Working moms are always short on time. Our lists make things a little easier -- just print and you're good to go! According to the Red Cross, the best way to make sure your family and home are safe is to be prepared before an emergency occurs.
Here is a synopsis of what they recommend you have on hand for a three-day emergency situation -- one where you are stranded in your own home with no transportation or utilities. For a more detailed list of what to keep in your kit, or for more information on how to store your kit or what else you can do to be prepared, go to the Red Cross's "Prepare at Home" page; also, be sure to read up on what people who have actually lived through disaster situations (like Hurricane Katrina) do to stay prepared, and take a moment to check out the suggestions at Ready.gov.
Food and Water:
- One gallon of water per person
- Water purification tablets or plain bleach
- Protein bars
- Canned meats and fish
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Instant Soup packets or boullion cubes
- Dry cereal
- Crackers
- Peanut butter
- Canned juice or juice boxes
- Baby formula
- Bottles and sippy cups
- Non-electric can opener
- Non-electric bottle opener (for puncturing juice cans)
Bedding and Clothing:
- Complete change of seasonally appropriate clothing, including socks, sturdy shoes or work boots, and underwear for each person
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
- Prescription glasses
- Waterproof poncho
- Waterproof tablecloth (to use as tarp or floor covering)
- Light blanket
- Sleeping bag or heavy blanket
- Inflatable pillow
- Towels
- Work gloves
Sanitation and Medication
- First Aid Kit with gauze, bandages, tweezers, medical tape, and alcohol pads
- Anti-bacterial ointment
- Saline solution (for washing dust out of eyes)
- Toilet Paper
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Hand Sanitizer
- Dish Soap
- Prescription medication (and copies of prescriptions)
- Over-the-counter medications
- Anti-diarrheal pills
- Antacid tablets
- Sanitary pads (good for covering wounds as well)
- Activated charcoal
Equipment:
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Glow sticks
- Long-burning candles
- Waterproof matches
- Hand/body warmers or "heat patches"
- Sterno (fuel for camp stove)
- Camp stove
- Metal cooking pot
- Mess kit (reusable dishes, cups, utensils)
- Hand crank radio
- Pens
- Pencils
- Paper
- Pocket knife or "Leatherman" multipurpose tool
- Pliers
- Small fire extinguisher
- Rope (50 feet long)
- Plastic garbage bags
- Duct tape
- Aluminum foil
- Zip-top storage bags
- Compass
- Whistle
- Deck of cards, small games, books
Documentation and money (place in waterproof container)
- Cash
- Emergency credit card
- Emergency debit card
- Local map (to find shelters)
- General road map (for possible evacuation)
- Copy of Emergency Evacuation plan
- Immunication records
- Medical and Dental records
- Major financial records (deeds, titles)
- Notarized copies of birth certificate
- Notarized copy of marriage certificate
- Photocopy of passport
- List of important phone numbers and emergency contacts, both in and out of state
- Copy of bank and mortgage account numbers and contact info
- Copy of insurance policies (homeowners, auto, life, health) and contact info
- Copy of investment account numbers and contact info
- Copy of serial numbers for needed medical devices and manufacturer's contact info
1 comment so far...
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Richey on 9th May 2011