Emergency Supply Kit for Homes

No matter where you live, no one is immune to natural disasters or weather related emergencies. Every home should have a basic emergency supply kit stored in an out of the way place in plastic watertight containers. It should include the things you need to survive for several days if your home loses electricity.

You should store several days of nonperishable food that can be eaten with no preparation, such as canned fruit, granola bars, nuts, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, cookies, and chips. Do not pick anything with a very short shelf life and remember to use your food supplies and restock at least once a year. In addition to a variety of foods you need to store enough water for the entire family for a week. Include at least one gallon per person per day drinking water as well as extra for cooking, washing, personal hygiene, and for pets. You can wash out milk jugs and soda bottles to store the water.

In addition to food and water an emergency supply kit should include a battery powered radio and clock, toilet paper, diapers and baby wipes if applicable, an outdoor extension cord, duct tape, disposable plates, silverware, and cups, garbage bags, and insect repellent and sunscreen in warm areas. You should also include a few books, games and decks of card to pass the time. Do not forget extra batteries for any game or music devices. Remember to use and restock batteries once a year. Except for using and restocking batteries and food once a year, avoid removing items from your emergency supply kit. Anything you remove for convenience sake has a tendency not to be replaced.

You may also wish to include a modest supply of cash and store some extra gas if you have someplace safe to keep it. For some types of disasters that cause long-term electrical outages ATMs, banks, and gas pumps may be inoperable for a week or more. Include a supply of any essential medicines and a well stocked first aid kit.

If you live in a place that has severe winter weather you should include extra supplies to provide warmth. If you have a fire place you'll need waterproof matches and fire starter logs, as well as a source of dry wood. You should have your fire place checked every year before you use it for the first time. All smoke alarms should get new batteries and be tested and a carbon monoxide detector should be installed. If you are going to use a fireplace or kerosene heater you should also have a fire extinguisher handy. Neither of these heat sources should be left unattended.

Every home should have a basic emergency supply kit, so if a natural disaster strikes, you already have the necessary tools to survive for several days until electricity is restored. Include the basics of food and water, but don't forget other essentials like a can opener and toilet paper. Try to imagine what you would need for several days in you had to depend on only what is in your emergency kit.