Most of us have health and homeowners insurance to protect us from unforeseen disaster, but sadly few people have compiled the proper supplies for an emergency kit. A natural disaster, such as an earthquake, can strike at any time, and it is best to be as prepared as possible.
Humans can go for several days without food, but water is an absolute necessity, so this should be a big priority when creating an emergency kit. Although, most people do not drink a gallon of liquid each day, it is wise to store that much for each person in your household. Most experts advise having at least a three-day supply of emergency water on hand. So a family of four would need to store at least 12 gallons of clean, safe drinking water. Be sure to replace the water once it reaches its expiration date.
Food is also important, and you need to choose items that are shelf-stable and do not require cooking. Canned meats and canned fruits are good choices, as are crackers, peanut butter, dry cereal and powdered milk. Try to choose items that are low in salt, as excess salt will make you thirsty. Dried fruits and roasted, unsalted nuts are other good energy sources. If you do have a portable stove or some way to cook, you also can keep items such as canned stew or soup on hand. Also, don't forget to pack a can opener with your emergency foods.
Putting together a first-aid kit is another important part of being prepared for an emergency. You can buy a pre-made kit with all the necessary supplies or make your own. If you opt for a do-it-yourself kit, be sure to include all the necessary bandages and antiseptics, as well as emergency blankets, pain relievers and medicines to combat allergies or upset stomachs. Also, consider making a kit for your car as well as your home.
There are plenty of other supplies to consider adding to your kit. Most important are sources of light and power. Emergency LED flashlights and LED lanterns and plenty of extra batteries should be stored. Batteries do expire, so be sure to change them out. A hand-cranked flashlight that requires no batteries is also a great idea, as is a hand-cranked radio. Other important items might include battery or solar-powered cell phone chargers. There are special hand-cranked flashlights out there that also include radios and cell phone charger adapters so you can power up without batteries or electricity.
It is not a bad idea to simply purchase a pre-made emergency kit, such as the kits sold at LightGod.com. These include a variety of important emergency items, and save you the time of shopping and putting together a kit. You also should invest in a good multi-tool and pick one that includes a knife, screwdrivers, and a can and bottle opener. There are multi-tools that include a flashlight, as well, so consider that as an option.
While not technically essential, it is a good idea to pack some items that will help to pass the time without electricity. Travel games and card games can be fun, and it might be good to also pack paper, pencils, pens and crayons to keep people busy.
Humans can go for several days without food, but water is an absolute necessity, so this should be a big priority when creating an emergency kit. Although, most people do not drink a gallon of liquid each day, it is wise to store that much for each person in your household. Most experts advise having at least a three-day supply of emergency water on hand. So a family of four would need to store at least 12 gallons of clean, safe drinking water. Be sure to replace the water once it reaches its expiration date.
Food is also important, and you need to choose items that are shelf-stable and do not require cooking. Canned meats and canned fruits are good choices, as are crackers, peanut butter, dry cereal and powdered milk. Try to choose items that are low in salt, as excess salt will make you thirsty. Dried fruits and roasted, unsalted nuts are other good energy sources. If you do have a portable stove or some way to cook, you also can keep items such as canned stew or soup on hand. Also, don't forget to pack a can opener with your emergency foods.
Putting together a first-aid kit is another important part of being prepared for an emergency. You can buy a pre-made kit with all the necessary supplies or make your own. If you opt for a do-it-yourself kit, be sure to include all the necessary bandages and antiseptics, as well as emergency blankets, pain relievers and medicines to combat allergies or upset stomachs. Also, consider making a kit for your car as well as your home.
There are plenty of other supplies to consider adding to your kit. Most important are sources of light and power. Emergency LED flashlights and LED lanterns and plenty of extra batteries should be stored. Batteries do expire, so be sure to change them out. A hand-cranked flashlight that requires no batteries is also a great idea, as is a hand-cranked radio. Other important items might include battery or solar-powered cell phone chargers. There are special hand-cranked flashlights out there that also include radios and cell phone charger adapters so you can power up without batteries or electricity.
It is not a bad idea to simply purchase a pre-made emergency kit, such as the kits sold at LightGod.com. These include a variety of important emergency items, and save you the time of shopping and putting together a kit. You also should invest in a good multi-tool and pick one that includes a knife, screwdrivers, and a can and bottle opener. There are multi-tools that include a flashlight, as well, so consider that as an option.
While not technically essential, it is a good idea to pack some items that will help to pass the time without electricity. Travel games and card games can be fun, and it might be good to also pack paper, pencils, pens and crayons to keep people busy.
About the Author:
Katelynn Mochizuki enjoys blogging and planning events. For more information about light up products like a battery tiki torch, or to learn more about other products like blinking lapel pins, please visit the LightGod website now.
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