| Most people do not often think about how | | | | emergency kit buried somewhere in their garage; |
| well-prepared they are for an emergency, but it | | | | they will probably be unable to find it quickly if the |
| really is something that you should consider for | | | | need arises. You may want to consider purchasing |
| your family's safety as well as your own. Being | | | | several kits and keeping them around the house |
| prepared for an emergency brings peace of mind, | | | | so that they will be even easier to access; you |
| even if you never have to use your emergency | | | | will also be able to share these with others who |
| preparedness supplies or skills. | | | | may be less prepared. |
| Start with an emergency kit that is well-stocked | | | | Besides placing the supplies in an accessible |
| with food, water, utensils, matches, toiletries, and | | | | location, be sure that all of your family members |
| other items that you may need. Don't forget to | | | | know what to do if various emergencies should |
| include necessary medications. Your kit should | | | | happen. You should choose a safe meeting place |
| include everything you need for at least three | | | | that is away from your house, such as a school |
| days. Clothing, blankets, flashlights, gloves, and | | | | down the street. Practice an emergency drill with |
| other supplies can help you be more comfortable | | | | your family, even if it feels silly to do so. What will |
| in the case of an emergency. When preparing | | | | you do in the case of a fire, earthquake, or flood? |
| your emergency kit, focus on survival basics such | | | | Have a plan for where you will go if any of these |
| as food, fresh water, and warmth. | | | | situations should occur. Consider the natural |
| Evaluate your own personal needs, and make | | | | disasters that are more common for your area |
| sure your emergency kit contains everything you | | | | when planning for emergency situations. |
| will need to live for 3 days with no additional | | | | Also make sure that you have a plan for if an |
| supplies. Consider how a disaster may affect your | | | | emergency should happen while you are at school |
| needs; include the supplies to deal with medical | | | | or at work. For example, make sure that your |
| emergencies. Don't forget to include copies of | | | | children know not to leave the school to try to |
| important family documents like identification and | | | | find you at work, if a large-scale emergency |
| insurance policies. | | | | should happen. Make sure that the school has |
| All of these items should be stored in a sturdy | | | | your contact information (cellular and at work) so |
| waterproof container somewhere where they | | | | that they can contact you if anything happens. If |
| should be accessible after an emergency. Keep all | | | | old enough, your children should have your phone |
| of the supplies together in one kit; don't plan to | | | | number, as well as the numbers of in-state and |
| go searching around the house for batteries, | | | | out-of-state relatives, programmed into their cell |
| flashlights, and other items if there is an | | | | phones. By being prepared for an emergency, you |
| emergency. Too many families have an | | | | can minimize the impact it will have on your life. |