Are You Prepared for an Emergency?

Natural disasters can occur anywhere in the world at any given moment in time. We know from the news that tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods can claim the lives of many and devastate many more in their wake. We cannot prevent natural disasters from occurring, but we can prepare for them by packing an emergency kit. Do you have an emergency kit all packed and ready to go at a moment's notice if you ever receive a warning to evacuate your home? If not, then you can take steps now to prepare yourself and your family in the event of a natural disaster. You do not know how long you will be evacuated, so try to make sure you have an adequate supply of items to see you through at least 5 days.

Basics supplies

-First and foremost, make sure you have a torch (flashlight) with plenty of spare batteries.

-Cell phone

-A portable radio will be useful. Again, make sure you have spare batteries for the radio.

-A well stocked First Aid kit. Bandages, surgical gloves, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, sun screen, poison relief and prescription medication. You never know when you might need to administer basic First Aid on yourself or a relative. So have all you will need in one place. Your First Aid kit should come with basic CPR procedures. Keep these inside the First Aid kit.

-2 clean sets of clothes for each family member

-5 pairs of socks

-5 pairs of underwear for each family member

-Extra shoes

-Raincoat

-Blankets and sleeping bags

-Pillows

-Baby supplies, if there is one in the family

-Soap

Specific supplies

-Extra keys to the house

-Extra cash

-Credit/ debit cards

-Feminine hygiene products

-Baby wipes are great for sanitation purposes as well as for babies

-2 rolls of toilet paper

- Razors and spare razor blades. You still want to be able to look presentable and tidy

-Shaving cream

-Deodrant, body spray

-2 large tubes of toothbrushes/pastes/1 box of dental floss

-Shampoo/conditioner

-Hairbrush

-Contact lenses

-Contact lens solution

-Glasses

-3 pairs of socks per family member

-Dentures

-Gloves, warm coats, scarves. It may become very cold at nighttime, so pack warmly. It is best to be too warm than too cold

-Thermal underwear. These will help you beat off the cold at nighttime

-Address book. You may have family who live far away. If you have their numbers you can call them and assure them that you are safe

-Portable toilet. If you do not have one, pack a makeshift toilet, a bucket and black bags

-Bleach will be needed to help sanitize the portable toilet

-Fresh water and food. I would suggest packing several boxes of MREs (Meals ready to eat). The military make good use of MREs when away from home. They are a great way to sustain you during a natural disaster and come fully packed with everything you will need. You can purchase them at military surplus supply shops. Have jars of water in the fridge at all times. If and when the time comes, you can pick the water up last as you leave the house

-Canned food and a reliable can opener. Check the dates before you put them into your kit

-Other non-perishable food items such as snack bars and crackers

-Pocket sized Bible and related literature

-Crossword puzzles and books

-Passports. Make sure you know where they are located in case you travel abroad though!

Storage of emergency kit and when to evacuate

Store your emergency kit in a waterproof, airtight container. Most importanly, store it somewhere safe where you will be able to access it easily if there is a natural disaster. Be sure to remember where you put it too! Your emergecny kit will not do you much good if you have to hunt around for it at the very last minute. Make sure you heed warnings from officials. If you are told to evacuate, quickly collect your family and emergency kit only. Do not stop to collect any personal items or delay simply because you do not want to leave your house. Homeowner's or rental insurance will cover any losses you may incur. The main thing is to get out quicly. Your life may depend on it, so do not delay.