Stocking an Emergency Kit- American Profile
A few weeks ago while talking with my sister-in-law about super-storm Sandy and our family members and friends that were caught in the middle of it she asked me if I had a home emergency kit. I confessed that I did not and since then I keep thinking about how we do need one— just in case.
I have read the guidelines given by the red cross on how to make your own home emergency kit to store. Here is what is recommended.
Home Emergency Kit- Queensland government
At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit – Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:
- Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Games and activities for children
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Two-way radios
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Manual can opener
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:
- Whistle
- N95 or surgical masks
- Matches
- Rain gear
- Towels
- Work gloves
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Household liquid bleach
- Entertainment items
- Blankets or sleeping bags
I know that my family in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York were all stuck without power for over a week, no heat, minimal food and no running water. Luckily, they are preppers so they had enough food on hand and access to generators but many people on the East coast were suffering through the aftermath of Sandy and some still are. Although California is not prone to Hurricanes, we are prone to Earthquakes so I think this gives me some insight into starting my own emergency kit.
Home Survival Kit- The Earthquake Store
Hope this list helps you too!
