Project Bravo - Cypress Apartment Complex Ribbon Cutting and Open House

On August 23, 2006, Project Bravo along with the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development hosted an open house for the newly constructed Cypress Apartment Complex located at 2022 Cypress.

Project Bravo’s Interim Director, Annie Payton along with Representative Beto O’Rourke and Nathalie Prise, Director of Community and Human Development welcomed all guests.

This project started with the acquisition of 11,000 square feet of land located at 2022 Cypress Avenue (79901). Subsequent to the demolition of a dilapidated vacant structure, the design and construction of a four, three-bedroom (1,137 square feet) apartment complex took place.

The four units will be rented to low-income individuals/families (60% of median income set by HUD) at monthly rates of $470 including all utilities, with a deposit of $200. Applications are now being accepted.

The apartment complex was constructed with HOME entitlement grant funds through the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development. If interested in renting an apartment please contact Nick Lara, Housing Counselor at (915) 562-4100 extension 123.

Ruby Coates Park Inauguration

On Friday, August 25, 2006, Montoya Heights Neighborhood
Association, the City of El Paso’s Departments of Parks and Recreation and
Community and Human Development hosted a ribbon cutting at Ruby Coates Park located at 340 Coates Drive.

The Department of Community and Human Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funded the design and development of the 3.12-acre park with the following amenities:

- plastic coated park benches
- picnic units with shade canopies
- a basketball court
- lighting, trash receptacles
- new playground equipment with canopy shading
- a walk/jog path
- irrigation system
- landscaping to include 150 trees
- sodding
- park and rule signs

The park was funded in the 31st CDBG Year (2005-2006) in the amount of $869,381 for both design and construction.

The festivities included free food and beverages along with music by Blue Galaxy Disco, Mariachi Femenil Caponeras, and a presentation from Danny Morales as Elvis Presley.

Project Vida - Maxwell Apartment Complex Ribbon Cutting and Open House

A ribbon-cutting and open house for the newly constructed Maxwell Apartment Complex, located at 4703 Maxwell, was recently held by the Project Vida Community Development Corporation, a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), along with the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development.

This project consists of 6 new:
- spacious three-bedroom apartments (approximately 1,088 square feet)
- one and three quarter baths
- living room
- dining area
- kitchen with refrigerator and stove
- washer and dryer hook-ups

One unit is fully handicapped accessible, including a roll-in shower.

These apartments are available for low-income families (60% or less of median income set by HUD) at monthly rates of $450 including all utilities, except electricity. These units will provide decent, safe and affordable housing as an alternative to substandard living conditions in the area.

The total project cost of $408,682 was awarded as a result of a competitive Request for Proposals specifically for Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) entities. For this project, the City financed $286,077 as a grant and $122,605 as a loan from HOME entitlement grant funds through the City of El Paso’s Department of Community and Human Development. In addition, Project Vida provided $20,500 for this project. This project is one of 17 current City-funded housing rehabilitation or new construction projects pending or recently completed in the Central and Northeast areas.

Director of Project Vida, Bill Schlesinger along with, District 2 Representative, Susie Byrd and Director of Community and Human Development, Nathalie Prise all welcomed guests. If interested in renting an apartment, please contact Irma Avila at (915) 533-7057 extension 204.

Eastside Median Project: Beautifying the Cityscape

As part of the City’s continual effort to enrich the community’s landscape, a median improvement project began last year, revitalizing streets on the eastside. The George Dieter, Montwood and Pebble Hills Median Landscaping Project is reaching completion, enhancing the operational and aesthetic conditions of these streets.

