The Tips and Tools To Create A Disaster Kit
Not everyone thinks of making a disaster kit, but believe me, as soon as you feel you do not need one, it is precisely the moment you find out you do!
In keeping with the theme of organizing and having everything you need in easy-to-find places, a disaster kit is essential for protecting your home and family in an emergency.
When living in San Diego, our family never had to evacuate due to fires, but we were close to it several times, having loaded the car in case we were asked to leave. But, while living in San Diego and then in Guam, we went through several earthquakes, which fortunately were not severe, but you get what I mean.
Whether you live in an emergency-prone area like California, on the coast (hurricanes and floods), or on a tornado corridor, you should have at least your important documents, valuables, and a small survival kit ready to go.
How To Create A Disaster Kit
Here are the items you should include in your disaster kit:
- 3 day’s worth of water, which equals one gallon for each person for each day. (3 day’s worth of non-perishable food (and a can opener)
- Pet food for any pets, plus extra water for them
- A radio or TV, don’t forget extra batteries
- Flashlight with extra batteries. You may want to consider a crank style that does not require batteries.
- A basic First aid kit. Also, include a week’s worth of medications any family member needs daily.
- Personal hygiene items include but are not limited to, baby wipes, diapers, toilet paper
- Matches that are stored in a waterproof container
- Cash
- Photocopies of identification for each family member in the home
- Your Important Documents Kit that you created on Day 19 should be handy
- Essential camping gear, if you are required to evacuate your home
- One of each of the special items that family members need for medical reasons
- An extra set of clothes and shoes for everyone
- Blankets, coats, and additional cold-weather items
A great time to acquire these items is during end-of-season clear-out sales. Add to your disaster kit when you can throughout the year.
Hopefully, you will never need to use your kit, but if you do, you and your family will be very thankful that you took the time to put it all together.
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