Emergency Preparedness (What You Want To Know Wednesdays)

Disasters can be a whirlwind. Having a useful survival kit is necessary. A useful survival kit will contain more than a few days of food and a flashlight. It is best to put your survival kit together when you don’t need it; to prevent forgetting items because you are in a rush.   Below is a list of 15 items to include in your survival kit, complied by Realtor.com.

1. Prescription medications- If you have multiple prescriptions make sure each is in a labeled bottle.

 

2. First-aid kit - In addition to basic bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes, your first-aid kit should include an antihistamine, antacid, anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, fever reducer, antibiotic ointment, eyewash solution, instant cold compress, and hydrocortisone cream.

 

3. Flashlight and battery-powered radio – Don’t forget the batteries. You should also keep glow sticks and a pocket knife/multi use tool in your kit.

 

4. Bottled water - 1 gallon of water per person per day. Sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade are also good for replenishing electrolytes. It may also be beneficial to purchase water purification tablets.

 

5. Food - Purchase nonperishable, easy-to-prepare snacks and meals with high protein (e.g., dried fruit, peanut butter, beef jerky, power bars, granola bars, canned vegetables, nuts, and canned tuna). These foods work well if the power goes out and you’re unable to cook or heat your food. (Don’t forget the can opener!) Hard candy can also be an added morale booster, and energy booster.

 

6. Important paperwork - Make sure you have at least two sets of any important documents—one at home that you can grab quickly if needed, and another in digital form that you keep stored in the cloud. The deed to your house, Social Security cards, medical records, and passports are just some of the paperwork you don’t want to forget.

 

7. Pet supplies - Pack food and water, as well as a collar, leash, carrier, crate, and bowls.

 

8. Sleeping bags - Buy one sleeping bag per person, and pack additional bedding, such as warm blankets, if you live in a cold-weather climate.   You can also by emergency survival blankets and hand warmers.

 

9. Activities for children - Keep the kids entertained (and distracted from the situation at hand) with coloring books, board games, a deck of cards, and puzzles.

 

10. Hygiene products - This includes toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, body-cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and tissue packs.

 

11. Cellphone charger - If you’re lucky, your home won’t lose power. But you might forget to grab your regular cellphone charger if you’re in a rush. You can also throw in a laptop charger. There are several battery packs out there – but you will have to take them out and charge them every so often to ensure they don’t lose their charge.

 

12. Candles and matches - Keep the matches in a waterproof container.

 

13. Change of clothing - Pack three days worth of clothes for each person, and include sturdy shoes.

 

14. Special items for infants or the elderly - Baby formula and food are obviously a must, but older family members—particularly those who have physical challenges—might need additional supplies.

 

15. Cash - If there’s a widespread power outage, stores won’t be able to run their card machines, and banks and ATMs won’t be operating. You’ll want some cash on hand if you need to buy necessary items or put gas in your car to leave town.

 


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