Life can be very unpredictable. In some cases, that can be great! For example, today I went to the vending machine to get a granola bar. To my surprise, I ended up with two! I don’t mind that kind of unpredictability.
However, often the unpredictable is not quite so wonderful. And occasionally, the unpredictable can turn into an emergency. Do you know what you would do in an emergency? Does your family have a plan that everyone is aware of? Being prepared and having a plan can help you through a disaster.
Depending on your geographic location, there are a number of different emergencies that you may face from tornados, earthquakes or floods. Regardless of the situation, basic emergency supplies are a good idea to have on hand. The Department of Homeland Security has assembled a list of recommended supplies to include in an emergency kit. Here are a few:
Basic emergency supply kit:
-
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
-
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
-
Battery-powered or hand crank radio
-
Flashlight
-
First aid kit
-
Whistle to signal for help
-
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
-
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
-
Local maps
Additional items the Department of Homeland Security suggests include:
-
Prescription medications and glasses
-
Infant formula and diapers
-
Pet food and extra water for your pet
-
Important family documents in a waterproof, portable container
-
Cash or traveler's checks and change (small bills would be best)
-
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
-
Change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
-
Fire extinguisher
-
Matches in a waterproof container
Wired Magazine also compiled a list worth looking at. They list what to pack in a backpack if you need to grab it and go. And of course, for those smaller emergencies, first aid kits are a great thing to have on hand. First aid kits can be purchased at many drug stores or you can put one together yourself.
And don’t forget to post emergency numbers by the phone: police department, fire department, poison control center, veterinary hospital, family and neighbors. Real Simple has a great contact sheet available for download to help assemble all of those numbers in one place.
Lastly, consider labeling one of your contacts in your phone ICE (in case of emergency). If you are in an accident, this would tell the paramedic or health care provider who to contact.
It never hurts to be prepared!
Related Posts:
How Safe are Plastic Water Bottles?
Easy Ways to Keep Your Campfire Safe
Exercising in the Dark
10