A home emergency kit can be essential to your family's well being during a disaster, so having one is crucial. Think back on the millions of people along the East Coast who lost power for days because of Sandy. Could you survive such a situation?
With any luck, you won't have to. But it makes sense to put together an emergency kit just in case a similar situation strikes you and family. Here are some things you should have on hand in case you need them:
Flashlights. Go with a high quality one, and a rechargeable version will not be suitable. Don't forget that days could go by with no power at all to your home. You'll need lots of spare batteries, too, and you'll have to be careful to replace the spares before they get too old. If you're comfortable with a kerosene lamp, that's not a bad option, either. It's also wise to have plenty of candles, and of course, matches.
Something else that you should add is hand sanitizer. Washing your hands may not be something that you can do for a while if the water system has been contaminated. Keep a large bottle of hand sanitizer and some paper towels on hand to keep as germ-free as possible.
A car adapter is a must. When there is no power available, you can use this to recharge your smartphone or other items, and you will have your lines of communication open.
You are going to need bottled water. If you won't have water for washing your hands, you certainly might not have it for drinking purposes. Keep at least one case of water on hand at all times so you can stay hydrated. You should probably supplement that case when a hurricane or other natural disaster is approaching.
A two-week supply of food is usually the norm for recommendations on emergency kits. Your kit should have non-perishable food items, things like peanut butter, and canned goods. If you are able to, have a gas grill on hand so you can do some cooking if need be. Keep an extra container of gas around if you can. If you forget a can opener you will have some trouble, so store one in your kit as well. Gather together some plastic bowls, utensils, cups, and paper plates for your kit.
And get a proper first aid kit. You will need gauze, bandages, allergy pills, gastrointestinal medications, antibiotic ointments, pain relievers, and any other supplies that your family may require. If there are prescriptions that are taken by family members, be sure that those are easy to quickly gather.
Sleeping bags are convenient and most of us have them already. Remember, you could be without a bed for some time. You and your family can stay warm and comfortable if there are sleeping bags for everyone ready in case you need to evacuate the home.
Having these items will not make the situation perfect. But they can help you and family survive the worst of times until power is restored and you're back in your home.
With any luck, you won't have to. But it makes sense to put together an emergency kit just in case a similar situation strikes you and family. Here are some things you should have on hand in case you need them:
Flashlights. Go with a high quality one, and a rechargeable version will not be suitable. Don't forget that days could go by with no power at all to your home. You'll need lots of spare batteries, too, and you'll have to be careful to replace the spares before they get too old. If you're comfortable with a kerosene lamp, that's not a bad option, either. It's also wise to have plenty of candles, and of course, matches.
Something else that you should add is hand sanitizer. Washing your hands may not be something that you can do for a while if the water system has been contaminated. Keep a large bottle of hand sanitizer and some paper towels on hand to keep as germ-free as possible.
A car adapter is a must. When there is no power available, you can use this to recharge your smartphone or other items, and you will have your lines of communication open.
You are going to need bottled water. If you won't have water for washing your hands, you certainly might not have it for drinking purposes. Keep at least one case of water on hand at all times so you can stay hydrated. You should probably supplement that case when a hurricane or other natural disaster is approaching.
A two-week supply of food is usually the norm for recommendations on emergency kits. Your kit should have non-perishable food items, things like peanut butter, and canned goods. If you are able to, have a gas grill on hand so you can do some cooking if need be. Keep an extra container of gas around if you can. If you forget a can opener you will have some trouble, so store one in your kit as well. Gather together some plastic bowls, utensils, cups, and paper plates for your kit.
And get a proper first aid kit. You will need gauze, bandages, allergy pills, gastrointestinal medications, antibiotic ointments, pain relievers, and any other supplies that your family may require. If there are prescriptions that are taken by family members, be sure that those are easy to quickly gather.
Sleeping bags are convenient and most of us have them already. Remember, you could be without a bed for some time. You and your family can stay warm and comfortable if there are sleeping bags for everyone ready in case you need to evacuate the home.
Having these items will not make the situation perfect. But they can help you and family survive the worst of times until power is restored and you're back in your home.
About the Author:
We offer the only Ottawa Home Insurance policy that can be truly tailored to your needs. Get a quote and buy a policy online or by phone. Or watch our Home Insurance video.
No comments:
Post a Comment