Emergency Preparedness is essential for individuals and families. You and your family need to take the proper measures to be prepared in case of a natural disaster. Floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and fires are all too common in the United States and elsewhere. Mother nature can be very unpredictable. If you are prepared and have the proper supplies on hand then it will help to eliminate some of the stress while you are trying to recuperate from an emergency situation.

Food storage and other aids are important to keep up-to-date and have for survival. Sometimes creating a food storage supply can be overwhelming. An essential kit that can get you started in preparing your family for an emergency situation is a 72-hour kit. Having a 72-hour kit available for each individual in your family can be a life-saving item. It is a good idea to have a big kit with things for your entire family and then also have some individual kits that fit the needs of certain family members.

Here are some basics you should include in your 72-hour kits:

HOME EMERGENCY KIT

Objects to be Immediately Available

• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries

Emergency Need Items

• Instruction manuals on emergency preparedness
• Water storage—you need at least 2 gallons of water per person per day
• Sleeping bags & blankets

Sanitation Kit

• Plastic bucket with tightly fitted lid
• Plastic bags and ties
• Toilet paper
• Disinfectant
• Improvised toilet seat
• Feminine hygiene needs
• Paper towels
• Soap
• Paper cups
• Paper plates
• Plastic utensils
• Can opener
• Utility knife

Stress Factors

Children

• Coloring books and crayons
• Activity box
• Picture books or story books
• Small portable games

Adults

• Books or magazines
• Needlework or crocheting crafts
• Pens and paper A Class ABC fire extinguisher is recommended for each home. It can be purchased at an outdoor supply store, hardware store or an emergency specialty store.