| We all hope for the best, but if disaster happens | | | | emergency. They usually have a seat that screws |
| being prepared can greatly increase your chances | | | | on and off and an all important cover to close |
| of surviving until help comes. Designate an area in | | | | after use. Remember to include toilet paper, |
| your home as the safe place where you are to | | | | feminine hygiene products, and hand sanitizer |
| meet in case of emergency (basement or first | | | | when stocking. |
| floor) and stock it with the following items that will | | | | Medications If you are on a regimen of |
| help you and those you love make it through. | | | | prescription drugs, make sure you have at least a |
| Food and Water Store cans of food and bottled | | | | week's supply stored. In an emergency you |
| water. Keep an eye on expiration dates and | | | | probably will not think of this, but if you need |
| replenish supplies to make sure they stay current. | | | | these drugs for conditions such as diabetes, |
| Mark the calendar on your computer with a 6 | | | | asthma, allergy, heart problems, or high blood |
| month reminder to check expiration dates for | | | | pressure having them on hand will quite simply |
| food and water then move those to your current | | | | help you stay alive. |
| pantry and use so they do not go to waste. This | | | | First Aid Kit Make sure you have one and that it's |
| will seem like a headache at first but once you've | | | | well stock with bandages, Neosporin, alcohol and |
| done it several times, it will become routine. Don't | | | | other antiseptics, antihistamines, and over the |
| forget to include pet food, can openers, and | | | | counter medications that you use frequently for |
| utensils. | | | | cuts, and scrapes. |
| Clothes and Blankets Store extra clothes including | | | | Generator This will certainly come in handy for |
| shoes, socks, underwear, coats, hats, gloves and | | | | long periods of power outages in severe heat or |
| blankets. They could make a real difference in | | | | cold. Having one on hand and ready to power up |
| being able to survive more comfortably. | | | | will make a huge difference in your family's ability |
| Portable Toilet These can be found at many | | | | to stay warm or cool, use stoves to cook, and |
| hardware and superstores and are very low tech | | | | run pumps for water. |
| but effective in getting the job done in an | | | | |