There were fourteen weather-related disasters in the US in 2018 that caused damage over $1 billion. Across the nation, there were two cyclones, eight strong storms, two winter storms, a drought, and wildfires during these disasters. It can be difficult to know what to pack in advance of a crisis, and after it happens, it’s too late to consider what you should have brought with you. Expensive all-inclusive packages may not always contain items that are unique to you and your family. Everyone needs to have a strategy because we are all at danger.
Using only stuff you’ll find around the house, this article goes you through the essentials so you can assemble a kit yourself. There are more resources at the end to help you in your search.
Water For three days, one gallon per person each day
Store in easily accessible plastic containers that are airtight.
Food
A supply of non-perishable food for three days
A fantastic emergency food guide for cooking and eating is available at Camping Cooks. Remember to feed your pets in the event of a power outage.
Initial Care
You or a family member could get hurt in an emergency. A sufficient first aid pack can prevent a little injury from getting worse. You might choose to enroll in an online course offered by the National Safety Council or take a basic first aid course through the Red Cross.
Items for Your Kit’s Basic First Aid:
sterile gloves
sterile bandages
Towelettes with antibiotics and soap
antimicrobial cream
adhesive bandages available in multiple sizes
solution for eye washing
A thermometer
prescription drugs you use on a daily basis
Prescription medical supplies, such as supplies and equipment for blood pressure and glucose monitoring
First Aid manual
non-prescription medications (aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication)
Sanitation
Following a disaster, proper sanitation is a major environmental problem. Whole communities, including people and environments, are at risk when sewer pipes break or the sanitation system fails. As you’ve prepared food and water, be ready to handle your trash for the same amount of time. Included in a basic sanitation kit should be:
Paper towels
Soap, feminine products
plastic ties and trash bags
Tight-fitting plastic bucket lid
Supplies of chlorine bleach for pet waste
Equipment & Provisions
Depending on your family size, where you live, and the kind of disaster you anticipate, what you need can change significantly. Discuss with your family the things that they would want to have on hand in case of an emergency. In a calamity, the majority of people will require the following essentials:
To shut off gas and water lines, use a wrench.
Plates, cups, and cutlery (discount your camping supplies by raiding them; just remember to replace them after every trip)
Light source: solar power is ideal since it eliminates the need for batteries.
Radio (get a battery-operated model with extra batteries, or get one that runs on USB power and check out our Solar Charger & Battery Bank)
A utility knife or a manual can opener
tiny extinguisher for fire
Pliers, duct tape
Matches in a watertight box
Using plastic storage containers, everything may be kept organized.
Records
As a precaution, scan important documents and store them safely online to prevent disasters from destroying them. Having duplicates of important documents (such as insurance policies, social security numbers, insurance cards, and passwords) in your kit may also be beneficial. For insurance purposes, record brief films of the assets in your house, including computers, furniture, artwork, and cars. Important papers consist of contracts, deeds, insurance policies, and wills.
Social Security cards, passports, and vaccination records
Numbers for bank accounts
Account numbers and corporations for credit cards
Family history (marriage, death, and birth certificates)
Lastly, more accommodations for senior citizens are needed in order to be prepared for disasters. Visit the National Council on Aging’s website for more resources for older individuals.