Surviving A Disaster

In the event of a disaster you should have an emergency kit prepared in your home to ensure your family can literally weather the storm. Many people think that help will come immediately and that they don’t need to do any advance preparation. This is a very dangerous way to think. With a little time and planning your family can be well prepared in the event of any emergency they may face.

Absolute Essentials For A Disaster Kit

Though you can put anything you like in your disaster kit there are four essential types of items that must be included. They are: water, food, first aid supplies and bedding. A change of clothing for every member of the family is also important.

Imagine surviving for days with no water, no electricity, no waste management, no telephone services and no access to the basic essentials of life such as food and water. It would be extremely difficult and stressful. When disaster strikes and seconds count you cannot be afforded the luxury of searching through your home to see what your family will need. You have to be prepared prior to the event.

Your disaster supply kit should contain enough provisions for at least three to five days. If you have room consider stockpiling enough supplies for two weeks. It may seem like a lot but it’s better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it.

If you work outside the home you should also have a disaster kit in your car and at work. It doesn’t have to be as large as the one at your home but it should contain the above-mentioned items. Disasters can happen during any season so make sure your kit has appropriate clothing for the season. Another thing to keep in mind is that kids grow and food can spoil. Make sure your kit is kept up to date and fresh. Review with your family where the kit is stored and who is responsible for taking what if you have to leave the house quickly. This is a great way to review with your family all escape routes from your home and where to meet if separation occurs.

How Much Water Should You Store?

Water is definitely the single most important item in your disaster kit. Small children, the elderly and nursing mothers especially feel the effects of water deprivation. This effect can be intensified in direct relation to the temperature of the day.

A normally active person needs to drink about 2 quarts of water a day. If high heat and excessive activity are figured in water intake should be increased. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. Account for two quarts for hydration and two quarts for body washing, food preparation and keeping eating utensils clean.

Rotate and change your water supply every six months to make sure that it remains fresh.

How Much Food Is Enough?

Store at least a two-week supply of non-perishable foods in your disaster kit. Select foods that are easy to cook and require no refrigeration and use minimal amounts of water to prepare. Remember to rotate your food supply to ensure freshness.

Keep a 2-week supply of nonperishable food at home in case of a disaster. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. Rotate the food with newly purchased food supplies to ensure freshness. Food should be used and replaced every six months.

You should also have a supply of “canned heat” to cook your food. Each family member should have a plate, cup and utensils for their use. Consider packing some bleach for disinfecting dishes and also plastic wrap or re-sealable bags for food storage.

Some edible items for consideration are: fruits, vegetables, juice boxes, peanut butter, cheese spreads, canned soup and crackers, canned tuna or salmon, instant coffee, cereals and powdered milk. Make sure you include a manual can opener or better yet a Swiss Army knife so that you can open your food.

This is also a good time to address any special dietary needs of any family members. Is anyone diabetic? Do you have small children that use specific formulas? Need any baby food, diapers, medications or bottles? Pack it now.

Packing Bedding

Emergency shelters may initially be short on pillows and blankets. This will not affect you and your family if you have your own supply. Sleeping bags are a great way to solve your bedding issues and many come with built in pillows.

Include a bucket with a tight lid and a small shovel in case bathroom facilities are lacking. As rustic as this may sound it’s better than nothing. To soften the blow for your family’s make-do bathroom include some toilet paper, towelettes, sanitary napkins and personal hygiene items.

Pack at least one change of clothes, one pair of comfortable shoes and appropriate seasonal outerwear for each member of your family. If you have to leave with only the clothes on your back it might as well be an outfit you like.

Essential Items For Survival

A battery operated radio is a must have item in any disaster. It is important to know what’s happening and listen to any directives from the local authorities. A compass, map of your area, signal flares, waterproof matches, whistle, needles and thread, a fully charged cell phone, a battery operated clock, pen and pencil, cash, any medication needed by your family members, a first aid kit with a manual and extra batteries complete your emergency supplies.

Items that You May Need Later Down The Road

Who can produce their insurance papers on demand? Think of how difficult it would be to prove you had insurance if it was destroyed in your house. In fact you should have copies of insurance documents, wills, passports, birth and marriage certificates, immunization records, bank account numbers, financial records, credit card numbers and a phone list of friends. These should be stored in a waterproof, fireproof container and also copied and stored in a separate location from the originals.

How Long Until Order Is Restored?

In the event of most disasters it takes at least three days, if not more, for things to get back to relative normal. It is important to have the above-mentioned items in an accessible area of your home stored in an easily transported container or bag. Don’t think that it can’t happen to you. Take the time to be prepared. One day it may save your life and the lives of your family members. Get packing…