The Ultimate Home Emergency Kit

No one wants to think everything they hold dear may be in jeopardy due to the whims of Mother Nature, but it happens all the time. Now, more than ever, people are becoming aware that no one is safe. Mudslides, hurricanes, cyclones, flooding, tsunamis, avalanche, and tornados are common natural disasters that have all struck with brute force in recent years. You need to be prepared.

You might think you are safe, depending on where you live, but there really is no safe place. I found this out when I lived in Pittsburgh for a number of years. All my life, I thought I didn’t have to worry about a tornado striking because of the hills and mountains that surrounded me. I was told they couldn’t form over mountainous terrain.

That thinking was thrown out the window during one particularly violent storm on a summer day. Three tornados touched down in the Pittsburgh area, one coming dreadfully close to my home. Thankfully, we were fine, but it made me realize that Mother Nature has no rules, even if we like to think so.

There’s really nothing you can do to avoid a disaster at times, but you can be prepared. You may think of the most common items for a disaster kit such as candles, water, and food, but there are many more items you may need that you may not have considered.

Well-Stocked First Aid Kit

One item you need to keep stocked and ready is a good first aid kit. If there is a medical emergency during a disaster, you may not be able to contact medical help, and if you can, it may take them a while to get to you. You want to have everything right at your fingertips when you need it.

For this kit, try to find a box with a handle or something else that is easily portable and easy to open. If at all possible, look for something that is waterproof as well. You will want the following items:

– bandages of all sizes and shapes
– adhesive tape
– rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide
– tweezers, scissors, and razor blades
– gloves
– antiseptic lotion or spray
– first aid manual and CPR instructions

You also need the following medications in your kit:

– pain reliever of your choice
– digestive medication (like Pepto)
– poison relief items (like syrup of ipecac)
– insulin and needles (if needed)
– specific allergy medications (if needed)
– any prescription meds you are required to take
– snake bite kit or bee sting relief (especially if allergic)

Other:

– bug spray
– sun screen
– contact and glasses
– contact solution
– denture items
– toothbrushes
– toothpaste

The Basic Family Needs

These items will come in handy in any type of emergency. These can be stored anyway you wish, but a backpacks or large duffle bags are easy and portable.

– cell phone (remember these may not always work)
– portable radio and spare batteries
– flashlights and extra batteries
– candles (should be used with extreme caution due to fire hazard and possible gas leaks)
– personal information for everyone in your home
– extra cash
– credit cards
– baby needs (if you have a baby)
– extra car and house keys
– laminated map of your area
– phone book with needed emergency and family numbers (Red Cross, FEMA, etc.)
– tools (wrench to turn off utilities, if necessary, and hammer and nails to board windows)
– lighters or matches
– utility pocket knife

Food and Water

You should have enough water for three to five days. A good rule of thumb is three gallons per person, per day. Plastic jugs are a great way to store water, and remember to refresh the supply every few months.

The best kinds of food are the kinds that need little to no preparation. Canned foods are always a good choice. Juice boxes are also a great idea, especially if you have little ones. Purchase items like peanut butter, granola bars, powdered milk, and beef jerky. If you are a coffee drinker, don’t forget the instant coffee. You need can openers, utensils, aluminum foil, seal-able bags, cups, and bowls.

Personal Items

Probably the best way to handle personal items is to have one backpack for each member of the family. For items that the whole family can use, split them up among the bags.

– one or two outfits per person
– three pairs of underwear and socks per person
– extra pair of comfortable shoes
– disposable rain poncho
– long (or thermal) underwear
– hats, gloves, and scarf
– hygiene items (shampoo, soap, deodorant, brush)
– sleeping bag and warm blanket
– books, paper and pencil or other things to keep busy
– toilet paper and tissues
– Small tube of lotion

Extras

Portable toilets can be purchased at most stores that carry camping or sporting goods. If you don’t have one, you can make one with a bucket and a garbage bag.

Some people suggest having bleach on hand. This can be used to disinfect any area that may have become contaminated. It is also useful if you need to use a portable toilet.

Final Thoughts

Keep everything in an easy to reach place. For all perishable items, remember to rotate with fresh items as needed. This is especially important for medications, batteries, food, and water. Hopefully you will never need to use your kit, but it gives you piece of mind just knowing you are prepared.