National Preparedness Month - Building an Emergency Kit

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month 2021 - Phase 2

Being prepared for a disaster means having a kit accessible in your home or business. An emergency kit should include basic items that will keep you and your family safe in the event of an emergency situation. In this blog, you’ll find some useful suggestions that you can include in your kit. A comprehensive list of suggestions is available on Ready.Gov as well as additional resources on being prepared for disasters. Keep in mind that one new item that has been added to the list this year are masks.  

What to include:

• Water
• Food
  • Pet food, formula, medications, utensils, etc.
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlight
  • Matches in a waterproof container
• Radio and cell phone with backup batteries
• First aid kit
  • Masks
  • Garbage bags, wipes for sanitation, etc.
• Pliers for turning off utilities
• Whistle
• Local maps
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place

How to maintain your kit:

• Store in a cool and dry place
• Keep the kit in a tightly sealed metal or plastic container
• Update regularly with your family’s needs
• Replace foods and or medications when expired

Where to store your kit:

• In your home
• At your place of work
• In your car

For more ideas of what items to include in your kit, head to Ready.Gov where you can explore a list of personalized items for you and your family such as prescription glasses, feminine supplies, activities for children, etc.

Make sure to stay updated on our blogs to come for the third and fourth theme of National Preparedness Month 2021