Every place on the planet is at risk for some sort of natural disaster. Even if an emergency doesn't strike your home directly, nearby emergencies may leave you isolated or lacking everyday supplies. Being prepared helps you move on with your life, secure that you've done what you can to prepare, instead of living in fear.
The American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend a minimum of three days worth of emergency supplies for a survival or evacuation kit, with as much as a two-week supply for sheltering in.
Water
The Red Cross recommends that your home emergency kit contain one gallon of water per person, per day. Observe use-by dates if you're using commercially bottled water. If you're bottling your own water, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends replacing the water supply every six months.
Food
Your emergency kit should contain between enough non-perishable food items, which don't require freezing or refrigeration and are easy to prepare, to last you through the three day to two week survival period you're planning for. Freeze-dried, dried and canned foods all store well. Don't forget to address any special dietary needs you or other family members have, such as food allergies. Include a manual can opener with the supplies; you may not have time to hunt for your can opener in the kitchen during a survival emergency.
Emergency Radio
Keep a small, hand-crank or battery-powered emergency radio in your survival kit. Ideally, it should receive NOAA weather channels in addition to standard radio signals, to receive bulletins in case of weather emergency.
Be attentive to the communication needs of your particular community. In some communities, for example, VHF radios are the standard means of communication. If this is the case where you live, keep a VHF set fully charged, with extra batteries if possible, in case of emergency.
Cash
In an emergency, you may not be able to access a bank or ATM. Keep enough cash on-hand to tide you through the survival period. Budget for necessities like gasoline, food and water, and be prepared to pay for time in a hotel if that is a possibility in your emergency situation.
Documents
Stock photocopies of your credit cards, identification cards, and other documents with your emergency kit. The Red Cross recommendations include storing copies of birth certificates, insurance policies, the deed or lease to your home, your passport, and medication list.
Medical Supplies
Stock a basic first aid kit in your emergency kit. If you or anyone else in your family has special medical needs, your emergency kit should address those concerns, too. Have enough extra medication on hand for your two-week survival period, at a minimum. Don't forget non-drug supplies like hearing aids, contact lenses, cases and cleaning fluid, and extra glasses. Add extra batteries for items like hearing aids or insulin monitors.
Hygiene Products
Toilet paper, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and pre-moistened wipes can help maintain proper hygiene in an emergency. Include extra feminine hygiene products, if appropriate, and diapers for babies or incontinent family members.
Baby
If you have a baby, stock up for his or her basic needs during the survival period, too. Aside from diapers, the Red Cross recommendations include formula, baby food and bottles.
Member Comments
FamilyKitMan October 15
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