How To Make An Emergency Supply Kit
Accidents and natural disasters happen; they are among the unavoidable and unpleasant occurrences that happen in life. Unfortunately, we can’t predict when and where they will strike, and how terrible they will be. What we can do, though, is to prepare ourselves for the inevitable, in case an emergency arises. You have to prepare your home and your family members to make sure you survive through the incident. An emergency supply kit is then an important necessity in your home.
If you think an emergency supply kit only includes water, a few cans of tuna and medicines, think again: there are various important items you shouldn’t miss. Here’s how to properly make an emergency supply kit.
Water
Set aside at least a gallon of water for every person for everyday, to be used for sanitation and drinking. It’s best to have a supply that will last for four to seven days. If you live in a place with a hot climate, you should increase the supply. More water is also needed, if you have nursing mothers, children or chronically ill people in the house. Store the water in clear, plastic containers, like soft drink bottles.
Food
A food supply that will last for three to seven days is good. Make sure you have non-perishable and easy to prepare foodstuff. Food items that can be eaten whether warm or cold are also ideal. It’s best to pack food that is comforting, healthy and liked by your family. Remember, emergencies are stressful, so getting comfort form food will be great.
Examples of food you can pack are:
Ready to eat canned veggies, fruit and meat
Canned juices
Snack bars
Dried fruit
Dried cereal
Granola
Fruit bars or protein bars
Non-perishable pasteurized milk
Crackers
High-energy foods
Comfort food, like cookies and chocolate (optional)
If you have an infant in your home, make sure you pack enough formula milk and milk bottles for him or her. Pets should also have their own stock of pet food and water. Lastly, don’t forget to pack a manual can opener, paper plates and plastic utensils.
First Aid Kit
Every home must always have a first aid kit ready, which can be useful for treating minor ailments and giving firsthand care to different health dilemmas. You don’t have to be stocked like a hospital, but you should at least have the basics, like:
Sterile gloves (at least two pairs)
Antibiotic ointment to avoid infections
Sterile dressings (for bleeding)
Burn ointment
Thermometer
Soap and antibiotic towelettes (for disinfecting)
Eye wash solution
Adhesive bandages
First-aid book
Medicine dropper
Scissors
Garbage bags
Petroleum jelly
Prescription medications
Non-prescription medicines (anti-diarrhea, aspirin, laxative, antacid)
These items should be replaced at least every four months, to replenish used products and replace expired ones. Don’t forget to put personal hygiene items, too, like tampons or sanitary napkins for women. If you have infants, disposable diapers and diaper rash ointment are also must-haves.
Emergency Supplies
The worse disasters can do plenty of damage to a home, or can even trap people inside one. In instances when your home is at risk or when you cannot get out of it, you must have adequate supplies to help you get through the ordeal. Here are the items you must have:
Cellphone
Flashlight
Fire extinguisher
Waterproof matches
Extra batteries
Portable, battery-powered radio
Pliers and wrench
Whistle, to call for help
Tool box with a set of basic tools
Duct tape and plastic sheeting
Dust mask
Clothing And Bedding
Every person should have at least a complete set of a change of clothes, including sturdy, waterproof shoes. If you want to be more prepared, though, here’s what you should pack.
Long pants
Coat or jacket
Rain gear
Long sleeve shirt
Hat and gloves
Warm blanket or sleeping bag for every person
Other Necessities
Aside from the items above, other important things you must remember include:
Money. Cash in small bills, ATMs and credit card must be at hand. Sometimes, electronics and banks are unavailable for a few days, so you should still have cash at hand.
Important family documents, like bank account information and insurance policies. Store these in a portable, waterproof container.
IDs
Spare keys
Pet records
No one can tell when an emergency will arise, but it’s good to know that you’re prepared for whatever disaster’s coming. Prepare your emergency supply kit properly, and you’ll be able to make it through the catastrophe unscathed.