New Year's Resolution: Put Your Emergency Kit in Order

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The New Year is here – a time for fresh starts, new experiences, and…resolutions! While many people frivolously dismiss the time honored-tradition by making ridiculous resolutions they’ll never possibly realize, why not make a resolution this year that’s both practical and beneficial – not to mention easy to achieve.

I’m talking about creating an emergency kit. The world is filled with unforeseen disaster and complications, and you might as well be prepared to face them. Give your home safety, forethought, and peace-of-mind by equipping it with an emergency kit.

What You Need to Know
Generally, there are two basic types of emergency kits. The first is for your home and the other for travel. Storing a kit in your home allows room for more supplies, lending itself to a safer environment. In extreme circumstances, however, leaving your home may prove necessary. This is why I recommend preparing for both possibilities. While any number of well-built containers can be employed to house your home emergency kit (preferably waterproof), your travel kit is a different story. An insulated cooler works well in a pinch, but worst-case is you’ll be traveling on foot, which is why you should consider using a duffel or backpack.

What You Need to Pack
Below are essential items you absolutely need for either kit:

LED flashlight – These reliable torches are a must. The new technology is far superior to battery-draining incandescent bulbs and exponentially more likely to burn brightly when you need it most. Consider LED lanterns or LED headlamps as a supplement in addition to your LED light.

First-Aid kit – A complete kit will provide you with any basic medical needs ranging from a headache to a gaping wound.

Multi-tool or pocketknife – Having a sturdy multi-tool will provide the solution for nearly any problem you might encounter. You won’t have space for your tool box, so the more features and functions on your multi-tool, the better prepared you’ll be.

Non-perishable food – Preferably, include food that doesn’t need to be cooked. Pack enough for at least a 72-hour (3-day) period. Nuts, granola bars, dried foods, and peanut butter are all excellent choices. Canned food has a good shelf-life too, but don’t forget the can opener!

Bottled water – Recommend one gallon per person per day. This not only serves as your drinking water (which your body desperately needs) but will provide enough to use for sanitation purposes.

Warm blankets – Your body needs heat to stay alive. For your home, any warm, dry blankets will suffice, preferably made of wool. Space blankets for your travel pack will conserve space and lighten the load.

Waterproof matches/lighter – Similarly, these essential fire-starting tools might be useful in the need of additional warmth.

Whistle – Often overlooked, do not underestimate the importance of a good whistle. Simple to use, safe to carry, and easy to hear.

The following items are equally important, but not necessarily essential to survival. Consider carefully what your home and its occupants need.

AM/FM radio – Important information is often broadcast across radio waves in the event of an emergency.

Extra clothing – If inclement weather is involved, the value of warm, dry clothes increases dramatically.

Dust mask – Natural disasters can produce a big mess, stirring up dust and other harmful particles.

Bleach – This common household cleaner serves a number of purposes, the most important being purifying drinking water. Sixteen drops per gallon will provide you safe, drinkable water.

Cash (and change) – ATMs and credit card machines don’t work when the power is out. If you’re drastically in need of purchasing supplies, cash is going to be your best bet.

These other non-essentials you might find helpful: moist towelletes, plastic garbage bags and ties for sanitation purposes; mess kits for eating; and local maps for possible travel.

Specific needs catered to an individual or family may include: important family documents, feminine hygiene products, baby diapers and powdered formula, medication and prescriptions, glasses, or books and games.

Select equipment and tools can also come in handy: a crowbar, hammer, or hatchet for demolition; a wrench or pliers for utilities; plastic sheeting/tarp for broken window repair; boots or good shoes for working; a generator for power outages; and duct tape for, well, everything else.

By putting an emergency kit in order, you’re not only ensuring your own safety and survival, but that of your family as well. With a little forethought and preparation, your home can become a safe haven in the midst of disaster. Make your resolution this year a meaningful one, and a potential life-saver.

~Richard McNeal, 2009

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