from exposure to cold temperatures. In Minnesota, it's especially important to have plenty of warm clothes in your codeReady kit. After an emergency, power may be out and there would be no heat in your house.
Clean Air and Warmth Supplies
- Dust masks
- Duct tape
- Plastic sheeting (heavy duty)
- Scissors
- Complete change of clothes
- Jacket or coat
- Sturdy shoes/boots
- Rain gear
- Hat and gloves
- Extra socks and underwear
- Thermal underwear
- Blankets/sleeping bags