Whether you are a doomsday prepper or someone who likes to be organized and prepared as much as possible for emergencies, you can use this checklist to help you achieve your emergency preparedness goals.
NON-FOOD/BEVERAGE ITEMS:
____Water containers: Jugs, bottles, sealed bags
____First Aid Kit: Medicines, bandages, iodine, gauze pads, sewing kit, rubber gloves, zinc, petroleum jelly, wound care wash, honey, tweezers, surgical scissors, eye wash, baby or disinfectant wipes, rags – all sizes, blankets, ice pack, plastic sheet or table covering, face masks, poison ivy medicine, arm/leg splints, eye glasses/contacts and cleaning equipment for them, or a prepackages first aid kit and extra supplies
____All size batteries: Also, battery powered or hand powered radio/tools
____Flashlights and batteries, solar lights/lanterns, battery powered time piece
____Flares/Glow sticks/Extra gas cans/Car oil/Washer fluid
____Solar chargers for phone, radio, any electronics
____Tools: Hammer, wrench, screw driver, pliers, twist/pull ties, duct tape, electrical tape, pocket knife, work gloves, jumper cables, hand powered air pump, shovel,
____Coins and paper money, Important documents, license/ID per person
____Personal care items: deodorant, feminine products, diapers, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lip savers, sunscreen, face wash, soap/soap dish,
____Pet food/supplies
____Pillows, sleeping bags, back packs
____Survival Guide Book for plants, shelter, medical
____Camping items: stove, seasoned fire wood, cast iron skillet, pots, utensils, paper goods, rain gear, waterproof boots/clothes, toilet paper, paper towels, sterno cans, candles, maps, garbage bags, plastic utensils
____Change of clothes for at least 3 days
____Deck of playing cards, books, crayons/coloring books
____Water purification filters or tablets
FOOD ITEMS
____Peanut/Nut Butters
____Crackers: Salt Free/Flavored
____Granola/Protein Bars
____Whole Grain Cereals
____Dried Fruits
____Nuts
____Instant Coffee/Tea
____Powdered Milk/Soup mixes/Electrolyte mixes
____Canned foods: meats, fish, fruits
____Beef jerky
____Baby food
____Snack foods: pretzels, cookies,
____Canned juices
Design your emergency kit to be as personal as you want it to be. Take your time in creating your kit as you see fit and according to your budget. Be aware of weight and space savings as you pack your kit. One gallon per person in any food, beverage item should be doable.
Check off each item you gather and list amounts as you go.
Remember that cell service might not exist for a while. Be prepared with books and how-to information at your fingertips in the form of a binder or waterproof, water protected carrying case.
Map out your families' emergency route from bedrooms to vehicle or where to meet up. Designate a contact person. Create and practice time frames and passwords. Map out where emergency facilities are located such as gas stations, town hall, shelters, police departments, etc. and the fastest routes to get where you need to go.
Test your supplies every month to make sure it all works when you are in need to leave right away. Place your emergency stock pile in a quick to grab, waterproof location so that you are not wasting time finding what you need.