If a disaster strikes in your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for several days. You may think that you will have enough time to run to the grocery store, but stores quickly sell out of important supplies following emergency warnings. Unfortunately, about half of adults in the United States do not have the resources and plans in place for a possible emergency. Preparing emergency kits for your family is an important step in keeping them safe and healthy during a disaster.
Pack an emergency supply kit. Here’s what you’ll need:
Food – foods that are easy to make and won’t spoil, like canned soup, dry pasta, and powdered milk
Manual can opener
Basic utensils to prepare and serve meals
Health Supplies
3-day supply of all medicines, at a minimum
Medical supplies like syringes, a walking cane, or hearing aids with extra batteries
Personal Care Items
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Baby wipes
Contact lenses or glasses
Safety Supplies
First aid kit
Emergency blanket
Multipurpose tool (that can act as a knife, file, pliers, and screwdriver)
Whistle
Electronics:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides weather updates during emergencies. Look for a radio labeled “NOAA Weather Radio.”
Flashlight
Radio (battery-powered, solar, or hand-crank) for updates on the situation
Cell phone with chargers
Extra batteries
Documents
Keep copies of your important documents, cash, spare keys, and maps in you emergency supply kit.
Copies of important documents such as insurance cards and immunization records
Paperwork about any serious or on-going medical condition
Your completed family emergency plan, complete with family and emergency contact information.
You should also keep
Extra cash
Maps of the area
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Taking Care of Others
You may need additional supplies to make sure the whole family is ready.
For Children
Baby supplies like bottles, formula, baby food, and diapers
Games and activities for children
For Pets
Plan ahead so you’re ready to take care of your pet during an emergency.
Food and Water:
A 3-day supply of food and water for each pet. A cat or a dog will generally need 1 gallon for three days.
Bowls or bottles
Manual can opener
Cleaning Supplies:
Depending on the pet, you may need a litter box, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach
Health and Safety:
Medicines and medical records stored in a waterproof container
First aid kit with a pet first aid book
Transport supplies:
A sturdy leash, harness, and carrier to transport pets safely. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for several hours.
Comfort Items:
Pet toys and the pet’s bed, if you can easily bring it, to reduce stress
Paperwork:
Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them, and to prove that they are your pets, in case you become separated from them
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care
Keep these tips in mind!
Check and replace your supplies throughout the year.
Personalize
Every family is unique. You may have emergency needs not included in this list. Also, remember to update your kit according to changing needs of your family.
Be sure it’s ready to use
In a disaster situation, you may need to get your emergency supply kit quickly, whether you are sheltering at home or evacuating.
Once you have gathered your supplies, pack the items in easy-to-carry containers.
Clearly label the containers and store them where you can reach them easily.
Remember that certain items, like medications and paper documents, need to be kept in waterproof containers.
Keep it Fresh
Check the expiration dates on food, water, medicine, and batteries at least two times per year. It’s extremely important that all items in your kit are functional at the time of an emergency.
Involve Children
Families can make emergencies less stressful by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Ready Wrigley can help!
Ask your kids to think of items that they would like to include in an emergency supply kit, such as books, games, and pre-packaged foods.
Your kids can mark the dates on a calendar for checking emergency supplies. Tell them to remind you when it’s time to check the supplies.
Include kids in planning and creating disaster kits for family pets.
Know Your House
Find out where your gas, electric, and water shut-off locations are, and how to turn them off.
Prepare For Everywhere
Emergencies can happen anywhere. Remember to prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles.
