What to Put in an Emergency Preparedness Kit

As we all acquiesce to do our part and hunker down for these next few weeks, projects come to mind and none so important as checking our emergency preparedness kit.  Building a kit is easy and, in most cases, the essentials are already in your home. Here is a list of basic items every person and family should have ready. Please note that a basic kit includes all family members, including pets, and should have enough content to last everyone for at least 72 hours (3 days).

Basic Kit

• • Water (at least one gallon of water per person for three days)
  • Food (three days of non-perishable food per person (in most cases this is canned goods)
  • Can Opener
  • Flashlight (High lumen output with a fresh installment of batteries)
  • Extra Batteries (AA, AAA, 9 volt)
  • First Aid Kit fully stocked and rated for at least 10 people
  • Dust mask (N95 masks are best suited for this use)
  • Garage bags and damp towelettes/wipes 
  • Basic Hand Tools such as Screwdrivers, plyers and hammer are indispensable
  • Cell phones
  • Portable cell phone charging batteries with at least 20,000 mAH (milliamp hours).
  • Whistle or air horn
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Keys to the car
  • Paper goods and toilet paper

Expanded Kit

• • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Deed, Wills, bank account information, insurance policies, personal identification (cash)
  • Prescription medications and basic pain relievers
  • Sleeping bags (or warm blankets) and mess kits with eating utensils
  • Spare set of glasses and contact lens
  • Books, games, paper and pens
  • Change of clothes and sturdy shoes or hiking boots.
  • Rain gear in the unlikely event the family will be forced out of the house and into the elements
  • Laptop or tablet

The size of the kit will depend on your and your family’s immediate needs, but size is critical as remaining portable and lightweight is essential.  Be sure all family members know the location of the kit and always have a rallying point designated in the house where all can gather when the power goes out.

These are just a few reminders to load into your home emergency preparedness kit. Keeping one in the office and in the car will provide recommended backup systems. Following these simple suggestions will ensure that we emerge from this period into a healthier and safer world.