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How to Create an Emergency Kit for Home

How to Create an Emergency Kit for Home

How to Create an Emergency Kit for Home

No matter what’s going on, it helps to have a kit of essentials on hand in case of an emergency or disaster. Being prepared is important for reducing panic and feeling in control in any situation. Here are some quick tips for preparing your own emergency kit for home.

Why an Emergency Kit for Home is Important

You don’t need to be a doomsday prepper to keep an emergency kit available in your house. Life is unpredictable at times, and having some essentials on hand can help anyone. Items that can last for at least 72 hours are best in case of an emergency that prevents you from leaving or buying anything else.

We’ve provided a list below of items that should definitely be in your kit. You’ll also want to consider any unique needs of yourself and your family to include in the kit.

Emergency Kit List

Basic emergency kits should generally include the following:

  • Drinking and sanitary water for two weeks. Include one gallon of water per person in the home per day.
  • Non-perishable food items for everyone in the home for at least two weeks.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Flashlight.
  • Hand-cranked or battery-powered radio (preferably an NOAA Weather Radio).
  • Manual food can opener.
  • Whistle.
  • Extra batteries.
  • Maps of the local area.
  • N95 or surgical masks.
  • Multi-purpose tool.
  • Personal sanitation and hygiene items.
  • Cell phone with chargers and emergency contact numbers for family members.
  • Extra cash.

Other Items Your Kit May Need

After adding the above essentials, you’ll want to consider other things that you and your family members might need in an emergency. That may include items like the following:

  • Prescription medications (or at least copies of their prescriptions).
  • Pain relievers, antacids, and other over-the-counter medications.
  • Daily health supplements, such as multivitamins.
  • Food and extra water for any pets.
  • Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and creams for infants.
  • Extra pairs of glasses and/or contact lenses and saline solution.
  • Identification cards, bank account information, and insurance policy documents.
  • Extra set of house keys and car keys.
  • Feminine care supplies.
  • Games, puzzles, and books.

Think about what those in your household would need if you were stuck in the house or couldn’t go to the store. These items will be important additions to your emergency kit for home.

Storing and Maintaining an Emergency Kit for Home

It’s best to keep items in airtight plastic bags. Those bags can be contained in a plastic bin or duffel bag. You might need to use two containers to store everything. You should also:

  • Keep canned food items in a cool, dry location.
  • Regularly check for expired items and replace them.
  • Reconsider the needs in your kit each year, as people’s needs might change.
  • Keep boxed food items in metal containers or tightly-sealed plastic containers.

It also helps to have versions of your kit available at your workplace and in your car. That way, you’re prepared in case an emergency happens while you’re away from the home.

Just as it’s important to maintain good health to prevent illness and practice good financial strategies in case of emergency, having an emergency kit can provide security if something unexpected occurs. Using the above items to create your own emergency kit for your home is a good way to be prepared and protect yourself and your family.

At Nature’s Ideal, we have many different items that can be used in any type of disaster kit, including personal care items, canned and boxed foods, supplements, and more. Shop our variety of products to find the healthiest, most natural versions of many emergency items.

Jun 2nd 2020 Nature's Ideal

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