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Take this season to start developing an emergency preparedness niche. Weather is unpredictable, and with the seasonal increase of severe storms, summer is a great time to start stocking up on supplies like weather radios to keep customers ready for when weather is at its worst. Load up an endcap with supplies and provide a list of items and community resources customers would need in case of an emergency. Below is a list to get you started. For more preparedness tips and items visit www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/basickit.shtm:
- Food: bottled water, ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; high-energy foods like peanut butter and granola bars; vitamins; comfort/stress foods like cookies, instant coffee and hard candy
- First aid supplies: gauze, bandages, thermometer, soap, latex gloves, sunscreen, aspirin and other non-prescription drugs
- Clothing, bedding and sanitation supplies: sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, disinfectant, bucket, plastic garbage bags, household chlorine bleach
- Tools: flashlight, utility knife, pliers, compass, aluminum foil, signal flare, whistle, fire extinguisher
- Entertainment: games and books
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