Another project under the voter approved 2004 Bond Issue, the George Dieter, Montwood and Pebble Hills Median Landscaping project was completed at a total cost of approximately $3.4 million and implemented several features, including:

• Installation of ADA ramps and crosswalks at street intersections
• New irrigation systems
• New landscape plants, boulders, weed barrier and rock mulches
• Installation of new street lighting

With over 66,000 linear feet of new landscape and operational improvements along these medians, project limits along George Dieter, Montwood and Pebble Hills included the following:

George Dieter
• From Montana to Montwood
-Approximately 11,900 linear feet

Montwood
• From McRae to Zanzibar and Brian Mooney to Joe Battle
-Approximately 29,200 linear feet
• Joe Battle to Sun Fire
-Approximately 2,800 linear feet

Pebble Hills
• Yarbrough to Joe Battle
-Approximately 22,100 linear feet

DSD Now Offers Customers More Automated Functions

In an effort to continue improving customer service initiatives at the One-Stop-Shop, as of mid-August the Development Services Department has implemented the capability to automate Grading Permits and Stormwater Prevention and Pollution Permits. These added features enable the public to interactively track information and status reports on the issuance of these new permit functions. Customers can access the latest information on their Grading or Stormwater Prevention and Pollution permit and other available permit, license or requests by taking the following steps:

1. Visit the official City website at www.elpasotexas.gov
2. Click on the Services link at the top of the page
3. Click on Check on a Building Permit
4. Click on Check the Status of a Permit, License or Request
5. Enter your information in the requested search fields and you’re good to go!
OR
6. By clicking on the following link: http://permits.elpasotexas.gov/tm_bin/tmw_cmd.pl?tmw_cmd=StatusQueryForm&tmw_query=PublicCase

For more information on services available at the One-Stop-Shop, please contact the DSD Business Center and Customer Service Center at 915-541-4600 or 915-4700.

Celebration of Our Mountains in Collaboration with the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) Kicks-off its 13Th Annual Festival of Outdoor Exploration and Discovery

The City Museums and Cultural Affairs Department has joined forces with Celebration of Our Mountains to promote the seven-week adventure-packed festival, which offers residents and visitors opportunities to explore the incredible outdoor treasures of the Paso del Norte Region. Volunteer guides will lead free tours to mountains, canyons, dunes and valleys all within easy driving distance of El Paso. The guides will share their knowledge of these special places and try to inspire appreciation for the magnificent natural environment of the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

Now in its thirteenth year, Celebration of Our Mountains is organized by volunteers, including UTEP and EPCC professors of geology and archaeology, Texas Master Naturalists and others experts in the field. The 2006 calendar will include over 60 events taking place from September 23 to November 5, and features activities for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Celebration of Our Mountains offers participants the opportunity to learn and explore the El Paso region’s mountains, valleys and desert through a variety of field trips, driving tours, nature walks, bicycle rides and other activities. Some of the highlights of the 2006 calendar include:
• Geology and Fossils of Transmountain Road driving tour, Saturday October 7th
• The Incredible World of Bats nature walks, Friday October 13th
• Hike to Achenbach Canyon in the Organ Mountains, Saturday October 14th
• Day trip to Samalayuca Sand Dunes, Saturday October 21st

All events are either free to the general public or involve a small fee to cover the cost of admission to parks or shared transportation.

What: Celebration of Our Mountains Festival
Festival Dates September 23 to November 5, 2006
Kick-off: Reception for An Artistic Celebration of Our Mountains
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Where: Ardovino's Desert Crossing (Sunset Hall), One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M. Information: (505) 589-0653.
Website: The complete Celebration of Our Mountains schedule of events may be found at: www.CelebrationOfOurMountains.org

City of El Paso Finalist for National Award

The City was recently notified that the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre Project is a finalist for the National League of Cities, 2006 Awards for Municipal Excellence.

Recently, the National League of Cities (NLC) and CH2M HILL announced that the City of El Paso is a Finalist for the 2006 Awards for Municipal Excellence. The Awards for Municipal Excellence recognize outstanding programs that have significantly contributed to the quality of life in their city. This year, cities and towns from 38 states and Washington, DC sent in nominations.

“The City of El Paso has demonstrated its leadership and creativity and is being recognized as a Finalist for the Awards for Municipal Excellence,” said Don Borut, NLC’s Executive Director. The Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre is illustrative of the type of projects that are improving the lives of residents in cities and towns across the country.”

Nominated programs have been judged on the following criteria: successful public-private partnership ventures; productive citizen and community collaborations; effective management of municipal resources (public or private); innovative government policies; project implementation with tangible results; and/or the ability to replicate the project in other cities.

