Like many people, you may have looked into a home emergency kit but never gotten around to actually putting one together. Well, there’s no better time than right now. Severe weather in recent years has increased the frequency and severity of natural disasters, and with COVID-19 and all of its variants still with us, ongoing restrictions could be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. It’s time to be prepared.
In this article, we will go over what disaster supplies you need and the best ways to store them, and also to have them readily available in the case of the sudden need to evacuate.
Emergency Kits 101: How to Be Prepared for Anything
Common disasters like electrical outages, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, and fires all share one thing in common: the risk of isolation. A kit with the right materials ensures you have what you need until stability is restored.
The recommended list of items has been updated since COVID-19. Today’s list has many of the same recommendations as before but adds an additional layer of protection in case a disaster goes on longer than expected.
When checking off items on the list, there are some important things to keep in mind…
Quantities
Due to the severity of recent disasters, the red cross suggests having two weeks of supplies if you remain at home and a 3‑day supply if you evacuate. If you have a large family, ensure you have enough of each item to cover everyone, including your pet. A good example is to store one gallon of water per person per day.
Location
Be sure to pay close attention to common disasters in your area and how they might affect your transportation, home, and related storage. For example, if there is a risk of flooding in your area, make sure your kit is stored on higher ground. Plan to shelter in place, but at the same time stay portable with your kits in durable, easily-transportable bags in case you need to leave home. More on that below.
A Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
In addition to higher quantities of basic supplies like water and food items, medical supplies, and shelter materials, the pandemic has shown the need for other items such as a thermometer, masks, disinfectant wipes or lotions, ample toilet paper, and personal hygiene items.
Here is the full list of items to include in your kit, starting with a few items that require added attention.
Have a Hand-Crank/Solar-Powered NOAA Weather Radio and Charging Device
An NOAA weather band radio keeps you informed of important weather events. You can still enjoy battery-powered radio capability, but the hand crank is there in case your energy sources dwindle. And with today’s strong reliance on cell phones, these radios can charge your device to keep you connected.
Keep Weather-Resistant Blankets with Your Gear
When conditions expose you to the elements, weather-resistant blankets function as rain gear and protective gear, providing both warmth and added safety.
Own a Multi-Tool Army Knife
Having a multi-tool in your list of basic tools aids you with a wide range of issues like cutting, fire starting, medical care.
Remaining Items to Pack in Your Emergency Kit:
· Water – a 2 week supply per person and per pet, 1 gallon per day
· Deluxe, family-size first-aid kit with a thermometer
· Backups of prescription and non-prescription medication, including pain relievers and diarrhea and laxative medication
· Nonperishable food items (canned foods, dry foods, or even frozen if the disaster allows)
· Can opener
· Cell phone and charger
· Two-way radio
· Flashlight (more than one if possible)
· Duct tape
· Solar chargers
· Scissors
· Ample batteries of all popular sizes
· Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, tissue, tampons, soap, and daily toiletries)
· Baby supplies (wipes, diapers, diaper cream, formula, food, and bottles)
· Cleaning materials / disinfectants
· Pet supplies (food, bowl, collar, and leash)
· Back-up eyeglasses, contact lenses, and contact lens solution
· Waterproof bag to hold birth certificates and an emergency contact
· Cash and a checkbook
· Local map
· Whistle
· Fire starting materials (matches, flint, etc.)
· N95 masks
· Towels
· Home tools
· Plastic tarp/covering
Where Should I Store My Emergency Kit?
The best locations put the bag in easy access and protected from the elements such as storage closets, basements, or on higher floors if in flooded areas.
How Should I Store My Emergency Kit?
The bag should offer strong protection to store all your gear, including your rain gear, and should be portable. Though there are many plastic and metal containers, disaster bags (often referred to as “Go Bags”, or “Bug Out Bags) are an ideal choice. You never know how you will need to respond during a disaster, and they make portability easy. They also help you store and access items quickly while protecting the contents against the elements. During a disaster, this is an important factor.
BrightLine Bags Products are a Great Way to Store and Organize Items
A good example of quality bags are the full line of bags from BrightLine Bags. Their modular and custom-configurable FLEX System allows you to pre-load different modules with logical groupings of gear for ideal organization. For example, you could have one module for medical supplies, another for electronics, one for food, one for personal items, and even one for the pets. The FLEX System components for are unique by helping you add or subtract sections to make a bag as large or as small as you like. You can even fully separate the sections for easy access in a home storage room or car. You also have your option of multiple exterior pockets that provide quick access to your most used items. The BrightLine Bags motto is, “Pick Your Parts. Build Your Bag.”
These bags are perfect for travel, , everyday carry, and as personal and professional gear bags, but especially as Go Bags for optimal Emergency Preparedness..
To tour the full range of bags, visit their site at https://www.brightlinebags.com/.