Winter Emergency Kits for the Home and Auto

Autumn is upon us and that means winter is fast approaching. To keep our families safe is of course always our number one priority. In that, are you prepared if the power goes out or if disaster strikes? Do you have emergency kits set aside in your home to use or grab quickly if needed? Does your auto have a kit inside if you should get stranded without gas or in a storm? Following are three types of emergency kits that I will elaborate on to give you an idea on how to make your own for your family.

Emergency Kit for the Home. In my home we have two emergency kits that are in oversized heavy plastic containers. The first one contains items that may be needed and the second contains food. We keep a few gallons of water on the top of the kits that we rotate out each month. Make sure that your important documents and some extra money are kept in a fire-safe box in the house that you would easily be able to grab quickly if you need to evacuate. So to start, this is an idea of what your first kit should contain:

First Aid Kit

Large flashlight or flashlight radio combo (check those batteries)

Waterproof matches

Candles (the long lasting ones are a little more expensive though worth it)

Pot or pan (to cook on if needed)

Paper plate, plastic cups and utensils

Cutting knife

Can opener

Aluminum foil (to store and cook food or use as a reflector)

Disposable camera

Cell phone (a cheap phone with a prepaid card can be handy, just remember to check the

battery every couple weeks and turn it on so the card doesn't expire)

A change of clothes for each person in the family including hat, gloves/mittens, socks,

sweater, heavy pants, jacket, and boots.

Sanitary needs (feminine products for women, diapers for infants or elderly family, they

can also be used as a large bandage if needed)

Toilet paper and baby wipes

Hand sanitizer

Travel toothpaste, toothbrushes and hair comb

Garbage bags

Specific medicines/prescriptions/vitamins

Pencil and paper (to write down your actions and what each family member consumes)

Games (travel size games and a deck of cards fit perfectly)

Second kit:

Non-perishable food items like protein bars, canned foods (fruits, vegetables, meats,) hard candy, individual serving snacks (a pack of tuna fish with some crackers for example,) individual meal packs (army surplus and outdoor stores carry these,) jerky, water purifying tablets, individual condiment packages (like ketchup and mayo,) and baby formula and food (if needed.) The two most important things to remember are to rotate your food out every month or so to make sure dates are still safe and to have foods that your family enjoys. It does no good to have a can of spicy beef jerky if no one in your family will touch it. If your kids all love chicken though, a can of shredded chicken mixed with an individual mayonnaise pouch would be a lot more useful. While one family member may be able to enjoy a hearty can of chili another member with a nervous or upset stomach may benefit more from some dried fruit. Have a little something in there with sugar too for quick energy and a bit of comfort. Remember food for your pets too.

Emergency Kit for the Auto. I find that a large clear zipper bag (the type that blankets come in) work perfectly for kits in the auto. Along with the kit, make sure you have a good pair of tire chains and your spare tire is good with enough air. Again, make sure to rotate out your food, water and batteries for safety. Please make sure to follow winter safety rules like driving cautiously, never go below a half a tank of gas, use your seatbelts and children's car seats, and even take a winter driving course. You may learn something new. (Some things are duplicated from above.)

First Aid Kit

Large flashlight or flashlight radio combo (check those batteries)

Waterproof matches

Florescent tape (to tie off pieces along a path you follow if you should get out of the car)

Non-perishable snacks and at least one large bottle of water for each family member

Extra clothing (socks, hat, gloves/mittens, and boots for each family member)

Sanitary needs (pads and diapers)

Toilet paper and baby wipes

Warm blanket

Cell phone (a cheap phone with a prepaid card can be handy, just remember to check the

battery every couple weeks and turn it on so the card doesn't expire)

Map of your area (or area you are traveling to)

A pair of sunglasses

Umbrella and ponchos

Reflective heating blanket (very inexpensive and again check the outdoor stores)

Shovel (sturdy enough to chop ice or pick up wet snow)

Cat litter or sand bag (to sprinkle on the ground for traction on ice)

Cardboard pieces (again to use as traction to help get your car unstuck)

Jumper cables

Tire patch kit and tire changing tools

These lists may seem large, but once you start packing your kits up, you may be surprised at how much fits into your containers. While I am not an expert in this area and cannot be held responsible for what is in your kits, these lists are an example of what could be in your kits to help you out. Please tailor your own to your family's needs and the type of area you live in. Please keep all items safely stored and away from small children and pets.