Are you ready? September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, which is an annual reminder to ensure that your home and your loved ones are ready for an emergency situation. In the past, we have shared important tips to help you prepare for a disaster. One of those tips was to stock up on necessary supplies, or to build an emergency kit. If you haven’t done so, decide now to begin building this kit. If you have, this is a good time to check your supplies.
These items are essential for weathering any emergency. Be prepared for you and/or your loved ones to spend 3 days without power or water.
- Water. Store one gallon of water per person per day.
- Food. Stock a three-day supply of nonperishable food items. Consider the possibility that electricity will be unavailable for cooking, opening cans, etc. Remember that even nonperishable food expires, make sure to rotate your supply accordingly.
- Medication. Keep a minimum three-day supply of medicine on hand. Remember that medication also expires and supplies should be rotated. It is also wise to store medical information along with the medication in the event of a separation from your loved one during an emergency.
- First aid kit.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive weather or emergency alerts.
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries, as well as an extra charged portable charger for mobile devices (though in some emergencies, service could be interrupted).
- Whistle or battery-operated alarm to signal for help.
- Tools to turn off utilities.
- Cash, needed in the event that electricity is out and/or credit cards are not being accepted.
- Bleach or other cleaner for disinfecting.
- Matches, stored in a waterproof container.
- Personal hygiene items and plastic bags for disposal of such items.
- Blankets
- Contact information. In the event that any family members or loved ones may be separated during an emergency, it’s very important to make sure that contact information (including physical addresses of your home and place of work) is written clearly and placed in an easily accessible location, along with the emergency kit supplies.
Of course, we hope that there is never a need for these emergency supplies, but in the event that a disaster occurs, having these items on hand will make a big difference. Learn more about National Preparedness Month here.
