Emergency Preparedness

"Remember: WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, THE TIME TO PREPARE HAS PASSED."

If this pandemic has taught you anything it should be that as best we can, we should prepare now for the next life threatening emergency. If you are wondering what will help you be more prepared, here is a list of categories and items that could help you from the start. Pay close attention to what you are using now, what you are relying on now, what has been of great help to you now and build your personalized emergency kit/pack from there. This list may seem obvious but it might also spark an idea for you.

EMERGENCY SUPPLY CHECKLIST

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 prepackaged 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, bungee cords

____Coins and paper money, Important documents, license/ID per person in protective sleeves

____Personal care items: deodorant, feminine products, diapers, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, lip savers, sunscreen, face wash, soap/soap dish, anything anti-bacterial

____Pet food/supplies

____Pillows, sleeping bags, back packs, fanny packs

____Survival Guide Book for plants, shelter, medical

____Camping items: stove, seasoned firewood, cast iron skillet, pots, utensils, paper goods, rain gear, waterproof boots/clothes, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins 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, carbon air filters

____Face shields, respirators, gloves of any kind (washable is ideal), shoe coverings, hair nets, eye protectors

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 should be doable. Use individual back packs or one large tub on wheels if necessary. Remember, ease of transportation and carrying is key here.

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.

Design an 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 location so that you are not wasting time finding what you need.

Do you have anything you would like to add to this list? Please send your ideas to me via email: lisa@groomyourroom.com