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Preparing your disaster preparedness supplies is essential. You never know when disaster – natural or manmade – might strike. Have you made sure that you are well-prepared for one? If not, it is time to start building your disaster preparedness kit. These essential items that will help you and your loved ones in case of an emergency. Apart from putting together disaster preparedness supplies, it is also important to develop a family emergency plan and go through a drill every now and then to make sure that everyone knows what to do in case of a disaster. When it comes to packing a survival kit, remember to pack enough for three days.
Top Disaster Preparedness Supplies for Your Emergency Kit
Here are a few of the disaster preparedness supplies you should make sure to pack in your emergency go bag:
Water
Needless to say, water is at the top of the list of things to add to your survival kit. You should have a three-day supply of water. There should be 1 gallon of water per day per person or pet. After a disaster like an earthquake, flood or tornado, your tap water might become unsafe to drink, that is if it runs at all. This is why you need to have a supply of bottled water to last at least 72 hours. More would also be great if possible, as you never know when you might get rescued in an emergency or survival situation.
Dust Face Mask
When disaster strikes, concrete buildings can fall, resulting in dust and debris. Tornadoes can also bring dust and other particles all around you. For this reason, make sure that you pack a dust face mask for you and your family. There are also masks for pets – visit your local pet store.
Non-Perishable Food
Another basic but critical item that needs to be included in your disaster preparedness kit is food, or more specifically, non-perishable food. These foods are ideal as you do not have to refrigerate them or need water and prepping. You should consider foods such as ready-to-eat canned meat, veggies, fruits, and cereals, as well as energy-packed snacks like granola bars and trail mix. Last but not least, do not forget to pack vitamins and special supplies for those who have special needs, such as babies, the elderly and pets.
You should not overlook diapers and infant formula as they can be difficult to find when you are on the go, especially when you are in an emergency situation. It is also a good idea to carry books, puzzles, games and other activities for children – as a part of your disaster preparedness supplies kit, as this will help in keeping them occupied and busy during what could be an extremely stressful time for you.
Medication
It is a good idea to have extra medications on hand for times you are in a disaster or emergency situation and cannot leave home for a prescription refill. Additionally, make sure to pack over-the-counter medicines like anti-diarrhea, painkillers, laxatives, painkillers, calamine lotion, antihistamines, sterile eyewash, Alka-Seltzer and if you use them, contact lenses. Remember generic cold medicines as well.
First Aid Kit
You obviously need to make sure that your survival kit has a first aid kit. Your kit should have petroleum jelly, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic liquid, Band-Aids, gauze pads, sterile bandages, adhesive tape, a salve for burns, a thermometer, hand sanitizers, latex gloves, towelettes, instant cold packs, and sunscreen. All of these will be handy in case you or someone else sustains an injury.
Tools and Disaster Preparedness Supplies
Another important item you should include in your disaster preparedness kit is tools and supplies. Make sure that you pack:
Flashlight
Whether you are in an emergency in the wilderness or closer to home, a flashlight is one of the most important items in any emergency kit. You should also include lanterns, candles, matches in a waterproof container – things you need to give you light in the dark.
Hand crank radio
A hand crank radio is another crucial item you should include when building your kit. It is the best way to get up-to-date information on weather patterns, in case of a weather-related emergency. You can also make sure that you are updated on official news from the authorities or evacuation orders.
Manual can opener
Since you will be storing a lot of canned food, include a manual can opener for them. Apart from this tool, make sure there are tweezers, scissors, a knife, a multi-tool, a sewing kit, small fire extinguisher and a wrench for turning off water and gas.
Solar Cell Phone Charger and Battery Backup
Your cell phone will not stay on throughout the time you are in an emergency situation, but it is an important tool that might help you get the assistance you need in case you get a network. You should make sure to include a solar cell phone charger for when your phone runs out of juice. It is a good idea to have a battery backup as well.
Hygiene and Cleaning Products
Being in an emergency or survival situation does not mean that you forget about cleanliness and sanitation, especially if you might be stuck in that situation for a couple of days. It is important to make sure that your disaster preparedness kit has personal hygiene and cleaning products, which includes items such as feminine products, toilet paper, toiletries, dish soap, disinfectant, bleach, and garbage bags.
