Make A Home Emergency Preparedness Kit

Spring is finally here (although our weather in the Midwest has been somewhat unusual—30 degrees one day and the next day 92 degrees!) Along with the beautiful foliage and the colorful carpet of flowers we also get to experience sudden storms.  Some storms pass rather quickly while other are a bit more ominous with hard rains and lots of thunder and lightening.  On occasion we get a downpour causing flooding.  

Here is a great article that everyone should read and then take the necessary action required to put all of the supplies and materials together.  It would also be a great idea to have a family meeting and discuss what to do in case of severe weather.  To whole idea and is to remain calm and move quickly to a place of safety.  In addition to a family pow wow it would also be a great idea to do a practice run.  Then when your all done go out and have some pizza and family time!  Stay safe, Linda

By: Wendy Paris
Published: October 26, 2010

Make a home emergency preparedness kit with all the essential supplies to aid you in case a disaster strikes your area.

Putting together a home emergency preparedness kit you hope never to use may seem like a waste of time and money. But when disasters happen that are beyond your control, you can take charge of how you respond.

Items for an emergency preparedness kit

Store all items in an easy-to-carry bag or suitcase that’s readily accessible. Make sure everyone in the family knows where it is and what it contains. If you need to evacuate your home quickly, here are the essentials you’ll need for a basic “grab and go” kit:

•    Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation; double if you live in a very hot climate, have young kids, or are nursing. Bottled water is best, but you can also store tap water in food-grade containers or two-liter soda bottles that have been sanitized. Factor in your pet’s water needs, too.

•    Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishables and a can opener. Pack protein, fruit, and vegetables, but make sure they’re in a form you actually like—it’s bad enough not to have access to fresh food without also having to subsist on nothing but canned tuna. Include treats like cereal bars, trail mix, and candy bars. Store food in pest-proof plastic or metal tubs and keep it in a cool, dry place.

•    Flashlights and extra batteries: Candles are not recommended because there are many house fires caused by candles left unattended.

•    First-aid supplies: Two pairs of sterile gloves, adhesive bandages and sterile dressings, soap or other cleanser, antibiotic towelettes and ointment, burn ointment, eye wash, thermometer, scissors, tweezers, petroleum jelly, aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, and stomach analgesics such as Tums or Pepto-Bismol, and a laxative.

•    Sanitation and hygiene supplies: Moist towelettes in sealed packets, paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, and plastic ties. You might also want travel-size shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrush, and deodorant.

•    Radio or TV: Keep a portable, battery- or crank-operated radio or television and extra batteries to remain connected in case the power goes out, as well as an extra cell phone charger. Search for emergency radios online.

•    Helpful extras: Duct tape, dust masks, a signal whistle, toys for kids.

•    Cash: Have at least $100 in your kit.

Tailor a emergency preparedness kit to your needs

Along with the basics like food and water, it’s important to have what you need for your particular situation. You may not need extra blankets in southern California, but you do need escape ladders in case of wildfire. And you’ll want extra blankets to survive a winter power outage in Maine.

Update your emergency preparedness kit regularly

Replace all food and water approaching its expiration date. Replace batteries. You might pick a specific time each year to check, such as before hurricane season in the south or after Thanksgiving if you live in the north.
Buy a pre-made kit

As an alternative to making your own kit, you can buy a stocked kit from the American Red Cross ($50-$100).


Reprinted from House Logic with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.  Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.


This is a great article and I strongly suggest that everyone take advantage of the important information it contains. I would also like to add a few things for you to consider as well.  If you or any member of your household is on prescription medication, it would be a good idea to include them in your emergency kit just in case you need to vacate to a safer environment.

I also recommend that you look into local, available shelters in case of an emergency evacuation.  You could be evacuated from your neighborhood or you could be evacuated from your city or town.  Take the time and make some phone calls and research online what is near you and how long it will take you get there.  In the Midwest we seldom deal with wild fires or earthquakes, however, since this article will reach people all over the country, then it just seems fitting that I include everything that can help you and your family stay safe in times of peril.  

Be sure to include magazines, books, playing cards, or small games to keep you entertained.  While cell phones and tablets have access to many of these, you won't want to waste precious battery time playing on those devices.  Thinking ahead will keep you safe, sane, and secure!

And when you are looking to buy or sell property think of Linda Kemp!  Contact me for information that will help you make the best decision for your family.  Search properties here for the latest, active homes on the market.  As always, it is my pleasure to serve you and this great community!