As a professional organizer I look inside dozens of homes every week and it always shocks me when I don’t find an emergency kit. This week’s rain storm reminded me that I should put all of my favorite tips together and share with all of you before El Nino arrives! It doesn’t matter where you live, you are susceptible to an earthquake, hurricane, snow storm, power outage, flood, or even a water pollution problem as we have seen in the news. Any of these things could leave you and your family stranded at home for a few days without power—or fresh water. This is not about being a bandana-headband-wearing survivalist and eating cricket protein (that’s later—just kidding!). It is about safety.
I created these easy-to-manage directions and tips on how to create a basic kit for your home and your car, and additionally a list of important preparations to consider. Please don’t let another year – or week–go by without setting up kits. You’ll be surprised at the sense of relief and security you’ll feel at finally getting it done.
The Car Kit
With all of the time we spend running errands and commuting it is very possible that an emergency could happen while you are driving. Resolve to have a small kit in the trunk of your car with a few emergency essentials. My car emergency kit has a blanket, an extra pair of sneakers and socks (those heels or sandals will not suffice if I need to vacate my car and walk), a flashlight, extra batteries, a small first aid kit, pen and paper—in case I hve to leave a note, a power flare, energy bars, and a few packs of nuts and water. I always make sure to have a phone charging cord in my car. If you have kids, update your kit regularly to accommodate changing needs—bigger clothes and shoes, for example. It is also good form to not let your gas tank run too low.
Preparations
When I ask my clients why they don’t have an emergency kit, they say they don’t worry about emergencies, or they don’t know how to create one, or “they have been meaning to.” Do you have an extra supply of food, water, and emergency items in your homes? One client told me that during the recent Napa earthquake she leaped out of bed and started filling drinking glasses with water. Finally understanding the worry and stress she was putting on herself—she purchased 20 gallons of water the next day—and felt incredible relief.
It is recommended that you have supplies stored in air-tight tubs in your garage or basement. My kit is stored in a cabinet in our garage. It holds all of our essentials and is easily accessible if I need to replace or store extra items. I also keep a duffel bag on top just in case I need to leave my house during an emergency. Plus, there is a kit for my pet.
Make this easy. Print out a list, set aside the time, and get prepared.
The Home
These are the basic items, from the FEMA list, that should be in your kit.
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Three-day supply of water – one gallon of water per person, per day, but truly 15 gallons per person is advisable.
- Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
- Flashlight and extra batteries per person—all the same batteries!
- First aid kit and manual.
- Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
- Matches and waterproof container.
- Whistle.
- Extra clothing.
- Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
- Photocopies of credit and identification cards (be sure these are secured)
- Cash and coins.
- Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, hearing aid batteries.
- Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
- Other items to meet your unique family needs.
- Depending on your climate, these items might come in handy too…
- Jacket or coat.
- Long pants.
- Long sleeve shirt.
- Sturdy shoes.
- Hat, mittens, and scarf.
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)
I stock my kit with bulk non-perishable food from Costco. I chose items that we would eat normally like tuna, protein bars, peanut butter, fruit cups, canned chili, canned beans, and pasta.
Whenever I buy new blankets, I add the old ones to my emergency kit. Now, if you’re already set up, don’t forget to do these things to maintain your kit…
- Keep canned foods in a cool dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Toss any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
- Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
- Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
- Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Write the date storage date on all containers with a sharpie.
- Re-think and update your needs annually
- Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.
Just in case we can’t get into the garage I also have a pre-made kit in a backpack in our hall closet. Quake Kare is a popular brand. If the thought of setting up a kit like mine seems overwhelming I would highly suggest you order one— and one for each vehicle.
The Pet
What about your pet? Harper’s emergency kit contains a towel, food, water, extra food dish, a leash, a toy, and her medicine (Children’s Benadryl for doggie allergies). I keep her kit stored next to my emergency home kit; stored in a manageable small bin, I could carry it if we had to evacuate.
There are so many cool new products available, like solar powered packs for phones and lights, technical gear from REI or other camping shops, and specialty companies. Yes, I have the toilet seat that fits on a 5-gallon paint can, and liners. Get a water purifying system, have heavy gloves available. A few rolls of duck tape. You never know. Once you’ve got the basics done, do a little more research and be in the know. Get the family together to discuss your emergency plan. You can be prepared.
Triple AAA listed some very handy tip for disaster preparedness impressed me: prepare a flash drive with photos of your home, valuables, insurance forms and certificates, wills, titles, etc. Copies of important records like birth, marriage, medical records, credit cards, etc. should also be available. You might send a drive to a trusted relative or keep in a safe deposit box, just in case. On your phone be sure to have your insurance carrier’s after-hours phone number for emergency services plus your agent’s phone information
These are additional emergency ideas that are essential, especially in case of an earthquake, you California people!
Keep under the Bed:
Flashlight
Work Gloves—they should be leather. Your hands are your most valuable tools. If you are feeling for fire in another room-use THE BACK of your hand to feel the middle of the door.
A crowbar—to get you out of your bedroom—or someone else out of theirs!
Emergency Procedures to Learn
Know exactly how to shut off your water, gas, and electricity (with the right wrench nearby). Learn how to use a fire extinguisher—aim it at the BASE of the fire—and have one available!
Put together an out-of-state contact number for your family to call.
Learn how to do CPR and emergency first aid.
Consider investing in a metal camp stove and a few canisters of fuel.
Plastic sheeting tape for quick window repair
Photos of family in case you need help locating someone.
Secure heavy items—bookcases, t.v.’s, so they don’t kill you.
Please make this weekend the time that you finally set up an emergency kit in your home. Again, peace of mind is an invaluable asset! If you need help carving out a space or creating a plan for what your family needs please call me!
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