Emergency kits become so valuable in times of disasters. They can get us through a tough situation, guide us in the darkness, and give us a much-needed sense of security. Whatever situation we may find ourselves in, knowing we can rely on our emergency kits brings us peace of mind. We can feel assured that our family will be taken care of and feel safe and secure in case of an emergency.
An emergency kit, also known as a survival kit is a pack that contains essential supplies to be used during an emergency. An emergency can happen in the form of a natural disaster, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, landslides, or from man-made causes, such as forest fires and gas explosions. Emergency kits are also useful for even a small cut, burn or scrape. The purpose of an emergency kit is to ensure the safety and survival of the people using it.
When building an emergency kit you need to consider how many people (and animals) your survival kit will need to support and what their specific needs are. An emergency kit for a young, single adult will look different from an emergency kit for a family with little kids, or for an older couple.
So what exactly should be in an emergency kit? Following are items that you may need in the case of an emergency or natural disaster:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-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
- Download the Recommended Supplies Lis
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed. Keep canned food in a cool, dry place. Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers. Replace expired items as needed. Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change. It is very important to keep your emergency kit supplied and up to date.
Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. Emergency kits are very important. You never want to get caught in an emergency without one.
If you don’t already have any type of emergency kit in your home, you should really consider putting one together. It doesn’t take much and most of the things you need, you probably already have at home. Always take into consideration what type of emergency you’re preparing for. What type of emergencies or natural disasters are common where you live. You really don’t want to get caught in an emergency unprepared. It could be the difference between life and death. If you don’t have anything ready, at least put something together with items you know you’ll definitely need. Hope we don’t get caught in any emergency or any type of disaster but if we do, it’s best that we be ready for it!!!