Home Emergency Preparedness Kit

As I am typing this, Hurricane Arthur is making an impact on the eastern shore. Are you prepared? Are you evacuating? So you don't live on the east coast and aren't affected by Arthur, are you ready for the next one? Are you prepared to evacuate quickly if the need arises? 

It doesn’t matter where you live, you are susceptible to an earthquake, hurricane, snow storm, power outage, flood, etc. and any of these things could leave you and your family stranded at home for a few days without power or electricity or being forced to leave your home quickly during an evacuate order.

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Before talking about the emergency kit needed for the home, let's discuss the emergency kit everyone should have in their car at all times.  An emergency could happen while you are driving, so it is always a good idea to have a few essentials stored in a tub in your trunk that includes: a blanket, an extra pair of sneakers and socks (just in case you ladies are wearing heels or sandals and need to vacate your car and walk), a flashlight, a power flare, non-perishable snacks (nuts & granola bars maybe) and water.

If you are a pet owner, you should also have one emergency kit prepared for each of your animals containing items such as: a towel, food, water, and extra food dish, a leash, a toy, and medicine.  Keep the kit(s) stored next to your emergency home kit, so if you have to evacuate quickly you won't forget about your pets necessities too.

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For a personal home kit, it is recommended you have supplies stored in air-tight tubs or on shelves in your garage or basement. 

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Here are the items that should be in your kit, this list comes directly from FEMA. 

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Three-day supply of water – one gallon of water per person, per day.
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
• Matches and waterproof container
• Whistle
• Extra clothing
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
• Cash and coins.
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
• Other items to meet your unique family needs.

Depending on your climate, this items might come in handy as well:

• Jacket or coat.
• Long pants & long sleeve shirts
• Sturdy shoes.
• Hat, mittens, and scarf.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)
• Mosquito Spray
• Sunscreen

As important as it is to have an emergency kit, don’t forget to do these things to maintain your kit:

• Keep canned foods in a cool/dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
• Discard any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Rotate your supplies to always keep the freshest things in the kit.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.

Maybe you would like to build your family an Emergency Bucket Kit. I personally think this is a brilliant idea!

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Whatever you choose to do, don't wait until the last minute to begin preparation. We are already one month into hurricane season. Make sure you are ready to keep your family safe, no matter what sort of natural disaster you are being faced with. 

Contributed by:

Julie Rock-Chatellier