How many? Where to store them? What to include? Where to begin…..
We have probably all had that fleeting thought during a major severe weather warning, or when remembering a disaster or local emergency – in my head it goes something like: “Oh cr@p, I really wish I had actually pulled together the emergency kit I may need right now”.
Over here at SecureCore, we are no stranger to helping people plan for the unexpected, and we see all too often that knowing where to begin is sometimes the hardest part.
If you don’t have an emergency kit already, and you want a few ideas on where to begin with pulling the necessities together, we have created a few lists to help get you started. We previously made recommendations for what to keep in your car (see that blog post HERE)…. And today we are talking about what to keep in your home. Of course, you’ll need to factor in your own family’s size, individual needs, age considerations, pets, local challenges, etc…. But in the meantime, this should provide a good place to start.
Top 15 things to include in an emergency kit you’ll be keeping in your home:
Consider using a large and sturdy tote or crate with a lid to store these items. Keep as much in waterproof conditions/containers as possible, in the event of flood or hurricane damage.
*Note: it is widely recommended that you pack enough supplies for 3 days.
- Drinking water (one gallon, per person, per day)
- Nonperishable food (if canned goods – include manual can opener)
- Battery operated or hand cranked radio and/or a NOAA weather radio
- First Aid kit – including necessary/prescription medications to last 7 days
- Multipurpose tool (or wrench, pliers, screwdriver, and hammer – to turn off utilities, etc.)
- Blankets
- Extra Cash (and coins, in waterproof container)
- Maps of the local area
- Cell phone with extra chargers (portable charger/solar powered)
- Extra batteries
- Sanitization items including personal hygiene items (disinfecting wipes, toothbrush, feminine products, deodorant)
- Trash bags
- Source of lighting – flashlights, candles/matches
- Flares or Whistles (to signal for help)
- Shelter in place supplies (dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape)
Additional “Extra’s” to consider for your emergency kit:
- Nonprescription medications (Tylenol, Tums, etc)
- Eyeglasses or extra pair of contacts and solution
- Important family document copies (in waterproof container)
- Sleeping bag or warm heavy blanket per EACH person
- Change of clothes for each person, including shoes
- Pet food and supplies
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Fire Extinguisher
- More blankets and hand warmers (in the event of extreme cold and loss of heat)
- Extra food and water
We would love to hear from you – please comment or reach out to us HERE if you have any recommendations or suggestions on emergency kit items and emergency planning.
If you’d like printed versions of this list in checklist form, click HERE for a copy to download that is printer friendly.