September is National Preparedness Month, which is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the US Department of Homeland Security. The goal is to promote disaster preparedness for people, businesses, and communities. An integral part of disaster preparedness is creating a kit which will hold the basic supplies you will need in the event of a disaster.
According to www.ready.gov, a basic disaster supplies kit should contain the following:
- Water
- Enough non-perishable food to last for at least three days and a manual can opener
- Battery powered radio
- Flashlights
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries (enough to replenish both the radio and the flashlights)
- A whistle in order to signal for help
- Dust masks to help filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape to help create a shelter
- A wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter, or solar charger
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
The above list is a generic kit, and should be tailored to your own family’s needs. For instance, if you have daily medication then you would want to be sure to have some in the kit as well. Diapers and formula for babies should also be included. Long pants, sweatshirts and jackets are a wise idea for those who live in colder climates.
For more information on disaster preparedness please visit www.ready.gov. There is quite a bit of useful information regarding how to prepare you and your family, your business, and your community for an unexpected disaster. Are there any other items you think are essential to any disaster preparedness kit? If so please list them in the comments section below.
