What Is an Emergency Kit?
A good emergency kit includes key items that may prove helpful or even lifesaving in the event of an emergency. From sustenance when food sources are depleted to medical supplies to dress wounds, a well-stocked kit can keep you safe until help arrives. Keeping supplies on hand in case of an accident may sound like common sense. But to many Americans, preparedness isn't even on the radar.
Building an Emergency Kit
So, if an emergency kit is so important, what goes into it?
In general, consider including in your emergency kit five different categories of materials: life essentials, medical supplies, food, tools, and documents.
- Essentials: Whether a windstorm takes out power to your home or a hurricane brings flood waters, an emergency kit should always have the basics you need to survive. This includes clean water for at least three days, non-perishable food items that do not require heat to prepare, drinking water tablets, warm clothing, and emergency blankets.
- Medical Supplies: Your emergency kit should be adequately stocked with basic medical supplies, including a first aid kit, prescription medications, eyeglasses or contacts, bleach, and hygiene supplies (such as shampoo and deodorant).
- Tools: Should you be left to fend for yourself, you'll want a kit prepped with as many tools as possible. Such as a standard tool kit, flashlights, batteries, candles, matches or lighters, clock or watch, multifunctional knives, a battery powered radio, trash bags, heavy gloves, a spare disposable cell phone, and duct tape.
- Documents: You never know when you may have to prove your identity. In your emergency kit, include copies of birth certificates or passports, important phone numbers, money, copies of insurance policies and a map of your area.
Emergency Kit Storage
An emergency kit at home won't do you much good while you're at work, and your work kit probably can't help if you're stranded in your car. In order to keep yourself covered, make sure you have access to emergency supplies no matter where you are.