In Case of Emergency, Prepare a Disaster Kit
When Disaster Strikes, be Prepared With Emergency Supplies
Nov 16, 2009
A kit loaded with seemingly mundane survival supplies will become a treasured possession in the event of a natural or human-made disaster. The time and energy spent rounding up some simple items will life much more comfortable if the worst happens. It could even save a life—yours or a family member’s.
You can buy a ready-made kit or make your own. Or put together a combination. Buy a basic kit and add your own ideas. Don’t be overwhelmed by a potentially long list of items. A few supplies are better than none at all. You can add to the kit as time goes on, and your needs change.
An Emergency Kit Might Change over Time
Each kit will be specific to the family it is designed for, so consider your particular requirements carefully. You might also station a small kit in your car, and another one at the office.
A supply of food and water is vital: a three-day portable supply that you can take with you, and a 10-day supply at your home. Select foods that travel well, and don’t require refrigeration or heating. Remember to rotate food for freshness. Items like granola bars, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and trail mix are ideal snacks that will sustain you if no other food is available. If canned goods without pop-tops are part of your kit, remember to bring a can opener.
Have a Light for When Darkness Falls
Lighting is crucial. Many types of disasters result in a loss of power. Some items that might come in useful as far as lighting is concerned include flashlights (battery operated and/or hand-cranked), candles, or a battery-operated lantern. Strobe lights, flares and lightsticks are also handy.
While your laptop and Blackberry might keep you connected to the news, eventually the batteries will die and silence will follow. Having a battery-operated radio or a hand-cranked one as a backup will be invaluable lifelines to the outside world.
Bring Your Important Papers
A knife featuring multiple tools, emergency blanket, whistle, face mask, and hand sanitizer are also useful items for your kit. And so are copies of your most important documents, such as financial statements, wills, and insurance policy information.
And don’t forget about furry and feathered family members. Enclose copies of veterinary and vaccination records, photographs of your animals, and a two-week supply of medications your pet is taking.
A first aid kit, along with a supply of your own medications, will round out your disaster preparedness. To find out what items should be in your first aid kit, visit the American Red Cross website.
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