What is in Your Disaster Emergency Kit?

The 5.6 Magnitude Earthquake that hit Virginia this week makes you really think what would really happen in an actually complete disaster. Who is really prepared in a situation such as the quake the hit near Fukushima, Japan, the hurricane that came to the shores of New Orleans, Louisiana, or the Tsunami that hit Indonesia. Basically are you prepared, and what is in your disaster emergency kit?

An emergency kit is a useful tool when something unexpected occurs. Sometimes it can mean life or death. Start with a checklist to make sure everything is accounted for. Here are some items you should consider to include in your emergency kit.

• Water is essential for life. Generally each person should drink at least 2 quarts of clean water per day. You may need to add 16 drops of chlorine to a gallon of water to treat it. Without water, your blood loses volume and becomes thicker, making it harder for the heart to pump the blood. You mental abilities become impaired as you become dehydrated. You can survive about 3 days without water
• Food helps with energy levels. However you can survive about 3 weeks without water. Basically you want long lasting shelf stable food.
• • Some snack bars are excellent and last a long time
  • Baby formula if needed
  • Can opener to open any canned food
• Shelter provides additional comfort from the weather as you wait for rescue. Some suggestions to include would be
• • Emergency foil blanket to keep your body warm
  • Hand warmers to keep you warm
  • Rain poncho
  • Tarp to keep the rain off of you
• Alert detection is needed so that people can find you. Some items might include
• • "9-1-1" banner so that other know you are in trouble
  • Waterproof flashlight (one that does not need batteries is useful)
  • Light sticks that provide a glow at night
  • Whistle to provide an audible alert, a mirror to shine signals.
  • Reflectors
• In an emergency, medical needs may arise and you should consider these items
• • Gloves for universal precautions
  • Bandages to cover wounds
  • Slings to hold limbs
  • Cold compresses to reduce swelling
  • CPR mask
  • Gauze
  • Rolled bandages
  • Tape
  • Cleansing wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • First aid cream
  • Castile soap
  • Eyedropper
  • Facemask to provide filtration
  • Alcohol to clean and sterilize
  • First aid instructions
• Tools maybe needed to turn off utilities and fix things
• • Wrenches
  • Screwdrivers
  • Pocketknife to cut things
  • Multifunctional tool
• Other item recommendations for your disaster emergency kit can be
• • Batteries to provide electrical power
  • Waterproof/windproof matches to start a fire to cook and provide heat (otherwise rubbing 2 sticks can take a long time)
  • Zip lock bags to hold items
  • Garbage bags
  • Compass to know what direction you are headed
  • Radio to be informed
  • Rope for climbing or strapping
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Extra backpack just to hold stuff
  • Cash
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Baby diapers if needed
  • Items for any pets
  • Change of clothes especially for cold temperatures
  • Footwear
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Plates, cups and utensils for the food and drink
  • Pen, pencil and paper to make notes
  • Games to make the time pass faster
  • Maps
  • Cell Phone with Charger
  • Important Documents in a sealed container
• The following items may seem warranted
• • Emergency backup generator
  • Extra fuel such as gasoline
  • Evacuation chair for those you cannot walk downstairs
  • Portable bicycle for travel
  • Weapons to protect yourself

You never know when you may need your disaster emergency kit, so planning accordingly and preparing is the best way to survive a disaster. So please create a disaster emergency kit and stock it with all the items you think necessary. Also check it at least once a year to review expiration dates and everything is in the kit. Hopefully you may never need to use it. Keep your family safe! Be ready!