With hurricane and tornado season just around the corner, and melting snow resulting in a spate of floods, there’s never been a better time to make an emergency kit. Emergency supplies kits can come in handy if an unexpected disaster like an earthquake strikes. Prepare for an emergency ahead of time to make the transition in the days following a disaster a little more palatable. Plan to include at least 72 hours’ worth of supplies in the kit. What to know about making an emergency kit:
Survival Kit Basics to Include in Emergency Supplies Kit
There are a few basics to include in a survival kit:
- Bottled water, at least one gallon for each person in the family for three days, should be a staple in an emergency supplies kit. Gallon jugs of water from the local grocery or drug store should also be kept in a survival kit.
- Non-perishable food that will keep a family going for at least 72 hours should also be included in an emergency preparedness kit. High protein food choices including energy bars, granola and nuts; these are all good additions to a 72-hour kit.
- Emergency supplies like a flashlight, weather radio and batteries for both should be in a disaster supplies kit. A weather radio allows family members to hear regular updates about dangerous weather conditions when TV reception isn't available.
- A first aid kit should also be in an emergency supplies it. The first aid kit should include pain relievers, over-the-counter stomach medicine, antibiotic ointment, bandages, sterile gloves and an antibiotic cleanser. Prescription medicine that family members take every day should also be in an emergency preparedness kit.
Tools, Germ Protection and Special Needs for a 72-Hour Kit
In addition to the basics, there are some other items to include in a 72-hour kit:
- In case of some natural disasters like earthquakes, tools can come in handy in a 72-hour kit. It may be up to a family member to turn off water and utilities in a home to protect the home during a disaster. The earthquake kit should include pliers, a wrench, a hammer, nails and duct tape.
- A survival kit needs to include items that will protect a family from contamination. Keeping a family germ-free during a disaster can be very difficult. Hand sanitizer, cleansing towelettes, garbage bags and allergy masks can help.
- Special needs supplies for a 72-hour kit need to be included for the very young, elderly and disabled members of a family. Books, games and puzzles in a disaster supplies kit can help families get through the first 72 hours after a natural disaster.
Other Items to Include in an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Some other, miscellaneous items to include in an emergency preparedness kit include matches, maps, clothing (including raingear), pet food, blankets and important documents- including an insurance policy. The list of items to include in a survival kit will vary depending upon a family’s unique needs. Review the contents of an emergency preparedness kit every year and replace items as needed.
