Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them, but what would you do if there was an emergency that either trapped you inside your home or forced you to evacuate without being able to take much along with you? Would you have enough food or water to survive? What if you needed money to get somewhere? These items and more are what need to be accounted for when making a Home Emergency Preparedness Kit.
So, what exactly should be in your kit? Read on to see the most important items needed in case of an emergency.
- Food: Think nonperishables – canned goods, granola/candy bars, trail mix, etc.
- Flashlights: Don’t forget extra batteries!
- Medical Supplies: Keep a first aid kit with all the essentials such as bandages, gauze, rubber gloves, and peroxide or other cleanser.
- Money: $100 or more should be sufficient.
- Water: On hand, you should keep enough to give each person 1 gallon for at least three days.
- Hygienic Supplies: Pack toiletries and other necessities, especially in case you lose access to running water.
- Other Items: It’s smart to add other useful items, such as small toys to keep kids occupied, or handy items like duct tape or Krazy glue.
One important thing to remember when preparing your kit is to tailor it to suit the needs of your specific situation. Take into account the weather patterns in the area where you live and plan accordingly! Additionally, you should check your kit every few months and make sure all items are still usable – check expiration dates, batteries, and anything else that might need to be replaced.
Now that you have a list of what you need, go get your Home Emergency Preparedness Kit ready! You might need it when you least expect it, and if the time comes, you and your family will be prepared.