A Preparation List for an Emergency

Food and Water

• Beyond oxygen, food and water are the most essential items to have in any emergency kit. Ready America suggests that you have 1 gallon of water available per day for each member of the family for both drinking and sanitation purposes. A few days without reliably clean water can lead to health problems and death, so while 1 gallon for each member each day sounds like a lot, it is the most important item in your preparedness. This water can be in bottled form or kept in water storage containers. Food should be non-perishable and if canned, a can opener should be included. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty and may require additional liquid consumption.

Communication

• An emergency situation may cause you and your family to be trapped or have no way to contact the outside world. Cell phones are extremely important for your family to have in any emergency. Since there is a chance that electricity could go out, regular chargers will not do. Invest in some solar-powered cell phone chargers to avoid this problem. For more immediate issues of communication, a whistle should be included. If there is no power in the house, a flashlight with extra batteries will be essential for your family to communicate with each other. A battery-powered television and radio with extra batteries can be used to determine what is going on in the outside world as well.

Sanitation

• If you are to be without running water, it is important to consider your family's needs for sanitation. Include moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for your sanitation needs. This is obviously not an ideal situation, but this is the best method for avoiding disease and sanitation problems while your family is in this vulnerable state. A first aid kit should be included as well to sanitize wounds or injuries that may be sustained.

Other Items

• There are many other important items for your kit depending on how much space you have and where you live. Extra clothing or bedding for your family can be included, as well as infant formula and diapers for babies and pet food and extra water for pets. Have a change of clothing for each member of the family. Some other items include a fire extinguisher, matches (in a waterproof container), necessary prescription medications, feminine supplies, and games, books and puzzles to pass the time. It is also a good idea to keep some cash or traveler's checks in your emergency kit, in case banks are closed or in case a power outage has caused ATMs to not function.