Natural disasters are no respecters of persons; they can strike anytime, anywhere.  Also, there is always the possibility of a terrorist attack or even an economical collapse.   We need to take responsibility for ourselves and families to be prepared for any kind of emergency situation.  Preparation should be done before the disaster strikes.  Every member in the family should be trained on what action they need to take.

The first step in your preparations for handling emergency situations caused by natural disasters, attack or economical situations is making an emergency survival kit.  The following information may serve as a guideline to help you get started.  The second step after gathering the supplies is to have a family meeting to discuss an emergency plan.

Preparing the survival kit

Water: without doubt the most important item – you and your family will not survive long without it.  Depending on the size of the family, get plastic containers that are suitable for storing water and wash them out with warm soapy water, even if new.  Then fill them and store them away.  Water will need to be changed at least once every six months.  You will need to store at least one gallon of water per day per person for a minimum of three days; more if you can.

Food: you will need a minimum food supply to last two weeks.  The food should be non-perishable.  Remember in times of disaster, utilities are generally turned off.  The foods you choose should not require preparation, cooking, refrigeration and preferably no addition of water.

You should not forget to rotate the foods every six months to avoid them spoiling.  Foods like canned juices, milk, high energy foods like granola bars, trail mix, vitamins, instant coffee and tea provided you have some method of heating water, comfort foods, canned soups and sausages.

Bedding and clothing: you will not have the luxury of your air conditioning or your heating system.  When making an emergency survival kit, be sure you store clothes appropriate for high and low temperatures because you don’t know in which season disaster will strike.

First aid kit: put together first aid kits to store in your shelter area and one for each car the family owns.  Seal items in individual ziplock bags.  You will need: Sterile adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), gauze pads, petroleum jelly, safety pins, roller bandages, cleaning agent, tweezers, scissors, latex gloves, antiseptic, thermometer, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication and antacids.

Emergency supplies: flashlights, new batteries, cell phones, spare batteries charged or new, money, matches, tape, pliers, screwdriver, camera, camera card, disposable plates, glasses, spoons, storage containers, aluminum foil, can opener, trash bags, utility knife, signal flares, fire extinguisher, wrench, paper, pens, plastic sheeting.

These are just a few tips to help you get started in thinking about making an emergency survival kit.  Be sure to visit our Emergency Preparedness Category.  There you will find additional tips, information, and survival products to help keep you and your family safe in any natural disaster, terrorist attack, or economical collapse.  Be prepared and be safe.

Be Sociable, Share!

•