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:
- https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit#
- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
- https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/packing-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-fd.html