DIY: Survival Kit for Natural Disaster and Emergencies

A natural disaster, such as an earthquake in Haiti, hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, tornado, fires, flood, or snow storm severely disrupts our normal way of living. As evidenced by Hurricane Katrina and the recent Haiti earthquake, it can take a while for emergency responders to be activated and reach everyone.

When thinking about what to pack in your Emergency Kit, think about what we saw on the news - people stuck on their roves, in their attics with no way out, -people stuck under rubble, with no way to remove it, -amputations, dehydration and disease. While we cannot protect ourselves from mother nature's wrath, we can plan to be ready when she knocks on our door.

Here is a list of ideas to put in your Emergency Kit.

Looking back to what we have witnessed in recent times, think about your location, your personal situation, and modify this list for your specific needs. Also, be cautious and try not to put all your eggs in one basket, meaning you may want to stash a few kits around the house, the car, the yard, the garage - depending upon the natural disaster circumstances and potential risks, and your own circumstances.

FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, recommends ensuring supplies for at least three days, with the caveat to be aware that public services such as water, electricity, sewage and emergency medical aid may not be forthcoming for days or even weeks. My personal recommendation is to be prepared for at least a week.

Disaster Relief - Food: Pack ready to eat canned meat, vegetables, fruits, high energy bars, peanut butter, crackers, instant coffee and/or instant milk. If you have a gas grill, get an extra gas tank and make sure to include a non electric can opener.

Disaster Relief -Water: Dehydration can lead to other medical problems so make sure you have ample bottled water for drinking, cleaning and medical care.

Disaster Relief - Communications: Having a gasoline powered generator, a laptop and a cell phone (with power cables) can keep you connected via satellite when even telephone lines and normal electricity is out. Add a battery powered radio, extra batteries, a flare and a whistle.

Disaster Relief - Medical Supplies: Include antiseptic, a knife, bandages, a sewing kit, and any other necessary medications needed on a daily basis, to survive.

Disaster Relief - Safety: Include an axe, a hydraulic jack, dry matches, flashlights, duct tape, and a wrench to turn off water and gas services. Protection from the elements should include a tent, or tarps to protect from the harsh cold or hot sun, sun tan lotion, and sleeping bags or blankets. Some are opposed to owning a weapon, and for good reasons, however, when it comes to the survival of the fittest, it may be appropriate to consider planning to pack a weapon as well.

Cold weather, no power hints:

Pitching a tent in the living room, and camping out in sleeping bags, is one way to stay warmer when the electricity is out, and it also makes it fun for kids. Candles should be used cautiously with children and animals around. Never use a grill inside your home, but you can use a fireplace for cooking, warming canned food, and defrosting the dog's bowl. Whip up some popcorn, hot chocolate and a flashlight, and read to each other, having a content on who can be the best "story teller".

General Disaster Relief: Have cash, a map of the area, information on insurance policies, family member's information, and phone numbers available. Talk to your spouse and kids about your emergency plan, and the expectations as to what should occur if family members are away from the home, if evacuation is necessary. Network with neighbors and the community to make sure the town has a place for folks to go when they cannot go it alone. And don't forget to pack for pets.

Stores like Cabella's, and Dick's Sporting Goods also have a plethora of camping supplies that would be useful in most natural disaster situations, if you have the financial means.

Sources:

FEMA.gov
Personal experience