Wherever you live you are subject to some form of natural or manmade disaster. Whether it is a severe storm such as a hurricane, tornado, blizzard, fire or a terrorist attack it is essential that you are prepared in advance. I often find it a little sad that nearly every time one of these events occurs that thousands of people immediately run to grocery stores and home improvement outlets to start to get ready for the impending disaster rather than being ready in advance. A family survival kit should be always packed and ready for use.

Making a home emergency disaster preparedness kit that you hope never to use may seem like a waste of time and money to many. Think of it as an insurance policy that will always be there if you need it. Without it you can become a victim of the disaster rather than a survivor. The military and FEMA call these kits "grab and go bags" because they are prepositioned and ready available before disaster strikes.

How to make a home emergency preparedness survival kit:

Place all items in an easy to carry container or bag that’s readily accessible. Make sure everyone in the family knows where it is and what it contains. If you need to evacuate your home quickly the essentials you’ll need should be in the kit.

Water:

One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation. Double it if you live in a hot climate or have young children. Bottled water is best but you can also store tap water in food grade containers or two-liter soda bottles that have been sanitized.

Food:

A three day supply of non-perishables food and a can opener. Pack protein, fruit, and vegetables. Include treats like cereal bars, trail mix, and candy bars. Store food in pest proof plastic or metal container and keep it in a cool, dry place.

Lights:

Have adequate flashlights and extra batteries and candles.

First-aid supplies:

Sterile gloves, adhesive bandages, sterile dressings, soap or other cleanser, antibiotic novelettes and burn ointment, eye wash, thermometer, scissors, tweezers, petroleum jelly, aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever.

Sanitation and hygiene supplies:

Moist novelettes in sealed packets, paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, and plastic ties. Also toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant.

Radio:

Keep a portable radio, battery or crank operated radio and extra batteries to remain connected in the event power is lost.

Miscellaneous items:

Duct tape, blankets, dust masks, a signal whistle, reading books and toys for children and a $100 in cash.

Along with the basics like food and water it’s important to have what you need for your particular situation as not every ones needs are the same. Update your emergency preparedness kit regularly by replacing all food and water approaching its expiration date. Replace old batteries.

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