Clothing
You obviously will not be able to carry everything in your closet when a disaster strikes and you have to evacuate When packing clothing for your disaster preparedness kit, choose clothes are practical and functional. Make sure that you have rain gear, thermal underwear, a jacket, work boots or a pair of durable sneakers and at least one outfit.
Important Documents and Local Map
You can never tell how much damage a disaster might cause to your home and property.
Documents
This is why you need to make sure that your survival kit includes important documents and items like cash, driver’s license, your bank account numbers, social security card, family records, passport and a list of important phone numbers that may come in handy in emergency situations. Additionally, you should make sure that you have copies of your insurance policies, will as well as other deeds and contracts.
Local Map
It is also a good idea to pack a map of the area you are in – this will come in handy in case you need to look for shelter.
Mylar Blankets
You need a lighter alternative to full sleeping bags as they are too cumbersome for a disaster preparedness kit. Mylar thermal blankets or bags are an ideal choice as they are waterproof, windproof and capable of reflecting over 90% of your body heat. They are designed to keep you warm and survive even the most severe emergency situations. What is great about Mylar blankets is that they are lightweight and easy to carry. Plus, they are available at very affordable prices.
Building a Survival Kit for Disaster Preparedness
Disaster can strike at the most unexpected time. Making sure that you have a very well-equipped disaster preparedness kit ready for such times may save your life. Whether it is for a flood, earthquake or any other type of disaster, a home fire, a terrorist attack, or the dreaded zombie apocalypse, having an emergency kit can go a long way in making sure that you and your family survive and live to tell the tale.
Survival kit for a single person
If you are alone when an emergency occurs, you need to quickly think and plan for yourself. But you also need to find a way to reach family and friends or a rescue team. Make sure that you have a communication plan and an evacuation plan and discuss it with your family. However, it is smart to share your plans with friends and colleagues as well. That way, someone outside your immediate family can track you down in case something was to happen. A few items you should keep in your home or office apart from the basics include a multi-tool, an emergency/weather radio and spare clothing.
Survival kit for the whole family
If you are assembling a disaster preparedness kit for your family, including children, build off the basics and necessities for a single person. The only difference is to pack more supplies so there is enough for everyone. Also pack Mylar blankets, bleach and other items like books, puzzles, and games to keep the little ones busy and occupied.
Survival Kit for Your Pets
The awareness and demand for disaster preparedness kits for pets has increased significantly in the last few years. When people need to evacuate their homes, they suddenly come to realize they don’t have supplies for their pets. Pets are more than just animals you keep at home – they are a part of your family. This is exactly why you need to assemble the right disaster preparedness supplies for your emergency kit.
Pet Essentials
Below is a list of essential items for your best friends.
Food
A supply of pet food and water to last a few days is, of course, a must. If there are any medications that your pet needs, make sure that you include them in the kit.
Clothes
If the weather is cold and you have a canine companion to take care of, you may want to get him a dog jacket or coat to keep him warm and comfy. There are dog clothes that are designed for travel and also to help dogs in water situations.
Blankets
If you own a cat or any other small animal, you should consider packing a couple of extra blankets in their carrier. When there is an emergency, all you have to do is grab it on the way out. Remember to add a small bag of cat litter too, to your disaster preparedness supplies kit.
Documents
While putting together, disaster preparedness supplies, make sure that your pet’s survival kit contains important documents like vaccination records, prescriptions, and emergency phone numbers, like for the Animal Emergency Center in your area. Put this information in your phone or tablet. But also make sure to print it out in case your battery dies or you do not get cell service.
Dishes
You should pack at least one collapsible food and water bowl in your pet’s emergency kit. They are great as they are light and do not take up space. Just remember that you wash and dry them thoroughly before you store them again as they could become moldy.
Equipment
Be sure to include items like nail clippers, extra leashes and harnesses, poop bags and absorbent potty pads, and a first aid kit that includes gauze, hydrogen peroxide and milk of magnesia for absorbing poison in case of accidental ingestion.
Preparing for Disaster is Easier Than You Think
These are the basics that every survival kit or bug out bag should have. However, periodically check the food, perishable items, medications and other disaster preparedness supplies that you have packed. Make sure that they have not expired. Once you have everything set, you are well-prepared for whatever disaster or emergency that hits. As a result, you and you and your loved ones have a much better chance of surviving it. If you have not yet assembled a disaster emergency kit, start building your kit today.
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