In addition to giving superior projects the recognition they deserve, the Awards for Municipal Excellence serve to highlight programs that other cities can replicate. For instance, the 2005 Silver Winner, Des Moines’ “It Started with Pots” city beautification program, provided the inspiration for a similar program in Lexington, Kentucky.

"As a global leader in full-service engineering, construction and operations, CH2M HILL endeavors to deliver innovative, yet practical, solutions to our clients,” said Howlie Davis, CH2M HILL Senior Vice President for State and Local Government Affairs. “We applaud the work of our municipal leaders as they follow a similar path of innovation, resulting in a brighter future for their citizens."

The winners of the 2006 Awards for Municipal Excellence will be announced at the National League of Cities’ Congress of Cities and Exposition in Reno, Nev., December 5-9, 2006.

In 1989, NLC partnered with CH2M HILL to create a recognition program, naming the awards the James C. Howland Awards for Urban Enrichment. It honored a founding partner and chief executive officer of CH2M HILL, James C. Howland. Today, the Awards for Municipal Excellence continue on the tradition of this prestigious recognition program. Detailed information about the Awards for Municipal Excellence can be found on the NLC website at www.nlc.org and future features in Nation’s Cities Weekly.

City Employees/Members of the Borderland Inspectors Association Team-up to Help

City employees/members of the Borderland Inspectors Association recently presented a formal donation to the Salvation Army towards the continued local Storm 2006 relief efforts.

Impacts experienced in the recent rain emergency spurred action from City employees and members of the Borderland Inspectors Association. A fundraising effort made possible with contributions by City staff, C.F. Jordan, West Texas Irrigation Association, El Paso Association of Builders, Association of General Contractors, Venegas Engineering, and Wright Dalbin, resulted in a $10,000 donation to the Salvation Army. A formal presentation took place on September 15, 2006 solidifying the effort and assisting the Salvation Army in the ongoing relief efforts at a local level

Engineering Welcomes its Latest Additions

The Engineering Department welcomes five new friendly faces on the fourth floor, Deniese Baisley, Samuel Rodriguez, Liza Ramirez-Tobias, Judy Coe and RoJean Starke. On behalf of all of the folks at Engineering, continued salutations as they join the floor and help us continue to serve the community.

Deniese Baisley recently became a part of CIP in the critical role of Project Compliance Specialist. Deniese comes to us from PSB with a great background and career focus of procurement analyst and years of professional experience with the City of El Paso.

Previously the City Engineer of the City of Big Bear Lake in California, Sam Rodriguez brings years of expertise as a Professional Engineer. Sam now joins the floor as an Engineering Division Manager overseeing Construction.

Most recently, Liza Ramirez-Tobias, Judy Coe and RoJean Starke came on board to administer project management for Sun Metro. They are now housed on the fourth floor with CIP.

“It’s always nice to be around people who speak your technical language. We are very excited to have all of these new additions. Welcome!” said Rick Conner, City Engineer.

Recognize an Employee You Know!

If you know a fellow employee who has made an achievement at work, in their personal life or even someone whose efforts should be recognized, help us to congratulate or recognize them in The Employee Connection! Send us an email at elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Bird Flu
It's Not Flu As Usual: Prepare for Pandemic Flu
From Las Palmas & Del Sol Healthcare

With reported flu outbreaks in our community, it is important we work together and take precautions to keep our community, schools, and children healthy. Viruses spread easily among children in schools, and families with school-aged children have more infections than others, with an average of one-third of these family members infected each year. By keeping our children flu-free, we benefit the community as a whole. Additionally, healthy students miss fewer days of school, which results in less stress on the family.

Todd Chambers, LPMC Director of Infection Control and the Department of State Health Services suggests you do the following to help keep your family healthy:
• Students and parents - especially those with chronic medical conditions - should get a flu shot. It is never too late in the season to get your child vaccinated. You should also get a flu shot to avoid spreading the flu to your child
• If your child has the flu, he or she should stay home from school, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. You should also notify the school nurse.
• Students who may have the flu should not participate in sports, choir or any activities that involve close contact
• You should talk with your child about practicing good health habits, including:
Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and discarding the tissue in a trash can
• You can help keep your child healthy by disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces, toys and other commonly shared items.
• If someone in your family gets the flu, a doctor can prescribe antiviral medication for other members of the family to prevent them from getting sick

