When disaster strikes, many things that people take for granted, such as food and water, may not be there. It can take emergency workers hours or even days to reach everyone. Having a well-stocked emergency kit in your home is essential. Every survival kit should contain a few specific items.
Water: There should be at least one gallon of drinking quality water per person in the kit to be used for drinking and sanitation. Estimate enough to last for at least three days.
Food: You need a three-day supply of non-perishable food. When selecting foods, consider their nutritional value and their protein content first and taste second. Plan enough food for the number of people in the home for three meals a day. Also, consider preparation. There may not be any power, and you should use water conservatively.
Radio: Find a radio that is hand cranked or battery operated. In an emergency, there may not be any electricity to power other kinds of radios. A NOAA weather radio can be useful in weather emergencies. There are combination radios on the market that provide weather radio functions, emergency services tone alerts and regular radio functions. Be sure to have extra batteries on hand for battery-operated radios.
First aid kit: A basic first aid kit can be helpful if someone becomes injured during the emergency or after. The kit should include sterile gloves, sterile dressing, cleaning agents, antibiotic ointment, bandages, scissors, tweezers and eyewash at a minimum. You may also want to consider burn ointment, a thermometer and a supply of prescription medication that you take on a regular basis. Asthma, heart and diabetic medications are especially important. Remember to rotate the medication occasionally due to expiration dates.
Flashlight or lantern: Smaller flashlights use less battery power, but are not suitable for lighting a larger area. Consider larger flashlight or lanterns that run on batteries or camping fuel. Have extra batteries and fuel on hand.
Personal sanitation items: These include plastic ties, trash bags, toilet tissue and moist towelettes. Keeping clean is not just about comfort; spreading germs can make everyone sick. Consider feminine hygiene products as well.
Whistle or air horn: Some emergency situations may require you to signal for help to be found. An air horn is loud, but it does not run out. A whistle works for as long as you need it to.
Shelter supplies: Plastic sheeting and duct tape take up very little room and can help to construct shelter in emergencies. A dust mask can help filter contaminated air.
Small tool kit: A hammer and wrench or pliers are useful in an emergency. You may find that you need to turn off utilities such as water and gas for your personal safety.
Local maps: Most people drive to go shopping or to the hospital and rarely think about finding places on foot. In an emergency, it may be necessary to find the shortest walking route to help.
Can opener: If you have canned food in your kit, you will need this to open the cans.
Cell phone: This can be your lifeline in an emergency. Be sure to include a charger in the kit. There are inverters and solar chargers that you can purchase that can charge the phone in the case of no electricity.