In the wake of hurricane Katrina many people walked to find safety and shelter. Many people went a couple days without food or clean water. Putting together a disaster supply kit can save lives and make the stresses and strains a little bit easier to cope with.
You can put together a disaster supply kit and keep it in your home. You will want to make sure your kits are waterproof and labeled clearly. They need to be stored where you can easily get to them to use or take with you if you are being evacuated. Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home or to grab quickly in an event of an evacuation. They should be stored in an easy to carry container.
In the wake of hurricane Katrina many people walked to find safety and shelter. Many people went a couple days without food or clean water. Putting together a disaster supply kit can save lives and make the stresses and strains a little bit easier to cope with.
You can put together a disaster supply kit and keep it in your home. You will want to make sure your kits are waterproof and labeled clearly. They need to be stored where you can easily get to them to use or take with you if you are being evacuated. Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home or to grab quickly in an event of an evacuation. They should be stored in an easy to carry container.
There are six basics you should stock in your home. Water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Separate out the items you would need during an evacuation to be put in an easy to carry container. Suggested containers are a large covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffel bag. If you are using the backpack or duffle bag you will need to make sure the contents are fairly water tight.
You will need to store a gallon of water per person per day. Plan your kit for 3 days worth of supplies. Plastic water containers work the best. Water is vital for your survival. many times the water supply will become contaminated especially in the case of Hurricanes and flooding. A three day supply of non perishable food such as canned meat, ready to eat soup, canned juice, milk, fruits and vegetables. All need to be canned and ready to eat without refrigeration. If possible high energy food are good such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix. Infants can suffer a lot so make sure you have formula and water along with some baby food in your survival kit. Comfort and stress foods are nice if it possible, but remember you may have to carry these things with you. You may want to separate out the necessary from the not so vital. Comfort foods include instant coffee, cookies, tea bags, lollipops, hard candy, and sweetened cereals. Don’t forget the special diet needs if a member of your family is elderly or has diet restrictions.
Other supplies for your disaster kit should include a complete first aid kit, This should be stored in a place that all the family members know and can quickly retrieve it in case of an emergency.
Make sure you also include utensils you will need such as a can opener and silverware. Mess kits work well and are designed for travel. If you have an infant don’t forget the bottles. Make sure you have a battery operated radio and extra batteries so if you are on foot or held up in your home you can find out all the emergency information you need from the local authorities. You will need cash, Flash light and extra batteries, a utility knife, towels, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, liquid detergent, hand towelettes, personal hygiene items, Sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets, plastic bags, Diapers for infants, change of clothes, and whatever else you feel you might need. The FEMA web site has an extensive list of supplies you should have. You can check it out at www.FEMA.gov or get more information at www.ready.gov.
Putting together a kit like this is a lot of work but it will make a huge difference in your existence if you are threatened and hit by a category 4 or 5 hurricane or if you are held up in your house after your neighborhood has been devastated by a tornado. When disaster strikes your food, power and water can easily be threatened or lost quickly. Keep items in air-tight plastic bags. Make a smaller version of your disaster kit to keep in your cars. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Rotate your stored food every six months.
Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.