The importance of putting together a home emergency kit to help you and your family through a disaster is pretty obvious. We all remember the news stories about Hurricane Sandy and how millions of people were unprepared. Would your family be able to handle a disaster like this?
We all hope that this will never happen to us. Still, an emergency kit should be prepared in case something like this happens in your area. Here are some things you should have on hand in case you need them:
Get a flashlight. You’ll need a good one, and it shouldn’t be a rechargeable one, either. Remember, the power could be out for days. Have plenty of spare batteries in the kit, and replace them periodically if they are close to their expiration dates. For people who know how to properly store and use kerosene lamps, this is another decent thing for your kit. It’s also wise to have plenty of candles, and of course, matches.
Make sure you have a hand sanitizer. Water can become contaminated, so it may be a while before you will be able to wash your hands normally. In order to avoid germs and to stay clean, have paper towels and hand sanitizer ready for use at all times.
A car adapter is a must. This can help you recharge your smartphone and some other electronics, which will give you a link to the outside world.
It’s crucial to have bottled water. If you won’t have water for washing your hands, you certainly might not have it for drinking purposes. Staying hydrated is crucial, so be sure there is at least one extra case of water in your home. You can never have too much drinkable water, and if there is a major storm warning like a hurricane, stock up as much as you can.
Your emergency kit’s food supply should be enough for a minimum of two weeks. You’ll need canned food, crackers, peanut butter and other items that don’t have to be refrigerated. It will help if you have a way to cook as well – a gas grill will do just fine. Some spare gasoline should be stored safely. If you forget a can opener you will have some trouble, so store one in your kit as well. Some plastic utensils, bowls, and cups should be in the kit, as well as some paper plates.
Have a first aid kit with plenty of supplies inside. Your first aid kit should include pain relievers, bandages, gauze, allergy pills, gastrointestinal medicine, antibiotic ointments and other things that are specific to your family’s specific medical conditions. Be sure that any prescriptions your family needs are not forgotten.
Most homes have sleeping bags, but if you don’t have them it would be wise to get them. Remember, you could be without a bed for some time. You and your family can stay warm and comfortable if there are sleeping bags for everyone ready in case you need to evacuate the home.
None of these will make time without power pleasant. But these things will make the time you spend without power much less difficult, and your family will be safer and healthier until life gets back to normal.
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How Emergency Kits Save Lives
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