An Emergency Preparedness Kit Is Easy To Put Together

By Paulette Short


We never want it to happen but there is a very good chance everyone of us will one day be involved in a disaster or some type, be it natural or man made. It is best to be ready with an emergency preparedness kit and a plan. The basic items are simple and easy to obtain.

Hurricanes and tornadoes cause lots of destruction and leave many people homeless. The same is true for wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Even winter storms can knock electricity, close roads, and halt phone service. This has proven true in the United States in addition to acts of terrorist.

If you live in an area where nature can cause hardships, educate yourself and family members on warning signs and what to do. Have at least one person trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and first-aid. Also have an evacuation plan and meeting place set up before hand. Be prepared and make certain everyone knows where to meet and what to do.

It is vital to have a kit prepared. In it you must have at least one gallon of water for each person per day. Have regular household chlorine bleach to sanitize water if it is needed. If water is unsafe, you can add sixteen drops of liquid bleach to one gallon of water to make it safe for drinking. Do not use the type that is scented, color safe or have any added cleaners. It can also be used as a disinfectant by mixing one part bleach to nine parts water.

Enough food and high protein snacks are also vital. A three day supply of nonperishable food, per person is recommended. Try Military Ready To Eat (MRE) packets. Each package equals one complete self-contained meal. The packages are able to withstand exposure to the elements and rough handling. Protein bars and hard candy would be excellent additions to be used as snacks.

Lighting is also necessary. A flashlight with a strong beam will be useful. Make certain there are enough fresh batteries. There are also glow sticks that can be used. There is a new product available that does not need batteries or any other fuel to work. After charging for a few seconds from a high intensity light source or a few minutes of day light, it is ready and will glow in the dark all night long. It provides enough light for people to be able to move around and find things, thus allowing you to extend your battery life for flashlights and other use.

You will also need a first aid kit. Stock it with sterile gloves, sterile dressings to stop any bleeding, a cleansing agent, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, and a variety of bandages. Also, include any prescription medication and include aspirin, an anti-diarrhea medication, scissors, tweezers, and a tube of petroleum jelly. Do not forget a fire starting kit or moisture proof matches.

Include any other items you may require for comfort. Blankets, warm clothing, a change of cloths, large garbage bags, and sleeping bags can help ease some of the stress of dealing with a natural or man-made disaster. Plan ahead and know what it will take to keep you and your family fed, hydrated, and warm for at least three days. Have an emergency preparedness kit, keep it up to date and store it somewhere easy to get to.




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