Ten Most Important Items For Your Emergency Kit

Emergencies can (and will) happen at any time, in any place and for many reasons. You can be prepared for the most common emergencies by investing the time, energy and money in assembling a stock of emergency supplies.

A basic emergency supply kit should be assembled and ready to use either for emergencies that find you stranded at home or for emergencies that require you to evacuate your home so everything you need should be in one container, ready to pick up and take with you if required. The best form for that container is a large tote bag but the actual kit will conform to your preference not to a standard.

There may be many things in an emergency supply kit that are more convenience or comfort items than they are necessities, and that's completely appropriate because an emergency can take a psychological toll as well as a physical one — excess stress can make the emergency seem worse than it is. Here, however we will concentrate on the ten most essential items, or more precisely, categories of items for you emergency supply kit.

First Aid. A complete first aid kit and a good first aid guide are essential for the obvious reasons. If someone is hurt you want to be able to do the best possible job relieving the pain or danger because professional medical assistance, depending on the situation, may be days away. The essential items in a first aid kit are assorted bandages, antiseptics, over-the-counter pain relievers, instant cold packs and a thermometer. An emetic like syrup of ipecac may be a good idea in a home with children but it is very important not to use an emetic unless you have the sure knowledge of when it will help and when it might be dangerous to use. Medications. Extra prescription medications that are normally used by anyone in your household and extra glasses for those who might require them.

Water. People can go for days without food but water is essential. You should have three gallons of water stored for each person in the home to get through a 72-hour emergency. Half of the water is for consumption and he other half is for sanitary purposes and food preparation.

Food. If you purchase MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) you can easily store a three days supply of food for your whole family in a small space. Having other foods: prepared canned foods, dried fruits and beef jerky would be a nice break from MREs and having food that can be cooked or warmed on a Sterno stove would be even more satisfying but food is, of course, one of your ten essentials. Don't forget to include a can opener if your cans are not the e-z open type. Also include fruit juices, vegetable juices, powdered milk, Ovaltine, instant coffee, tea bags or any favorite drink that stores well and does not require refrigeration..

Utensils. You'll need paper plates, plastic utensils, an assortment of small pots for warming up food or water, some cooking utensils and some cups, plastic, Styrofoam or metal.

Clothing. Warm clothing or protective clothing, depending on the weather conditions may be essential to keep everyone healthy. Heavy shoes and boots are also, in many situations, must-have items.

Thermal blankets. Emergency Thermal Blankets are very thin, very strong, take up only a small space, are usually waterproof and are fairly inexpensive. They are good to keep warm in cold weather and to deflect heat in the summer. They can also be used as ground cloths.

Emergency lighting. If the power goes out you'll need flashlights or lanterns or at least candles handy. They all require something else so be sure to have fresh batteries, extra fuel if you are using camping lanterns and matches. Keep your matches in a water-tight case.

Communications. A battery powered radio to get news of the emergency situation. Radios are also available that can be hand-cranked for a few minutes to give you a full hour of power.

Carryalls. You will need something to hold all your emergency supplies, something that is conducive to a "grab and go" situation such as a mandatory evacuation. Nylon tote bags (assuming everything will fit in one bag) are perfect. You can also use a large plastic watertight container with handles.

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