Some emergencies and disasters knock out power and other services, requiring us to survive on our own for a time. This can be a scary thought, but what is scarier is to not have a plan or some provisions in place in case such an event occurs. Although many of us don’t want to think about possible catastrophes, it’s still important to take a little time to prepare. Here are some good tips for getting equipped at home.
Every home should have a basic emergency kit. It’s recommended to have a kit for each person in the home that can last at least 72 hours. Here is a list of what should be included in a basic home kit , according to ready.gov:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
Ready.gov also recommends assembling the kit in one or two airtight containers that are easy to carry. Duffel bags or backpacks work great. Keeping it all in one place that is easily accessible will help make sure you can grab it quickly if an emergency takes place. Depending on your family’s needs, you may need some additional supplies. Recommendations for additional items include:
- Soap and sanitizers
- Disinfectant wipes
- Prescription medications (see if you can get a couple extra doses to store in your kit)
- Other important medications (such as pain relievers)
- Eyeglasses or contacts and solution
- Infant needs (such as diapers and formula)
- Pet care
- Cash
- A copy of family documents
- Blankets
- Change of clothing and extra shoes
- Fire starters and fire extinguishers
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Mess kits and eating utensils
- Paper and pens or pencils.
Food items should be checked occasionally to make sure they haven’t expired. Replace items as needed. It’s important to keep a well-stocked and high-quality first aid kit in the overall basic home kit. First aid kits can save lives. Also rethink your family’s needs as the years pass and add or remove products as needed.
Thinking about emergency preparedness should not be a stressful and scary experience. And it shouldn’t take a lot of your time and mental energy. Assign a time when you can dedicate an hour to putting a good kit together then revisit it one to two time per year to update it as needed. Also consider some basic first aid and CPR training courses to feel even more secure in your preparedness. Shield-Safety has a wide selection of emergency supplies for the home or office, and we offer expert training for all levels. To get started on a safer tomorrow, contact our team.