Emergency Kits: a quick overview

Emergency Kits: a quick overview

Why should you think about putting together an emergency kit?
*Being prepared in the event of an emergency (i.e. water main break, extended power outage due to tornado, ice storm, etc.) lowers the stress associated with the emergency.
*Having a kit lessens your dependence on others for help.
*It feels good helping to look out for your family.

Some categories to consider including in an emergency kit:
*Sanitation: toilet paper, facial tissue, disinfecting wipes, garbage bags, bleach
* Survival: rope, flashlight w/batteries, matches, candles, blankets, water, canned food, can opener (not electric)
* Medical: family prescriptions, bandages, over the counter medicines
* Personal Hygiene: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer
*Stress Relief: deck of cards, silly putty, crayons, notebook, pencils, pens, reading materials, inspirational materials
* Miscellaneous: reading glasses, first aid book

Talk to your family about gathering items for an emergency kit. Each family’s needs are different. What would your family need? When you’ve gathered your items, inventory them, including expiration dates of any medications, then store in a waterproof container. Keep your inventory in an envelope taped to the container. Every Jan. 1, rotate your “expiration dated” emergency kit items, by placing them into your regular home use and refilling kit with fresh supplies. (Our kit took our family several weeks to collect. If your family chooses to put a kit together, it’s easiest to do it a little at a time. Have fun!)