Making your own Emergency Kit

There was an earthquake near my apartment a few weeks ago and with Haiti in the news so much I started thinking about putting together an emergency kit. It's one of those things I always think about when natural disasters or any kind of disaster occurs but I never do anything about it. I figured it was time. Here's what the Ready America site recommends for a basic emergency supply kit.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation


• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food


• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both


• Flashlight and extra batteries


• First aid kit


• Whistle to signal for help


• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place


• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation


• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses


• Infant formula and diapers


• Pet food and extra water for your pet


• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container


• Cash or traveler's checks and change


• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov


• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.


• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.


• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.


• Fire Extinguisher


• Matches in a waterproof container


• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items


• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels


• Paper and pencil


• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

I saw on TV a long time ago that the best place to store everything for your emergency kit is in a large plastic garbage can which can be placed in your garage or shed. If you don't have a garage or a shed, I recommend the basic kit because it doesn't take up too much space and you can store the water separately.