Emergency Kits

An Overview of the Essential Components

An emergency kit is a crucial component of disaster preparedness, designed to provide you and your family with the essential supplies needed to survive and stay safe during an emergency. Whether it's a natural disaster, power outage, or other crisis, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make a significant difference.

This overview outlines the key components and considerations for assembling a comprehensive emergency kit.

1. Basic Supplies

a. Water:

  • Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.

b. Food:

  • Stock non-perishable food items that require minimal preparation, such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits. Aim for at least a three-day supply.

c. Manual Can Opener:

  • Include a manual can opener to access canned food.

2. Medical and First Aid

a. First Aid Kit:

  • A comprehensive first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, tweezers, scissors, gloves, and a first aid manual.

b. Prescription Medications:

  • Ensure you have an adequate supply of prescription medications and a copy of your prescriptions.

c. Personal Hygiene Items:

  • Include items such as hand sanitizer, wet wipes, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.

3. Tools and Supplies

a. Flashlights:

  • Have several LED flashlights and extra batteries to provide light during power outages.

b. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio:

  • A radio can provide crucial information and updates during an emergency, especially if power and internet services are disrupted.

c. Multi-Tool:

  • A multi-tool can serve many purposes, including cutting, opening cans, and making repairs.

d. Matches or Lighter:

  • Waterproof matches or a lighter can be used to start a fire for warmth or cooking.

e. Duct Tape and Plastic Sheeting:

  • These can be used to create a temporary shelter or to seal windows and doors.

f. Whistle:

  • A whistle can be used to signal for help if you are trapped or unable to call out loudly.

4. Personal Items

a. Clothing:

  • Pack a change of clothes for each family member, including sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

b. Blankets or Sleeping Bags:

  • Include blankets or sleeping bags to keep warm.

c. Comfort Items:

  • For children, include comfort items such as toys, books, or stuffed animals to help reduce anxiety.

5. Important Documents and Money

a. Document Copies:

  • Store copies of important documents, such as identification, insurance policies, medical records, and bank information, in a waterproof container. Digital copies stored on a secure cloud service can also be helpful.

b. Cash:

  • Have a supply of cash in small denominations. During power outages, ATMs and credit card machines may not be operational.

6. Specialty Items

a. Pet Supplies:

  • If you have pets, include food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and any other necessary items in your emergency kit.

b. Baby Supplies:

  • For families with infants, ensure you have diapers, formula, bottles, and any other essential baby supplies.

7. Communication and Navigation

a. Mobile Phones and Chargers:

  • Keep mobile phones fully charged and include portable chargers or power banks. A solar charger can also be useful during extended power outages.

b. Local Maps:

  • Include local maps to help navigate if GPS and electronic maps are unavailable.

8. Sanitation

a. Sanitation Supplies:

  • Include garbage bags, plastic ties, and a Portable Toilet or sanitation supplies for personal waste disposal.

b. Disinfectants:

  • Have disinfectants or bleach to sanitize surfaces and purify water if needed.

9. Additional Considerations

a. Backup Power:

  • Consider a backup power source, such as a Generator or solar-powered battery pack, to keep essential devices running.

b. Shelter:

  • A small tent or durable tarp can offer temporary shelter if you need to evacuate or if your home is damaged.

Learn More

A well-prepared emergency kit is essential for ensuring your family’s safety and well-being during any crisis. The next few articles in this chapter give more specific ideas and details to build a kit that is right for you. Let’s keep going…