Your Emergency Kit May Save a Life

None of us want to think about some terrible catastrophe happening, that might make our daily lives a nightmare of trying to survive. We see in the news and on TV how life changes for millions of people around the world in mere seconds, forcing them to try to pull together whatever resources they can,that in most cases are all but non existent in disasters. Counting on local officials or even the government to take care of you and your family might be a fatal mistake. You must be able to provide for yourself and your family for at least three days or longer in an emergency.

When a disaster happens none of us are really prepared. Most of us carry on as though nothing bad will happen to us or anyone that we know. We do know though that we can't control nature. No matter where you live, or in what part of the country, or even what country you live in, bad things happen. There are earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, severe storms, mud-slides, and wild fires that can happen in an instant and will place us in a situation of counting on ourselves for our life or possibly our death. We have all seen on TV, the horrifing images of people trying to survive after a disaster. Here are a few ideas and suggestions that might help you put together an emergency kit that will help you or your loved ones survive when and if the occasion arises.

The first thing that you will need is some kind of mostly water-proof container. Something that closes tightly and is big enough to hold all of your supplies together and in a convenient location. A regular plastic trash can with a tight fitting lid is one item that will work quite well. The trash can will also offer some secondary protection for your supplies and will help them survive possible crushing. If you don't have room for a container that big to be stored in your home or inside your garage near the door, you might think about using two large trash bags doubled up with a way to tie them tightly. This will prevent your items from getting damp while keeping them together. The trash bags may also be used for many other purposes, such as protection from the elements, waste disposal (actually doubling as a toilet), or taped together it could make a shelter of a kind or might make a water-proof liner to sleep upon. The other thing that you will find indispensable is duct tape. It will help you tape together practically anything and is fairly water-proof. The next thing to do is to find someplace to store your emergency kit. It needs to be in a place where it will be easily available if you must leave your home in a hurry. Under a stairwell will add additional protection for your supplies. You might also place it in a corner or a closet near an outside door to your house or apartment.

It is also a good idea while preparing your emergency kit to make another one up to place in the trunk of your car. Most of us spend as much time away from our homes as we do in them, if not more. The kit for your trunk should be much smaller, but can be every bit as important. A backpack or heavy duty trash bag might be ideal.

Foods that will be necessary.
1. You will need one gallon of water per person per day. This quantity needs to be more if living in a hot or tropical area. If you need water and have none available you might use melting ice-cubes left in refrigerators,or water that is in your toilet tank. In a dire emergency you might also use the water that is stored in your hot water heater if that source is available to you. Use sealed plastic containers to store the water.
2. You must have formula, (powdered works well) or protein or nutritional drinks for the very young, elderly or the infirm.
3. High protein foods, such as tuna, peanut butter, canned meats such as summer sausages or Spam, etc. Many of these items now come in air tight, flexible packages instead of cans. Milk whether powdered or in boxes is also a great choice. Protein is important for energy and to keep the body in good repair.
4. Crackers are great too, as they have a really long shelf life if kept sealed.
5. Dried fruits, energy bars and graham crackers are also beneficial.
6. Prepared soups or meals in a can or in a soft packet are also wonderful and will be filling and nutritious.
7. Last of all, you might want to just add any snacks that would make your family feel comfortable, (comfort foods-cookies, candy etc.) as long as they are non perishable and sealed tightly.
8. A can opener and a small pan or skillet.
9. Foil is also an invaluable item because you can use it to cook with or wrap lots of things up.
10. Food for pets. A leash or rope may also be appreciated to keep a terrified animal from running away.
11. A small portable grill and extra fuel (whether butane or charcoal,) make sure that the fuel is stored safely and in waterproff bags or containers.

Other things that might help you survive:
1. Matches in a water-proof, sealed, container.
2. A strong flashlight with extra batteries.
3. An Am/Fm radio with a power crank or extra batteries.
4. Paper and pen along with emergency numbers.
5. Copies of important documents, (such as birth certificates, driver's licenses, insurance policies, etc.) sealed in zip locked water proof bags.
6. Some cash and your bank card numbers, sealed along with your important papers).
7. A whistle, to attract attention if you need to.
8. Some tools, like a turn off wrench (for your gas line). A knife or a pair of scissors.
9. A change of clothes for each person. Make sure that these are clothes that can be layered for warmth if necessary. A jacket or warm sweater and gloves.
10. A sturdy pair of shoes with good soles that are comfortable to walk in. (You may need to do some walking.)

More Necessary Items.
1. A three day supply of all necessary prescription meds in a water proof container. Rotate and use to prevent decomposition and effectiveness.
2.Pain relief meds. such as Acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
3.Hand sanitizer. These are great and will help you conserve water.
4. Disinfectant liquid, wipes or spray.
5. Paper plates, cups, utensils and toilet paper or tissues. Tongs for cooking might be helpful.
6. Chlorine bleach. This is great for cleaning and can clean water to make it safe enough to drink. Three drops per quart is recommended.
7. Disposable rubber gloves.
8. Space blankets that reflect your body heat are small and effective. You can buy them in most sporting good stores or areas of department stores.
9. Disposable diapers for children or adults if needed and sanitary products for women.

Health and injury aides.
1. Band-aides.
2. Gauze pads "2x2s, and 4x4s are great along with some medical tape.
3. Tweezers and a pair of bandage or small scissors.
4. Antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin.
5. Peroxide and some alcohol wipes.
7. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
8. A box of baking soda. This can work for digestive ailments and insect bites or stings.
9. Steri-strips. These are small narrow strips of tape that are sterile and made to hold the edges of a wound together until they can be evaluated by a physician.
10. A prearranged place where all family members or friends know to meet if separated. A phone number that is outside of your local area for all family members to call and check in with so that their safety and location are known.

This may sound like a lot of stuff and a lot of work to gather it all up but it is a small price to pay to save your life or the life of someone that you love. remember that the unthinkable does sometimes happen and we need to all be prepared to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. You may be the only one that can.