Baker, Montana – Fallon County Disaster & Emergency Services is encouraging residents to prepare for possible emergencies by building a household supply of essential items that could last at least 30 days, emphasizing that families do not need to spend large amounts of money all at once.
The agency recently shared preparedness recommendations and a detailed checklist designed to help households manage extended power outages, blocked roads and other situations that could interrupt access to food, water, medications and basic services.
Officials explained that the goal is to help families remain safe and comfortable while electricity, transportation routes or other services are being restored.
Rather than purchasing everything immediately, residents are encouraged to examine what they already own and gradually obtain additional supplies as their budgets allow.
Many households may already have useful emergency items, including flashlights, batteries, blankets, canned food, manual can openers, basic tools and first aid supplies.
The agency stressed that preparing for emergencies should be viewed as a gradual process rather than an expensive task that must be completed in one shopping trip.
Officials recommend storing enough water and food for extended emergencies
One of the most important recommendations involves maintaining a reliable supply of drinking water.
The county’s preparedness checklist suggests storing approximately one gallon of water per person each day.
For a family of four, that means keeping around 120 gallons available for 30 days. A shorter three day supply would require approximately 12 gallons, while a seven day supply would total 28 gallons.
Residents are encouraged to keep stored water in a cool, dark location, use suitable food grade containers and rotate supplies every six months.
Water filters or purification tablets may also provide an additional option when regular supplies are unavailable.
Food preparation is another major part of the emergency plan.
Officials recommend keeping enough food to provide approximately 2,000 or more calories per adult each day, with adjustments based on individual needs.
Suggested items include rice, beans, pasta, oats, peanut butter, cooking oil, canned meat, fish, vegetables and fruit.
Families should also consider foods that require little preparation, such as canned soups, granola bars, crackers, instant oatmeal and other products that can be stored for extended periods.
The guidance also includes larger food storage examples for households planning to prepare for as long as 90 days.
Residents are advised to regularly use and replace stored food before it expires.
Emergency supplies should include medications, lighting and safe cooking equipment
Fallon County officials also want residents to consider how they would prepare meals if electricity became unavailable.
The checklist recommends keeping a manual can opener, basic cookware, waterproof matches and a camping stove with suitable fuel.
However, the agency warns that propane burners, camping stoves and charcoal cooking equipment must only be used outdoors because operating them indoors can create deadly carbon monoxide hazards.
Flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries and battery powered or hand crank radios are also recommended.
Households should maintain necessary prescription medications and speak with pharmacists about obtaining emergency supplies when permitted.
Important documents, including identification, insurance information, medication lists and emergency contact numbers, should be protected in waterproof storage.
Warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and sturdy footwear are particularly important during cold weather.
The checklist also recommends keeping working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and basic tools available.
Families encouraged to prepare emergency cash and communication plans
Officials emphasized that extended power outages could interrupt banking services, electronic payments and access to ATMs.
For that reason, the guidance suggests keeping some emergency cash in small bills, with $200 to $500 identified as a possible starting target for households that can afford it.
Residents should also maintain printed maps, written emergency phone numbers and copies of important financial documents.
Families are encouraged to agree on a meeting location and identify someone outside the immediate area who can help coordinate communication if phone service becomes unreliable.
The preparedness information also addresses vehicle maintenance, emergency car kits, personal hygiene supplies and additional food for pets or livestock.
Households are encouraged to check supplies every six months, replace expired items and test equipment to make sure it works properly.
Fallon County Disaster & Emergency Services is also asking residents to register for the community’s RAVE emergency alert system to receive important notifications.
Registration is available at Smart911.
The agency plans to provide more information about individual preparedness items in the coming weeks.
Its central message is that emergency readiness does not require a large immediate investment. By checking existing supplies, identifying missing essentials and purchasing additional items gradually, Fallon County households can become better prepared for unexpected disruptions.
