The importance of putting together a home emergency kit to help you and your family through a disaster is pretty obvious. Think back on the millions of people along the East Coast who lost power for days because of Sandy. Are you prepared for such a catastrophe?
With any luck, you won't have to. But it makes sense to put together an emergency kit just in case a similar situation strikes you and family. These are some of the basic items that you should have ready:
Flashlights. Don't skimp on the flashlight, get a high quality one that is not rechargeable. Keep in mind that it could be days until your power is restored. You'll need lots of spare batteries, too, and you'll have to be careful to replace the spares before they get too old. Kerosene lamps are another good idea if that is something you are confident about caring for properly. Candles should be included, and in order to light them or build a fire, matches are essential.
Make sure you have a hand sanitizer. Washing your hands may not be something that you can do for a while if the water system has been contaminated. Hand sanitizer and paper towels should be part of your kit in order for you to avoid germs and to be more comfortable.
Be sure to purchase a car adapter as well. When there is no power available, you can use this to recharge your smartphone or other items, and you will have your lines of communication open.
You are going to need bottled water. If you won't have water for washing your hands, you certainly might not have it for drinking purposes. Your home should have at least one spare case of water at all times because as we all know, it doesn't take long to become dehydrated. You can never have too much drinkable water, and if there is a major storm warning like a hurricane, stock up as much as you can.
The generally accepted recommendation is that you should have a food supply in your kit that will last at least 2 weeks. You'll need canned food, crackers, peanut butter and other items that don't have to be refrigerated. A gas grill could come in handy also, so that you have a way to cook. Some spare gasoline should be stored safely. If you forget a can opener you will have some trouble, so store one in your kit as well. You'll also need a supply of paper plates, some plastic bowls and cups and some plastic utensils.
Have a first aid kit with plenty of supplies inside. Your first aid kit should include pain relievers, bandages, gauze, allergy pills, gastrointestinal medicine, antibiotic ointments and other things that are specific to your family's specific medical conditions. If there are prescriptions that are taken by family members, be sure that those are easy to quickly gather.
Sleeping bags are convenient and most of us have them already. Your bed may not be accessible for a long time, keep that in mind. Sleeping bags can add some comfort - and warmth - if you're forced out of your home temporarily.
If you have no power, these items can't make up for that. But they can help you and family survive the worst of times until power is restored and you're back in your home.
With any luck, you won't have to. But it makes sense to put together an emergency kit just in case a similar situation strikes you and family. These are some of the basic items that you should have ready:
Flashlights. Don't skimp on the flashlight, get a high quality one that is not rechargeable. Keep in mind that it could be days until your power is restored. You'll need lots of spare batteries, too, and you'll have to be careful to replace the spares before they get too old. Kerosene lamps are another good idea if that is something you are confident about caring for properly. Candles should be included, and in order to light them or build a fire, matches are essential.
Make sure you have a hand sanitizer. Washing your hands may not be something that you can do for a while if the water system has been contaminated. Hand sanitizer and paper towels should be part of your kit in order for you to avoid germs and to be more comfortable.
Be sure to purchase a car adapter as well. When there is no power available, you can use this to recharge your smartphone or other items, and you will have your lines of communication open.
You are going to need bottled water. If you won't have water for washing your hands, you certainly might not have it for drinking purposes. Your home should have at least one spare case of water at all times because as we all know, it doesn't take long to become dehydrated. You can never have too much drinkable water, and if there is a major storm warning like a hurricane, stock up as much as you can.
The generally accepted recommendation is that you should have a food supply in your kit that will last at least 2 weeks. You'll need canned food, crackers, peanut butter and other items that don't have to be refrigerated. A gas grill could come in handy also, so that you have a way to cook. Some spare gasoline should be stored safely. If you forget a can opener you will have some trouble, so store one in your kit as well. You'll also need a supply of paper plates, some plastic bowls and cups and some plastic utensils.
Have a first aid kit with plenty of supplies inside. Your first aid kit should include pain relievers, bandages, gauze, allergy pills, gastrointestinal medicine, antibiotic ointments and other things that are specific to your family's specific medical conditions. If there are prescriptions that are taken by family members, be sure that those are easy to quickly gather.
Sleeping bags are convenient and most of us have them already. Your bed may not be accessible for a long time, keep that in mind. Sleeping bags can add some comfort - and warmth - if you're forced out of your home temporarily.
If you have no power, these items can't make up for that. But they can help you and family survive the worst of times until power is restored and you're back in your home.
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