Cyclone Update: Emergency Kit Suggestions

Date : April 30, 2008

Embassy of the United States of America
Rangoon, Burma
110 University Ave.
Kamayut Township
Rangoon

Tel:  (95-1) 536-509

Email: ConsularRangoo@state.gov
Website: http://burma.usembassy.gov

This warden message is to inform the American community of the continuing development of a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal.  According to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), as of Wednesday, 30-April-2008 at 12:30 a.m., the center of Cyclone Nargis was located approximately 633 miles south-southwest of Calcutta, India.  Recent intensity estimates suggest that the storm has weakened.  Cyclone Nargis is currently forecast to move towards the northeast and possibly intensify.  It could hit landfall in the West Coast of Burma around May 2.  With the warm waters of the Bay, the JTWC expects the typhoon to grow in strength before it hits landfall in Burma.

In our April 29 warden message, the Department of State urged American citizens to avoid the West Coast of Burma.  The Embassy has also recommended to its staff to keep an emergency kit available in case there is any damage to infrastructure and you must shelter in place, even in Rangoon.  Suggested items included in an Emergency Kit are the following:

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
• foods for infants or the elderly
• snack foods
• non-electric can opener
• cooking tools / fuel
• paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit - Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries - Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills)
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
• proper identification / immunization records / medications
• ample supply of food and water
• a carrier or cage
• muzzle and leash

U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Burma are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy, either through the State Department’s travel registration website https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs, or via the Embassy’s website http://burma.usembassy.gov.  Americans in Burma unable to access the internet are welcome to register in person or by telephone.  

The Embassy is located at 110 University Ave, Kamayut Township, Rangoon.  The Embassy's phone numbers are (95-1) 536-509, 536-756, and 538-038.  The consular section’s extension is 4240, and email address is consularrangoo@state.gov.  The Embassy’s after-hours emergency numbers are the same as above, all followed by extension 4014, and the after-hours mobile phone number is 09-512-4330.  The Embassy’s hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal and Burmese holidays).
To track the storm, please see this link World Meteorological Organization’s Severe Storm Tracker.