How to Prepare a Disaster Kit

A natural disaster can happen at any time in any place. Some areas are more in danger of an earthquake than a hurricane, but whatever the threat is, there usually is one. Keeping a Disaster Kit is a way to assure yourself that you will be provided for in case of an emergency.

It is a good idea to have two Disaster Kits instead of just one. Keep one in your car in case a disaster strikes while you are away from your home and another (supplementary) in your house. The kit for the road should include enough supplies for 2-3 days, and the kit for the house should include enough supplies for 5-7 days.

For the car, it is a good idea to keep your disaster relief items in a backpack because you might have to walk carrying the bag. This would require a rather large backpack because you will need to store at least two gallons of water in it. Get the kind of backpack that you would use for a long hike. LL Bean has very sturdy equipment for this. You not be able to count on water from your tap, and water can be contaminated, so you need to store enough water for drinking, and additional water for cooking if you have a camp stove.

Be prepared to dress in layers that will allow you to add or remove clothing depending on the weather. Having long and short sleeve shirts, a pair of shorts, a pair of jeans, good walking shoes and socks, and a wind-breaker rain jacket will allow you to dress according to the demands of the weather at the time. You should also have other items can be added during summer or winter weather and according to the season and type of potential disaster in your area, such as thermal underwear, sleeveless shirts. It is a good idea to update your Disaster Kit once a month depending on the kind of climate in your area. If it is cold from Labor Day to Easter, then you probably don't need to adjust except at the change of the seasons.

You need non-perishable items that are easy to eat, such as protein or energy bars, and canned snack-sized fruit. You also need a gallon of water per day. A sleeping bag and tent will provide shelter in case you don't have any indoor type of shelter. It is crucial that you pack some money for both kits.

A flashlight and a battery powered radio are required for safety purposes. Self powered lights and radios as well as glow sticks can be more useful so it is a good idea to have both kinds in case something goes wrong with one. Only use candles if there is no possibility of gas leaks. Always place candles where they can be watched so that they do not cause a fire. Consider a radio as well; some radios use solar panels for power.

For the house kit, pack additional food and water and know what important items you want to take with you if you need to evacuate. Keep important papers in a waterproof/ fireproof lockbox where you grab the box and go in case of an emergency.

Place the kit in an interior closet, basement if you're in an area that could have a tornado, and on a higher level if you are concerned about flooding or earthquakes.

Last but not least, don't forget your pets! Have enough food and water for them. Be sure to include, a package of food, water, a portable carrying cage, and anything else your pet would need in a safe, accessible place.