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.