Introduction
An emergency kit is a collection of essential items that you would need in the event of an emergency. It is important to have one in your home and one in your car. This will help you to be prepared for anything that might come up.
Your emergency kit should contain items that will help you to survive for at least three days. It should have food, water, shelter, and medical supplies. You will also need a way to communicate with others, so be sure to include a radio or other communication device.
In addition to the basics, you will also want to include items that will make your situation more comfortable. This might include a change of clothes, blankets, and games or books for entertainment.
You can purchase pre-made emergency kits, but it is often cheaper and more satisfying to assemble your own. This way, you can be sure that all of the items are ones that you will actually use and need.
What to include in your emergency kit
An emergency kit is a collection of supplies that are gathered together in advance to be used in the event of an emergency. It is important to have an emergency kit in your home, office, and car. The supplies in the kit should be able to sustain you and your family for a minimum of three days.
Food and water
In an emergency, it is important to have enough food and water to last you and your family for at least three days. Here are some items to include in your kit: -Non-perishable food such as canned goods, dry cereal, granola bars, etc. -3 gallons of water per person -Manual can opener -Disposable plates and utensils -Pet food and water
First-aid kit
A first-aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid and can be put together for the purpose of an individual or organization. First-aid kits are usually contained in a durable bag or box that can be easily transported. Kits intended for use in specific activities such as mountain biking may be much smaller and lighter than general-purpose kits.
A basic first-aid kit will contain:
-Bandages
-Antiseptic wipes
-Cotton balls
-Gauze pads
-Adhesive tape
-Scissors
-Tweezers
-Safety pins
-Soap
-Latex gloves
-Disposable razor
-Sunscreen
Medications
Your emergency kit should include any medications that you or your family members take on a regular basis. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications. Be sure to include enough medication to last for at least a week.
If you have specific medical conditions that require special equipment or medication, be sure to include those in your emergency kit as well. This could include items such as insulin, an asthma inhaler, or specialty formula for infants.
Tools and supplies
Assuming you need to evacuate immediately, these are the basics you should include in your emergency kit:
-A flashlight and extra batteries
-A portable radio and extra batteries
-A first-aid kit
-A whistle to signal for help
-A dust mask to help filter out harmful particles from the air
-Non-perishable food and water (enough to last at least three days)
-Manual can opener for non-perishable food
-Sturdy shoes and gloves
-Changes of clothes for everyone in your family, including rain gear and extra blankets or sleeping bags
Clothes and bedding
While the clothes on your back might be enough to keep you alive in the short term, you’re going to want a few other things in your emergency kit to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. If the power is out, it might be cold, so consider including: -A change of clothes for each person in the family -A pair of sturdy shoes -A blanket or sleeping bag for each person
Important documents
IDs and documents – driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, social security card, insurance cards
Contact information – emergency contacts, list of important phone numbers
Financial information – credit cards, cash, checkbook
Medical information – list of allergies and medications
How to put your emergency kit together
When most people think of an emergency kit, they think of a 72-hour kit or a Bug Out Bag (BOB). These are great for short-term emergencies, but what if you need to shelter in place for a longer period of time? If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, or other disasters, you need to have a kit that will last you for at least two weeks. In this section, we’ll talk about how to put together a long-term emergency kit.
Choose a container
Your container should be:
- sturdy and waterproof
- easy to carry
- big enough to fit everything you need, but not too big or bulky
A backpack or duffel bag are good options. You can also buy ready-made emergency kits at many stores.
Stock your emergency kit
Your emergency kit should be stocked with the items you will need to get through at least three days. Ideally, you should keep enough supplies in your kit to last for up to two weeks.
Below are some of the basics you should always have in your kit:
-Water: At least one gallon per person, per day for drinking and sanitation
-Food: Non-perishable food items that do not require cooking or refrigeration
-Manual can opener
-Flashlight and batteries
–First Aid kit
-Whistle: To signal for help
-Dust mask: To help filter contaminated air particles
-Clothing and bedding: Extra clothing and blankets to keep you warm
-Pet supplies: If you have pets, make sure to include food, water, collars and leashes, medicine, and any other necessary items
Keep your emergency kit up to date
You should keep your emergency kit up to date. Check the food and water and replace them every six months. Check your other supplies and replace them as needed.
To build your emergency kit, you will need:
-A storage container: Choose a sturdy, waterproof container that is easy to carry.
-Water: At least one gallon per person, per day for three to seven days
-Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare foods for three to seven days
-Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
-Flashlight
–First Aid kit
-Whistle to signal for help
-Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
-Moist wipes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
-Local map
Conclusion
After you have considered what you need for your emergency kit, it is important to find a safe place to store it. Make sure to keep your emergency kit in an easily accessible place, such as a closet near the front door or in the garage. And remember to check your emergency kit regularly to make sure the food and water are still good, and that the batteries in your flashlight are still working.