Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” In no area is this more true than in developing an emergency preparedness kit. While there is no telling exactly when or if you’ll need a kit, failing to have one is certainly a drastic oversight. In today’s blog, we’ll take a look at the items to include in your emergency preparedness kit and why.
Emergency Preparedness Kit Tip #1: Drinking Water
The first item to include in your emergency preparedness kit is water. There might be a tendency to neglect this item but it’s the most critical beverage for sustaining life. The rule of thumb about preparing water is to collect one gallon of drinking water per person per day. For nursing mothers, children, and the sick, you will want to buy and store a bit more depending on their needs. You should also buy additional water for sanitation, hygienic, and emergency purposes.
Kit Tip #2: Non-Perishable Foods
The second item to include in your kit is non-perishable foods. When buying for an emergency, it’s important to consider convenience as well as the tastes of your family. Consider what your family members like and what they should be eating. Try to find a balance between healthy and delicious. Popular items that store well in emergency preparedness kits include canned meats, canned fruits, canned beans, dry cereals, and high energy foods. Remember the unique dietary needs of your family members–especially children and diabetics.
Emergency Preparedness Kit Tip #3: Disposable Paper Products and Household Tools
The third product to include in your kit is disposable and multiple-use items. These commonly include paper plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. These are important because there is always a high probability that you will have no access to a dishwasher. Convenience is an incredibly important part of surviving an emergency with your sanity intact. Additionally, be sure to bring basic home tools such as a flashlight, a can opener, and anything else you will need to prepare your foods.
Kit Tip #4: Waterproof Storage Container and Other Items
The fourth component of a solid preparedness kit involves how you bring it all together. Once you have collected all your kit items, it’s important to place them in a metal or plastic waterproof container. It’s also important to plan to store your preparedness kit in an easily accessible part of your home where all responsible adults know it is. For a long term plan, be sure to check your kit annually to remove expired items and to update foods based on how tastes change.
Dryman Construction: Ready to Assist with Emergency Repairs
Now that you’ve seen what to include in your emergency preparedness kit, it’s time to know what to do when the emergency is over. There’s a chance that you’ll return home from a disaster to home damage or loss. When this happens, it’s important to contact the best contractor to get your home back in order. Dryman Construction has been helping your friends and neighbors for several years. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you!