Preparing an Emergency Supply Kit
Every September is recognized as National Preparedness Month, and as our nation braces for another natural disaster, it is important to reflect on your own preparedness. Do you have an emergency supply kit? Do you know where your family would evacuate to if the need arose?
Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
Through its Ready Campaign, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) educates and empowers people to prepare an emergency supply kit, make a family evacuation plan, and be informed about the types of emergencies that could occur in your area and their appropriate responses. FEMA recommends putting together a full-size emergency supply kit and storing it in an easy to grab location in your home. They also recommend having smaller kits available in your car and at your work location should an emergency occur on the go.
Recommended Items to Include:
- Water (one gallon per person, per day for 3 days)
- Food (at least a 3-day supply)
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Fire extinguisher
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet(s)
- Important family documents (i.e. insurance policies, copy of IDs)
- Sleeping bag or blanket per person
- Change of clothes
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles for children
- Local Maps
While you can never fully prepare for an emergency, having a plan ahead of time will help you feel calmer and in control of the situation should the need arise. For more information and helpful tools related to National Preparedness Month visit www.ready.gov.