Depending on where you live in the country, you may be faced with an emergency such as a flood, an earthquake, a tornado, a snowstorm or a blackout. Being organized and prepared for an emergency is half the battle. Keep your emergency supplies in one location, either in a storage bin or in a suitcase, and make sure every family member knows where it is. Everyone in your home should know how to shut off the gas and water.
Here is a list of supplies you will want to include:
- Water – a gallon per day for every family member
- Food – for approximately 1 week (include protein bars)
- Pet food for approximately 1 week
- 1 battery powered flashlight and 1 hand crank flashlight
- Batteries (know what sizes are needed and how many)
- Candles and matches
- Blankets
- Manual can opener
- First-aid kit
- Battery operated radio and/or TV
- 1 large roll of plastic and duct tape
- Medical masks
Keep your cell phones charged nightly, but also keep a battery operated cell phone charger in with your emergency supplies. Make copies of all your important I.D.s, social security numbers and all prescription drugs; keep them in a file folder that you can take with you in case you need to leave your home. Keep a small amount of cash in with your emergency supplies.
In case of an emergency, have a plan for where your family will meet. Also, know where the emergency shelters are in your town.
