A home emergency kit can be essential to your family's well being during a disaster, so having one is crucial. Think back on the millions of people along the East Coast who lost power for days because of Sandy. Could you survive such a situation?
We all hope that this will never happen to us. Even though the chance of this may be low, you should still have an emergency kit available in case you suddenly need it. These are some of the basic items that you should have ready:
Get a flashlight. Go with a high quality one, and a rechargeable version will not be suitable. Don't forget that days could go by with no power at all to your home. Spare batteries are essential, and if the spares are getting near their expiration date, get some fresh ones. Kerosene lamps are another good idea if that is something you are confident about caring for properly. Some candles - and matches - also are a good idea.
Hand sanitizer is another important item. Water can become contaminated, so it may be a while before you will be able to wash your hands normally. Keep a large bottle of hand sanitizer and some paper towels on hand to keep as germ-free as possible.
It's crucial to have a car adapter. When there is no power available, you can use this to recharge your smartphone or other items, and you will have your lines of communication open.
Bottled water is essential. When water is not fit for washing, it certainly isn't fit for drinking. Your home should have at least one spare case of water at all times because as we all know, it doesn't take long to become dehydrated. You can never have too much drinkable water, and if there is a major storm warning like a hurricane, stock up as much as you can.
The generally accepted recommendation is that you should have a food supply in your kit that will last at least 2 weeks. Non-perishable food items are essential - canned goods, peanut butter, and energy bars are good to add. If you are able to, have a gas grill on hand so you can do some cooking if need be. Keep an extra container of gas around if you can. If you forget a can opener you will have some trouble, so store one in your kit as well. Gather together some plastic bowls, utensils, cups, and paper plates for your kit.
A well stocked first aid kit is essential. Keep bandages, antibiotic ointments and other supplies, in addition to pain relievers and gastrointestinal medicines and any allergy pills you regularly take. You should also have all your prescriptions in order.
Most homes have sleeping bags, but if you don't have them it would be wise to get them. Don't forget that in a disaster, you may not be able to sleep in a bed for a while. Sleeping bags can add some comfort - and warmth - if you're forced out of your home temporarily.
If you have no power, these items can't make up for that. But they can help you and family survive the worst of times until power is restored and you're back in your home.
We all hope that this will never happen to us. Even though the chance of this may be low, you should still have an emergency kit available in case you suddenly need it. These are some of the basic items that you should have ready:
Get a flashlight. Go with a high quality one, and a rechargeable version will not be suitable. Don't forget that days could go by with no power at all to your home. Spare batteries are essential, and if the spares are getting near their expiration date, get some fresh ones. Kerosene lamps are another good idea if that is something you are confident about caring for properly. Some candles - and matches - also are a good idea.
Hand sanitizer is another important item. Water can become contaminated, so it may be a while before you will be able to wash your hands normally. Keep a large bottle of hand sanitizer and some paper towels on hand to keep as germ-free as possible.
It's crucial to have a car adapter. When there is no power available, you can use this to recharge your smartphone or other items, and you will have your lines of communication open.
Bottled water is essential. When water is not fit for washing, it certainly isn't fit for drinking. Your home should have at least one spare case of water at all times because as we all know, it doesn't take long to become dehydrated. You can never have too much drinkable water, and if there is a major storm warning like a hurricane, stock up as much as you can.
The generally accepted recommendation is that you should have a food supply in your kit that will last at least 2 weeks. Non-perishable food items are essential - canned goods, peanut butter, and energy bars are good to add. If you are able to, have a gas grill on hand so you can do some cooking if need be. Keep an extra container of gas around if you can. If you forget a can opener you will have some trouble, so store one in your kit as well. Gather together some plastic bowls, utensils, cups, and paper plates for your kit.
A well stocked first aid kit is essential. Keep bandages, antibiotic ointments and other supplies, in addition to pain relievers and gastrointestinal medicines and any allergy pills you regularly take. You should also have all your prescriptions in order.
Most homes have sleeping bags, but if you don't have them it would be wise to get them. Don't forget that in a disaster, you may not be able to sleep in a bed for a while. Sleeping bags can add some comfort - and warmth - if you're forced out of your home temporarily.
If you have no power, these items can't make up for that. But they can help you and family survive the worst of times until power is restored and you're back in your home.
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