Be Prepared with a Disaster Supply Kit

There have been a few too many smaller earthquakes in the past few months. Of course, this leads to the debate - do small earthquakes alleviate the pressure before a big quake, or do they signal that a big quake is coming?

We don't know when an earthquake will hit, and have very little notice before most other natural disasters. Some of those disasters, especially earthquakes and storms, can lead to a temporary loss of electricity, gas, and water. To prepare your family, we suggest putting together a disaster supply kit. Since you may be unable to run to the store, it’s best to stock up and keep the items below in a safe place at home.

And since natural disasters have been known to occasionally force families to immediately leave home, it’s best to keep your kit together in an easy to grab tote bag, duffel bag, or backpack. I have most of my kit in a large tote bag that is easy to get to and won’t be blocked by falling objects.

In case you need to leave quickly, this kit will help if you are unable to get to an emergency shelter, or the emergency shelter doesn’t have enough supplies.

Here’s what we suggest:

1.  Water! Keep an emergency stash of water, typically a minimum of 3 gallons per person in the household. You can also buy emergency water with a 5 year shelf life from emergency preparedness and camping stores. These waters come in juice box sized boxes and pouches.

2. Non perishable food! Stock up on food with a longer shelf life and no preparation. Peanut butter, granola bars, nuts and canned food will help keep hunger pangs from attacking and provide nutrition. Don’t forget the can opener, or to buy peel off tops. You can also buy emergency food rations with a 5 year shelf life from the same stores where the 5 year shelf life water is available.

3.First Aid Kit: Be sure to check expiration dates on the medicines included.

4. Light: Flashlights work nicely, but glow sticks last for 8-12 hours, and are non flammable. We suggest having both on hand. Emergency power-outage lights are great for providing light and avoiding fumbling around in the dark for a flashlight or your cell phone. Although, let’s face it – don’t most of all sleep right next to our cell phones?

5. Battery operated or crank operated radio: Twitter may not work, but you can count on the radio for emergency alerts.

6. Batteries: For your flashlight and radio, if they are battery operated.

7. Emergency Cash: If you need to run to the store, but the electricity is out, you can usually still pay with cash. Cash should preferably be in smaller bills and coins.

8. A whistle, duct tape, and plastic tarp: You may need to call for help or put together shelter.

9. Hand sanitizer or wipes: In case the water is turned off.

10. Electronic Chargers: Solar or crank up cell phone charger. You can also include extra wall chargers (provided that electricity works).

11. Emergency blankets: These fold up so nicely that they fit in a purse, but will keep your warm. If you have more room, you can add a warm fluffy blanket.

12. Paperwork: Insurance paperwork and contact info; other important personal paperwork. It’s more convenient to put this all on a flash drive, but be careful not to lose it. Alternately, the information can be stored at an outside location, as well.

13. Baby Supplies: If your family is currently raising a baby, include diapers, wipes, infant formula, food and bottles.

14. Pet Supplies: For pets, pack pet food, extra water, and a leash.

15. Miniature Toiletries: Start with the basics such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and hand sanitizer or wipes. Then add based on your family. For instance, female family members may need feminine products.

16. Things to do: Deck of cards, books, paper and pens, coloring books and crayons

17. Bags: Plastic trash bags and storage bags. You may need these for a variety of reasons, including using them as a portable bathroom.

18. Extra Supplies: Plastic forks, knives, and spoons, paper plates, and napkins or paper towels.

*Tip: Make your one of your house phones is a non-electric phone. These will still work if the electricity goes out, so you can reach your loved ones.

It’s impossible to know where we will be when an emergency strikes, so it is also suggested that many of the items above are kept in your car. My whole family has an emergency backpack in their car, filled with boxes of water, granola bars and nuts, batteries, emergency lights, a small emergency blanket, first aid kit, travel sized essential toiletries, and an old pair of tennis shoes.

If you have anything to add to the list, let us know!

Brianna

Tri County Insurance Services