Emergency Kits

By taking the time to assemble an emergency kit, you can ensure that your family will be prepared to tackle any potential emergency. Natural disasters, including fires and floods, claim the lives of countless Americans each year. Without adequate food, water, medicine and warmth, you may not survive long enough for emergency personnel to help you. Empower yourself! Preparing an emergency supply kit is not only easy and affordable, but it could mean the difference between life and death.

It is recommended that you include the following items in an emergency supply kit:

1. Water - one gallon of water, for consumption and sanitation, per person per day. Include at least three days worth of water for each member of your household.
2. Food - non-perishable food that will last each member of your family up to three days. Canned goods, dry rice, jarred preserves, freeze dried fruits, condensed milk and protein powder are good choices. Replenish your food supply to ensure that foods don't expire.
3. Radio - battery-powered or hand-crank radios will keep you informed during an emergency. If you choose a battery-powered radio, do not forget the batteries!
4. Flashlight - hand-held flashlights are an important tool during emergencies; you don't want to be left in the dark! Be sure to remember the batteries.
5. First-Aid Kit - ointment, band-aids, alcohol pads, compress dressings, aspirin, scissors, and triangle bandages are helpful for treating injuries and preventing infection. If you are stranded and need medical attention, a first-aid kit may be your only solution.
6. Whistle - cellular phones may lose service or battery power, but whistles offer a reliable way for you to call for help during an emergency.
7. Sanitation Supplies - even during an emergency, hygiene is very important. Include moist towelettes and garbage bags to ensure that you stay clean and safe.

This list is a great starting point for creating a potentially life-saving emergency supply kit. Other items you may want to include are a wrench, pliers, a dust mask, duct tape, a local map, matches, blankets, and last but not least - a can opener! What good will all that food do, if you can't get the can open? Also, it wouldn't hurt to include an extra cell phone battery or charger.

In addition to having an emergency kit, it is important that you create an emergency plan and perform drills with your family. Make sure that each member of your family understands the various types of emergencies that may arise, and teach them how to respond if the situation were to occur. Designate an emergency contact, and keep your emergency supply kit in a location accessible by each member of your family.