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PREP TIPS: Prepare A Kit

Mar 10, 2019

No matter where you live, one of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to pack an emergency kit or a “go bag”.

Why? Because, while tsunamis aren’t common, fires, flooding, thunderstorms, blizzards, hurricanes, and tornadoes are. Not to mention man-made dangers, like industrial accidents and terrorism.

Think about it. If a blizzard knocks out your power, do you have a working flashlight and batteries? If a fire burns down your apartment building, do you have copies of your important documents (e.g., birth certificate)?

If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t leave your home or have to leave your home in a hurry, these are some of the things you’ll want ready:

Nutrition

  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable foods (e.g., granola bars, dried fruit, etc.)
  • Water purifiers/filters (e.g., iodine tablets, purification drinking straws, etc.)

Health

  • First aid kit
  • Medications
  • Glasses/contacts and solution
  • Dust mask

Hygiene

  • 3 changes of clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Feminine supplies (e.g., tampons, pads, etc.)
  • Garbage bags

Appliances

  • Phone charger
  • Portable battery pack/solar charger
  • Headlamp/flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • AM/FM radio

Paper

  • Photocopies of important documents (e.g., birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, insurance card, will, power of attorney, adoption or naturalization certificates, proof of address, medical/immunization records, bank/financial information, prescriptions, contact list of important phone numbers and addresses, deed, etc.)
  • Cash and coins
  • Paper and pen
  • Local maps

Shelter

  • Sleeping bag
  • Tent

Tools

  • Swiss army knife/multipurpose tool
  • Matches
  • Whistle
  • Duct tape
  • Tarp
  • Scissors
  • Eating utensils
  • Entertainment (e.g., books, games, etc.)

Depending on the supplies you need, your kit may range in size from a small backpack, to a duffle bag or rolling piece of luggage. If you have a large family, each family member may have his/her/their own kit.

BONUS TIP: Don’t forget to store your kit(s) in a cool, dry place and to replace items in your kit(s) as they expire.

Additional resources for preparing your kit: