Water and Food: The Bare Essentials
In any emergency, clean drinking water and food are the highest priorities. The standard recommendation is to store one gallon of water per person, per day, for a minimum of three days. For food, focus on non-perishable items that require no cooking or refrigeration.
Think high-energy foods like peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix, and ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Don't forget a manual can opener. If you have infants, include ready-to-use formula and baby food. It's also wise to pack pet food and extra water for any furry family members.
First-Aid and Sanitation
A well-stocked first-aid kit is non-negotiable. You can buy a pre-made kit or build your own with sterile gauze pads, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. Remember to include an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. For sanitation, pack moist towelettes, garbage bags with ties, and hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of germs when water is scarce. Feminine supplies and other personal hygiene items are also important to include.
Light, Communication, and Tools
Power outages can make a difficult situation worse. Every kit should have a flashlight with extra batteries. A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, including a NOAA Weather Radio, is crucial for receiving official updates when internet and cell service are down. Pack a whistle to signal for help and a multi-purpose tool or a wrench and pliers to turn off utilities if necessary. Consider keeping a backup battery or portable charger for your cell phone as well.
Important Documents and Cash
In the event of an evacuation, you'll want critical documents with you. Place copies of insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container or save them electronically on a password-protected drive. While we live in a digital world, cash is king during a power outage when credit card readers and ATMs won't work. Keep a mix of small bills on hand.
Clothing, Bedding, and Comfort Items
If you need to leave your home, you'll be glad to have a change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each family member. Pack a warm blanket or sleeping bag for everyone, especially in colder climates. For children, the stress of an emergency can be immense. Including some books, games, or puzzles can provide a much-needed sense of normalcy and distraction during a difficult time. Don't underestimate the power of small comforts.
Make a Family Communication Plan
A kit is only one part of the equation. Your family needs a plan. Discuss and write down how you will connect if you are separated. Designate a friend or relative who lives out of state as a central point of contact; it's often easier to make long-distance calls than local ones during a disaster. Ensure every family member, including children, has a contact card with key phone numbers and knows your designated neighborhood meeting place. It's also a good idea to teach everyone how to send a text message, as texts can often get through when calls can't.
