You and your family will have a much greater chance of surviving a major catastrophe if there is a home emergency kit prepared beforehand. We all remember the news stories about Hurricane Sandy and how millions of people were unprepared. Would your family be able to handle a disaster like this?
With any luck, you won't have to. But it makes sense to put together an emergency kit just in case a similar situation strikes you and family. Here are some things you should have on hand in case you need them:
Get a flashlight. Don't skimp on the flashlight, get a high quality one that is not rechargeable. Don't forget that days could go by with no power at all to your home. Have plenty of spare batteries in the kit, and replace them periodically if they are close to their expiration dates. Kerosene lamps are another good idea if that is something you are confident about caring for properly. Candles should be included, and in order to light them or build a fire, matches are essential.
Something else that you should add is hand sanitizer. Water can become contaminated, so it may be a while before you will be able to wash your hands normally. Hand sanitizer and paper towels should be part of your kit in order for you to avoid germs and to be more comfortable.
A car adapter is a must. You can use this to recharge your electronics, including your smartphone, so that you can have communication that you will definitely need.
Bottled water is essential. If you won't have water for washing your hands, you certainly might not have it for drinking purposes. Staying hydrated is crucial, so be sure there is at least one extra case of water in your home. If a hurricane or other kind of disaster is imminent, gather as much drinkable water as possible.
A two-week supply of food is usually the norm for recommendations on emergency kits. You'll need canned food, crackers, peanut butter and other items that don't have to be refrigerated. It will help if you have a way to cook as well - a gas grill will do just fine. Keep an extra container of gas around if you can. The other important thing is to have a manual can opener. Some plastic utensils, bowls, and cups should be in the kit, as well as some paper plates.
And get a proper first aid kit. Keep bandages, antibiotic ointments and other supplies, in addition to pain relievers and gastrointestinal medicines and any allergy pills you regularly take. Be sure that any prescriptions your family needs are not forgotten.
Sleeping bags are convenient and most of us have them already. Remember, you could be without a bed for some time. Sleeping bags can add some comfort - and warmth - if you're forced out of your home temporarily.
Having these items will not make the situation perfect. But they can help you and family survive the worst of times until power is restored and you're back in your home.
With any luck, you won't have to. But it makes sense to put together an emergency kit just in case a similar situation strikes you and family. Here are some things you should have on hand in case you need them:
Get a flashlight. Don't skimp on the flashlight, get a high quality one that is not rechargeable. Don't forget that days could go by with no power at all to your home. Have plenty of spare batteries in the kit, and replace them periodically if they are close to their expiration dates. Kerosene lamps are another good idea if that is something you are confident about caring for properly. Candles should be included, and in order to light them or build a fire, matches are essential.
Something else that you should add is hand sanitizer. Water can become contaminated, so it may be a while before you will be able to wash your hands normally. Hand sanitizer and paper towels should be part of your kit in order for you to avoid germs and to be more comfortable.
A car adapter is a must. You can use this to recharge your electronics, including your smartphone, so that you can have communication that you will definitely need.
Bottled water is essential. If you won't have water for washing your hands, you certainly might not have it for drinking purposes. Staying hydrated is crucial, so be sure there is at least one extra case of water in your home. If a hurricane or other kind of disaster is imminent, gather as much drinkable water as possible.
A two-week supply of food is usually the norm for recommendations on emergency kits. You'll need canned food, crackers, peanut butter and other items that don't have to be refrigerated. It will help if you have a way to cook as well - a gas grill will do just fine. Keep an extra container of gas around if you can. The other important thing is to have a manual can opener. Some plastic utensils, bowls, and cups should be in the kit, as well as some paper plates.
And get a proper first aid kit. Keep bandages, antibiotic ointments and other supplies, in addition to pain relievers and gastrointestinal medicines and any allergy pills you regularly take. Be sure that any prescriptions your family needs are not forgotten.
Sleeping bags are convenient and most of us have them already. Remember, you could be without a bed for some time. Sleeping bags can add some comfort - and warmth - if you're forced out of your home temporarily.
Having these items will not make the situation perfect. But they can help you and family survive the worst of times until power is restored and you're back in your home.
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