If you are concerned about your child's flu symptoms, call your doctor early. Call your doctor immediately if your child has a chronic disease. Please see the following brochure:
" Flu Season Advisory: Special Advice for Parents of Children with Chronic Diseases" - English / Spanish

Flu Basics
Seasonal Flu
Seasonal influenza occurs every year during the winter months, affecting 5% to 20% of the U.S. population. Most people recover within a week or two but the virus does kill 500,000 to 1 million people globally and 36,000 to 40,000 people in the U.S. each year.
Annual vaccination, when the correct virus strain is used, is fairly effective and antiviral drugs are available for those most at risk of serious illness. Those at risk include the elderly (over 65 years of age); the young (children 6 to 23 months); those with existing medical conditions such as lung diseases, diabetes, cancer, kidney, or heart problems; and people with compromised immune systems.
The best safeguard against the flu is an annual vaccination, which can be fairly reliably predicted, but there are other measures you can take to reduce your risk of viral infection each season. See below for a list of simple, common sense precautions you can take to avoid the flu.

Pandemic Flu
Pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of flu caused by a new influenza virus to which few people have any immunity; it occurs three to four times a century and can take place in any season. It may also come in "waves" of flu activity that could be separated by months and can continue for a year or more. No one knows when a pandemic will occur or the severity of the virus. It is impossible to develop a perfect match vaccine until a new flu virus shifts to person-to-person transmission. Until a vaccine can be produced against this new strain, effective vaccine protection will not be possible, although practicing good health habits can aid in protecting you against the flu. See below for a list of simple, common sense precautions you can take to avoid the flu.

Prepare for a Pandemic emergency by creating a family plan if you have to be isolated for 10 days. You may have to stop traveling, shop for groceries when stores are not crowded (early or late), stop attending large gatherings such as sports or entertainment events, work from home and care for your children if school and child care centers are closed.

Avian (Bird) Flu
Pandemic Influenza can be caused by Avian Flu, also known as Bird Flu. The new influenza virus currently circulating in wild and farm birds is known as H5N1. Although scientists are concerned that Bird Flu could change and cause a Pandemic emergency, the H5N1 has not been shown to pass from person to person except in rare instances. Most human cases of bird flu came from direct contact with infected birds or their droppings.

Avoid the Flu with Common Sense Precaution
• Wash your hands regularly or use a hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands.
• Stay away from sick people. If you are sick, stay home and keep your children home if they are sick.
• Improve your health to help your body resist germs more effectively by making better food choices, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and quitting smoking.
• Get the seasonal flu shot and get regular checkups.

Eastwood Rec Center to Hold Health Classes for Public

Eastwood Recreation Center will be starting their popular free Health Classes for Adults the first Wednesday of each month. This is a continuing health class discussing varying degrees of adult health issues every month in collaboration with the City-County Health Department. The recreation center is located at 3001 Parkwood. For more information, please call 629-7312.

Get Walking! On the Homestretch of Healthy Hearts With Parks

There are only TWO walks left in the schedule of the Healthy Hearts with Parks community initiative. These events, which are focused on health-related topics and integrate physical activity through the walks, have been a great way for the Parks & Recreation Department to integrate fitness, health and wellness.

The walks are open to individuals of all ages and offer opportunities for people to check their body fat content, blood pressure and take advantage of other healthy initiatives provided courtesy of event sponsor Sierra Providence Health Network. Each walking event is two miles and will enable the participants to visit various parks in the community.

The City recreation centers have been very active, as well, with their own walking clubs. If you would like to be a part of the upcoming walks or join a walking club in your area, please call 541-4331.

The schedule below shows the list of walking events that will culminate with an awards ceremony on November 11th at one of the most picturesque parks in the city.

Healthy Hearts With Parks Fun Walks 2006
(all walks begin at 9:00 a.m.)

October 14            Marty Robbins Park       11600 Vista Del Sol
November 11        Memorial Park                1701 Copia

TAKE ADVANTAGE

Sun Metro UTEP Football Shuttle

Catch a ride on the Sun Metro UTEP Football Shuttle this season. The Shuttle will run from the Union Plaza Transit Terminal located at 400 West San Antonio starting three hours before kick-off. All fans will be driven directly to the Sun Metro UTEP Football Shuttle stop at Baltimore and Randolph. Return trips will begin after the third quarter of the football game. Prizes are given to the first 500 passengers.

