Create an Emergency/Disaster Kit

Disasters, natural or man made, seem to be unavoidable in this day and age. Having an emergency and disaster kit at home adds a sense of security to your family and helps you avoid the need to run around trying to find supplies at the last moment.

The first thing you need is a container to keep your supplies. A plastic storage container works well, especially if it is water tight.
FEMA recommends that the following items be placed in the container:

Water – 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day
Water purification kit or bleach
First aid kit and first aid book
Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup, cereals, etc.
Baby supplies: formula, bottles, pacifier, soap, baby power, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food, and juices.
Manual can opener

Anti-bacterial gel
1 Blanket or sleeping bag per person
Portable radio or portable TV with extra batteries
Flashlight and 2 extra sets of batteries
Essential medications
Extra pair of eyeglasses
Extra house and car keys
Fire extinguisher – ABC multipurpose
Food, water, leash and carrier for pets
Cash and change
Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes

Sanitation Supplies:

Large plastic trash bags for waste, taps and rain ponchos
Large trash cans
Bar soap and liquid detergent
Shampoo
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Feminine hygiene supplies
Toilet paper
Household bleach
Rubber gloves

Although FEMA recommends enough supplies for three days, it is better to have enough supplies for at least seven days … Better safe than sorry.

Beside drinking water, add an extra gallon of water per person per day for washing up, flushing toilets, etc.

Place some cooking and eating utensils and a camping stove to heat up your food.

Besides the basic supplies recommended by FEMA, there may be other items you may want to put in your kit. Things like cigarettes, for example. They made not seem like a necessity to many people but if you are a smoker, you’ll be glad you have them.

Also, add some items for entertainment. Board games and playing cards are helpful in diminishing boredom. Don’t forget your pet; some squeaky toys will keep your pet busy and relaxed.

Place copies of important documents in your kit. Copies of all drivers’ licenses, passports, birth certificates, insurance cards and papers may come in handy if you can’t go back inside your house.

Tips

Get your family involved in preparing the kit, they might think of something you didn’t.

You don’t have to do it all at once. Get a few supplies each time you go shopping.

Remember that items such as food and water do expire eventually, keep track of them and rotate them with new items.