Preparing a Home Emergency Kit

Boy Scouts aren't the only ones who should "be prepared". The tornadoes that recently ripped through the Dallas-Fort Worth area got me thinking about the possible disasters we can face at any time here in /. While we don't exactly live in tornado alley, there are plenty of other emergencies we may face while we think we are safely tucked away in our homes. Preparing a home emergency kit before a disaster strikes is always a smart idea.

Your emergency kit needs to be portable. In the stress of reacting to a fire or flood, for example, you need to be able to have everything you need in a central location that is easy to just grab and go as you flee your / home. A big duffel bag or simple suitcase is perfect for this. Keep it near the exit or at least within easy reach at all times.

Since it can take several days before you get situated after an emergency, the general rule of thumb is to keep at least a three day's supply of necessities in your emergency kit. Each kit should contain the following basics:

• Water - 1 gallon/person/day. This will be used for drinking as well as basic sanitation needs. Double for children and don't forget the pets.
• Food - Non-perishable (canned, boxed or MRE). If the cans aren't the "pop top" variety, make sure to include a hand operated can opener. You can also pack things like trail mix, cereal bars and other treats. Keep all food in animal-proof, airtight containers to keep critters out. Regularly go through your food rations before an emergency to rotate out the older food before it expires. You don't need to deal with food poisoning on top of an emergency situation.
• First Aid - This includes a couple of pairs of protective gloves, bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, eye wash, thermometer, tweezers, pain reliever (aspirin or non-aspirin varieties), antacids (Tums, Pepto Bismol), tape and a laxative. The stress from the emergency coupled with a change in your regular diet can do a real number on your digestive system.
• Flashlight With Batteries - These are the safer alternative to candles. Too many / homes have caught fire due to candles that have been left to burn on their own. If possible, get a flashlight that you can keep in a wall-mounted charger unit so that you know it is ready to just grab and go at a moment's notice. If not, keep extra batteries in your home emergency kit.
• Sanitation/Hygiene Supplies - Travel-size bottles of shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and other hygiene products will fit nicely inside your emergency kit. Consider using dry shampoo so you don't have to waste precious water resources on cleaning your hair. Include toilet paper, moist towelettes, paper towels, garbage bags, plastic ties and feminine hygiene products (if needed).
• Radio - For major disasters, the radio may be your only link to the world outside your / home. Hand-crank models can be found at army surplus stores. Yet another reason to keep extra batteries in your kit.
• Miscellaneous - Help kids pass the time with some little toys, cards, jacks, story books, etc. Duct tape is good for almost anything. Portable whistles can help you signal for help better than your voice can.
• Cash - Always keep about $100 in small bills available. It may be hard to get to an ATM right away.

If you have small children, keep extra sets of diapers, pull-up pants and formula in your kit. A few days supply of necessary prescription medication is important to include as well. You may want to throw a wrench in there so you can shut off the gas and/or water if necessary. Tailor your emergency kit to fit your family's specific needs. Preparing a home emergency kit before disaster strikes is good common sense for any / homeowner.

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia homes blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/04/05/preparing-a-home-emergency-kit/.