With everything we see in the news about War and Terrorism it’s no wonder some people have made plans to be prepared in case of a global disaster. But what about a local disaster? Are you prepared for a Winter storm, or for a drunk driver to knock over a power poll and have the power out for a week or more? Of course you can’t plan for every disaster, but you should have at least seven days worth of un perishable foods and water stored just in case you need them. You don’t want to be scrambling to the store if all the power in your neighborhood goes out because of a downed power line.
When I lived in California as a kid the teachers had us make up survival backpacks in case there was an earthquake. I still keep a survival backpack as well as other supplies handy in case of an emergency. This list that I made is just the bare minimum that you should have, you can always add items based on what your need’s are.
The very first thing I would suggest having is several cases of bottled water. You can survive without food longer than you can without water. You can store them in the corner, throw a blanket or throw over them and put a vase of flowers on top until you need them. This way they won’t be in the way but you’ll have it just in case.
The second thing to you should have is several cases of canned food and a manual can opener. I picked cans of food I wouldn’t mind eating cold in case the power is out or I have no way of making a fire. Also you want to put together foods such as, crackers, granola bars, cookies, instant coffee and tea, sugar and powdered creamer. Also if you had small children or infants you would want to put food or Formula away for them. (You need to replace these things every 8-12 months)
The third thing you should have is a First Aid kit. You don’t want to buy a pre-assembled First Aid kit as they rarely have everything you’ll need. Buy a tackle box or large plastic container with a lid and fill it with, Band Aids, Gauze rolls and pads of varying sizes, First Aid cream, First Aid tape, Antiseptic wipes, Antiseptic ointment, baby wipes, gloves, elastic bandages, Hydrogen Peroxide, no water needed hand sanitizer, no water needed Tylenol, scissors, knife, pliers, batteries, battery operated radio, flash lights, candles, matches and lighters, and extra prescription medications. (you will need to replace the medications or when you get prescribed new ones every three months.)
You may also want to keep $100.00 in small bills in the First Aid kit. If you need to go and buy something you don’t want to be traveling to the store with $20.00 dollar bills or higher in case people are panicking and robbing other people.
Another thing to consider if do you have pets? If you do then you would want to store some supplies for your pets as well. Food, extra water dish and an extra leash.
Remember this is just the bare minimum you should have on hand for an emergency that might last just a few days. You might want to contact your local Red Cross and find out what recommendations they have for Preparing for different types of emergencies.
