DIY: Home Emergency Preparedness Kit

Every home owner knows they need to keep some common tools and safety items around the house to keep the house running properly.  Everyone should have a hammer, measuring tape, fire extinguisher, bandages, etc.  But, what about being prepared for an emergency?  Nobody wants to think an emergency could happen when they are home but, if one does, will you be prepared? Earthquakes, storms, tornados, floods, fires, hurricanes and natural disasters can and do happen and when they do, every home should be prepared.   Every home should have an emergency preparedness kit and you do not need to go out and buy a pre-made kit.  You can assemble a kit to keep your home, and your family, ready in case of emergency. Start your emergency preparedness kit with a rolling suitcase.  Or, if you have a large family, a few rolling suitcases.  This is a great option because it can hold everything you need whether it is safer to stay in your home, or, if you need to quickly leave your home, it is ready to go. Keep copies of any important documents you think you may possibly need in the suitcase as well as extra sets of important keys. In an emergency, it is helpful to have everything ready in one place. In the suitcase you want to keep a complete first aid kit.  It is also important to keep a flashlight and extra batteries in case you lose power.  A battery powered or hand crank radio can also come in handy and phone chargers. If anyone in the house regularly takes any important medications, it is wise to keep a back up supply in the kit in case you run out of medication.  An emergency blanket reflects heat back at you which will be important if you lose power during the winter.  Also, keep a small tool kit, pocket knife and whistle in case you need to fix something or try to help someone hear you. One of the most important things you can have is non-perishable food (if they are canned goods, be sure to include a can opener) and bottled water.  Try to plan to have enough to feed and hydrate each person for three days.  A change of clothes and durable weather-resistant shoes.  And you should also pack some emergency cash in case you need to leave quickly and purchase something. This is a list of just the basics you could and should include in your emergency preparedness kit.  There are many more things you can include in your kit if you have the room or want to go more in depth but if you pack these things you will be prepared for most emergencies.]]>