The shuttle fare is $1.00 per person roundtrip, children 6 and younger ride free of charge. Parking at the Union Plaza Transit Terminal is $3.00 per vehicle.

The Sun Metro UTEP Football Shuttle route has been designed to help reduce parking and traffic congestion around the University, offer patrons a safe and comfortable mode of transportation between the downtown and university areas, and provide secured parking. You can meet family and friends at the parking terminal, catch a ride, enjoy dinner and head to the football game without the hassles of finding a parking space. Remember that officials do not allow the following in the Stadium:

• No coolers or umbrellas              • No oversized stadium seats (18” wide maximum)
• No strollers                                  • No food or drinks

GAME DATES: September 30; October 7; October 14; November 4; and November 25

For information, call 533.3333.

Museum School Fall Classes
Classes begin September 28 and continue through November

The El Paso Museum of Art is beginning their Fall schedule of classes beginning September 28th through November. The Museum offers classes that appeal to every age group, from Adult acrylic painting classes to Parent/Child toddler time. For a full listing of classes being offered at the museum, visit their website at http://www.elpasoartmuseum.org/classes.asp.

Mexican Modern: Masters of the 20th Century
At the El Paso Museum of Art

The El Paso Museum of Art is pleased to serve as the last of only two venues in the United States for Mexican Modern: Masters of the 20th Century. Comprised of more than 60 works, the exhibition showcases the work of 26 artists active between the years 1920 and 1955. A rich period following the revolution, the Mexican Renaissance was dominated by experimental artists freely exploring their cultural identity and commenting on social issues. The exhibition includes works by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, José Clemente Orozco, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Edward Weston, Tina Modotti, Frida Kahlo and many others.

ADMISSION TO MEXICAN MODERN
$5 Adults
$4 Seniors, military and students
EPMA Members - FREE
Children Under 12 – FREE
Sundays Free

EXTENDED HOURS
EPMA will be open from 9am-9pm on Thursdays, beginning September 21, for the duration of Mexican Modern

TOURS
Sundays (beginning September 24) 1:00 pm
Thursdays 6:30 pm (free with paid admission to Mexican Modern)

Exhibition organized by Museo de Arte Moderno, Mexico City

Lincoln Center Youth Art Gallery

The Lincoln Center Youth Art Gallery (4001 Durazno) is in the final days of its September art exhibit with the fantastic art photography of Rudolfo Escobar. The exhibit will be on display through September 29th. The gallery hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Admission is free.

In October, the Gallery will exhibit the work of Marina Gutierrez. The Opening Reception will be on Wednesday, October 4th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center. The exhibit will be on display from October 4th to October 27th with free admission for the public. For more information contact Eliseo Duran at 533-3311.

The next session of the Gus and Goldie Learn to Swim Program for the fall will begin on October 2nd, with a schedule of two meetings per week for four weeks. Each class is $30. The classes will be on either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. In order for the Gus and Goldie Learn to Swim Class to be scheduled, at least four participants must register. Please call 541-4594 for more information.

Fall Activities at the Galatzan Recreation Center

Galatzan Recreation Center will be offering Youth Basketball in the fall. We have basketball for divisions [7, 8, and 9] [10, 11] [12, 13] & [14, 15]. Registration will start on October 1st. The registration fee is $40 per participant. Games are played on Friday evenings between 6 pm and 10 pm and Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Practices are one hour per week. Volunteer coaches are also needed. The first game will be October 28. The registration fee includes a T-shirt and medal for 1st and 2nd place winners of league. A trophy will also be given to 1st and 2nd place teams in the playoffs.

For more information on additional activities, please call the center at 581-5182 or 581-1399.

Fun at Eastwood Recreation Center

Youth T-Ball
T-ball for youth from 3-7 years of age started on September 16th at the Eastwood Recreation center at 3001 Parkwood and registration is ongoing. The fee per player is $30 and is open to boys and girls. The league will be in a co-ed format and volunteer coaches are encouraged to sign up also. The registration fee includes a t-shirt and cap and an awards ceremony at seasons end. Volunteer coaches also will receive a t-shirt and a cap.

