Build A Home Emergency Kit And Protect Your Family

By Martina Levinston


You and your family will have a much greater chance of surviving a major catastrophe if there is a home emergency kit prepared beforehand. Think back on the millions of people along the East Coast who lost power for days because of Sandy. Would your family be able to handle a disaster like this?

We all hope that this will never happen to us. But it makes sense to put together an emergency kit just in case a similar situation strikes you and family. These are some of the basic items that you should have ready:

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. If you're comfortable with a kerosene lamp, that's not a bad option, either. Candles should be included, and in order to light them or build a fire, matches are essential.

Hand sanitizer is another important item. You might not be able to wash your hands for some time if your water is contaminated. Hand sanitizer and paper towels should be part of your kit in order for you to avoid germs and to be more comfortable.

Be sure to purchase a car adapter as well. When there is no power available, you can use this to recharge your smartphone or other items, and you will have your lines of communication open.

It's crucial to have bottled water. Contaminated water is not fit for drinking or washing, so make sure there is enough. Your home should have at least one spare case of water at all times because as we all know, it doesn't take long to become dehydrated. You should probably supplement that case when a hurricane or other natural disaster is approaching.

Your emergency kit's food supply should be enough for a minimum of two weeks. Your kit should have non-perishable food items, things like peanut butter, and canned goods. 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.

A well stocked first aid kit is essential. 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. You and your family can stay warm and comfortable if there are sleeping bags for everyone ready in case you need to evacuate the home.

If you have no power, these items can't make up for that. But these things will make the time you spend without power much less difficult, and your family will be safer and healthier until life gets back to normal.




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