Since disaster can strike at any time then your family needs to be prepared. Here are some emergency essentials you may need to have ready to go just in case.
1. Build a Disaster Survival Kit.
This video from the American Red Cross will help teach you to know how to build a disaster survival kit and are some things to consider for your home in case of an emergency.
Let’s Make a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
2. Make an Emergency Escape Plan.
Emergency Preparedness: How to Prepare an Evacuation Plan | Travelers
- Identify All of the Emergency Exits
- Establish a Meeting Place or Rendezvous Point(s)
- Choose an Out of Area Contact Person(s)
- Inform Friends and Family of Your Plan
- CLICK HERE to Learn More About the Red Cross’s Fire Escape Plan.
3. Be Informed of the Different Types of Potential Disaster Emergencies.
- Fire or Wildfire
- Flooding
- Storms
- Terrorism
- CLICK HERE to Learn About More These as well as Different Types of Potential Disaster Emergencies.
4. Communication Devices
- Spare Cell Phone, Battery, and Phone Charger
- Battery-powered or Hand Crank Radio and a NOAA Weather Radio With Tone Alert (and Extra Batteries for Both)
- Pen/Pencil and Paper
- Two Way Radios
- Whistle
5. First Aid Kit
- Antibiotics
- Antiseptic Wipes
- Aspirin
- Bandages
- Cold Packs
- CPR Protector
- Stitching Needle and Thread
- Tweezers
- First Aid Book or Reference Material
- A book on CPR is better than nothing, but call the American Red Cross and get some training!
- Reference Material on Native Plants
- Identify Which Plants are Edible, Poisonous, and Medicinal
6. Food and Water
- Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, but 3 months would be much better.
- Infant Formula
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Charcoal Filtration System to Purify Contaminated Water
- Rain Catching Device
- Household Chlorine Bleach and Medicine Dropper
- When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
7. Personal Hygiene
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Feminine Supplies
- Diapers
- Toilet Paper
8. Prescriptions
- Medications
- Eye Glasses
- Contact Lenses and Solution
9. Sleeping Bag or Warm Blankets for Each Person
10. Clothing Appropriate for Harsh Conditions
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
- Consider additional clothing for cold-weather climates.
11. Fire Proof Safe for Sensitive Personal Information
- Financial Documents and Identification – Ideally stored in a portable waterproof container
- Birth Certificates
- Social Security Cards
- Spare Identification Cards
- Banking and Credit Card Information
- Insurance Policies
- Wills
- Cash
- Traveler’s Checks
- Silver or Gold Coins
- Dimes, Quarters, and Half Dollars were all made of 90% silver until 1964, so always check your spare change and hang on to them because they can be essential for bartering if need be.
- In 2013 a 1964 Quarter has a silver value of just over $4.00 rather than 25 cents.
12. Fishing or Hunting Gear
13. Household Items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Can Opener – Hand Cranked / Not Electric
14. Essential Supplies and Tools
- BATTERIES! – You really can never have enough
- Flashlights
- Candles
- Camp Stove and Propane or Charcoal
- Matches – Store in a zip tight baggie and water proof container
- Lighters
- Flint
- Fire Extinguisher
- Plumbing Wrench or Pliers to turn off utilities
- Pocket Knife
- Duct Tape
- Tarps or Roll of Plastic
- Garbage Bags
- Dust Masks, to help filter potentially contaminated air
- Hand Sanitizer
- Local Maps
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
15. Protection
- Mace / Pepper Spray
- Firearms aren’t for everybody, but should be considered along with training and a firearm safe.
Also Be Sure to:
Pack a “Go Bag” or “Bug Out Bag”:which is a readily available and condensed version of the most essential items in the above Disaster Survival Kit Checklist, but must be mobile enough in case you may ever have to leave your home in a hurry and for an indefinite amount of time.
Build an Emergency Survival Kit for Your Car
Assembling Your Emergency Car Kit | Engage Target Media
Consider Items Which Could be Helpful if Stranded at Work
Be Prepared For Emergencies at Work | FEMA
Helpful Resources | References
Be Red Cross Ready: Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed. PDF Brochure | RedCross.org
Emergency Supply List PDF Brochure | Ready.gov
The Definitive Bug Out Bag Checklist | readytogosurvival.com
Helpful Disaster Links | References
DHS | Department of Homeland Security
FEMA | Federal Emergency Management Agency