Get in Shape at Eastwood Rec
The Eastwood Recreation Center has one of the more state of the art weight training areas among the city recreation facilities. The area has free weights, circuit training, cardio equipment which includes elliptical machines and treadmills, stepper, and a stationary bike. The weight room is $20 per month and there is no contract to sign as membership is from month to month. The weight room facilities are open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Monday through Thursdays) and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information contact Sylvia Marquez at 629-7312.

Funny Bunny Visits Library

A popular children’s book character and star of Nick Jr.’s Max and Ruby show will be visiting several Public Library branches beginning on Saturday, September 23. Max the Bunny will appear live and in person for a series of programs for children of all ages. The programs are free and open to the public. All the programs will feature stories by Max’ creator Rosemary Wells. Most will provide snacks and crafts. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras. For more information call 543-5470 or visit www.elpasolibrary.org

Click here to view the flyer

Schedule

On behalf of the City of El Paso, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new IT director, Gerald "Gerry" Gordier and Kathryn Dodson, new director for Economic Development to the organization. We are happy to have them aboard to work together to improve the City.

Human Resources personnel have recently passed around a survey on behalf of the City and El Paso Community College to gauge the perception and needs of employees with regard to bringing courses into the organization. Your participation in this survey is key to our focus on employees' educational development. Filling out this survey gives you the opportunity to voice your opinion on what YOU would like to see offered. Help us to create the education program you would like to see and participate in. For more information on this survey, you may contact Human Resources at 541-4504.

General Links

• Human Resources
• City Employees' Pension Fund
• Police and Fire Pension Fund
• Neighborhood Toolbox
• Employee Newsletter Archive
• City Employee Events Photo Gallery
• The Portal
• City Events Calendar
• City News Page

Benefits Services

• Health Benefits - Access Healthsource
• Dental - Concordia
• Dental – Safeguard
• Pharmacy - RESTAT
• Vision – Block
• Unum Life Insurance – Disability
• ING Life Insurance – Dependent/Basic/
  AD & D
• ING – Deferred Compensation
• EP Fitness
• Del Sol Medical Center
• Las Palmas Medical Center

Contact Us

Do you have a question, comment or feedback on the Employee Newsletter? Let us know!

Send us an email at:
elpasopio@elpasotexas.gov

We value your opinion!

Be Prepared for Emergencies Year-round
From the Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management gives several emergency preparedness presentations every month. Among the many questions that arise during these discussions, one of the most common is “Why do I need to prepare for a disaster, nothing ever happens in El Paso.” After dealing with our recent flooding, I challenge anyone in our community to ask that question again.

A disaster can occur anywhere at anytime whether it is a flood, gas leak or terrorist attack. One of the most common threats of any disaster is the potential for you to have to evacuate your home, possibly for several days. What would you take with you in the event you have to leave your home immediately? Now, there are several items that may be very important to you and your family, maybe even irreplaceable. Below is a guideline of important items and documents you should consider preparing in advance.

Having a disaster supply kit, or “go kit”, ready to take with you at a moment’s notice ensures that you will have the necessary supplies no matter how fast you may need to evacuate. Your kit will also come in handy if you must take shelter in your home (shelter-in-place). This list will help ensure that your disaster supply kit includes all the essentials. Keep enough supplies for 72 hours.

WATER
• Pack at least one gallon per person per day (3 days)
• Sealed bottle water works well
• Change your water supply every six months

FOOD
• Canned or boxed foods. Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) are great for this. Remember to bring a manual can opener.
• Include foods for infants and family members with special diets
• Replace foods every six months

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
• Battery-powered radio
• Battery-powered flashlights
• Spare batteries
• Washcloths and towels
• Plastic utensils, plates, and cups
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and other toiletries
• Change of clothing
• Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person

PERSONAL ITEMS
• Personal Identification
• Copies of birth and marriage certificates, inventory of household goods, bank account numbers, insurance information (health and home) and other important documents
• Extra car and house keys
• Prescription medications