Get Ready! Building Your Emergency Kit
September is Emergency Preparedness Month, and there’s no better time to make sure you and your family are ready for the unexpected. When disaster strikes, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference.
Kit Essentials
1. Flashlights and Batteries
Make sure you have flashlights for everyone in your family and plenty of extra batteries. Flashlights are safer than candles, which can be a fire hazard. Keep a flashlight in each room so you don’t have to search for one in the dark.
2. Food and Water
You’ll want to have enough food and water to last at least three days. Choose non-perishable foods like canned goods and granola bars—things that don’t need to be refrigerated and don’t forget to include a manual can opener. For water, plan on having one gallon per person per day. That’s enough for drinking and basic hygiene.
3. First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen. Be sure to have a first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medications your family might need. It’s also a good idea to have some over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and allergy medicine.
4. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio
Staying informed is important during an emergency. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio will help you stay informed. Make sure you have extra batteries for the radio, too!
5. Blankets and Warm Clothing
Be prepared for various seasons and temperatures. In winter, you’ll need to stay warm. Keep extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing like hats and gloves in your kit. Even in warmer weather, a cozy blanket can make a tough situation more comfortable.
6. Hygiene Items
Staying clean is important, even during an emergency. Pack some hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and basic hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and deodorant. If you have babies or young children, don’t forget diapers and baby wipes.
7. Important Documents
It’s a good idea to keep copies of important documents in your emergency kit. This could include things like insurance policies, birth certificates, and a list of important phone numbers. Store them in a waterproof container to keep them safe.
8. Portable Phone Charger
You’ll want to stay connected, so make sure you have a portable phone charger in your kit. Keep it charged and ready. Putting It All Together
Once you’ve gathered everything, store your emergency kit in a large, sturdy container like a plastic bin or a duffle bag. Keep it in a place that’s easy to reach and let everyone in your family know where it is.
That’s it! With your emergency kit ready to go, you’ll be prepared for anything. Stay safe, and let’s be ready for whatever comes our way!
