What would you do if you had no electricity or water? Would you survive? How about food? How long could you live without power and clean water? This article will provide some ideas to help your family prepare for emergencies and suggestions on how to stay safe during an emergency. Read on for more helpful household items that can make a big difference in the event of an emergency.
In case of emergencies, having basic supplies on hand can save lives. The Red Cross recommends keeping these items in your home:
1. Water
An average individual should have enough water for three days, stored in clean gallon jugs. Cleaning (whether cleaning out wounds or cleaning off cooking utensils) with water is equally as important as drinking it. Water may truly save lives in emergencies.
2. Food
Always store enough food for at least two weeks for each family member. Don’t forget to keep extra pet food on hand as well. Store food in airtight containers; keep canned foods sealed tight against moisture in original containers. Ensure there is plenty of space between food stored and heat sources. With a loss of power, you’ll want to eat through your stores of refrigerated and frozen foods first to prevent spoiling and foodborne illness. Keep packaged dry goods in cool, dark places.
3. First Aid Kit
Keep a first aid kit in an easily accessible place in your house, such as under the sink or in a closet. Include essentials like:
- Bandages and non-latex gloves
- Antiseptic cream
- Aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Alcohol wipes
- Disposable gauze
- Thermometer
- Antiseptic eyewash
- Insect repellent
- Eyeglasses cleaner
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Latex or vinyl gloves
- Ointments for wounds
- Oral rehydration solution packets
- Antihistamines
- Bandaids
- Disinfectant wipes
- Sewing materials
- Sterile needles
- Tape
- Tweezers and scissors
- Sunscreen lotion
- Syringes and sutures
- Tourniquets
- Trauma bandage rolls
- Vaseline
- Vitamins
- Extra cache of any prescription medications you or your family need on a daily basis. Be sure to restock medications routinely as they expire.
If possible, include medical information about yourself and family members, such as allergies or special healthcare needs.
4. Fire Extinguisher
Ensure you have working fire extinguishers throughout your home and know how to use them correctly. Be sure to have the correct type of fire extinguishers in your home. Extinguishers used for kitchen or grease fires are composed of different chemical fire retardants than other types of extinguishers for fires spread from a fireplace or candle.
5. A battery-operated radio
If you can still receive local broadcasts after severe weather strikes, tune in to NOAA Weather Radio station WWV for emergency announcements, instructions on what actions to take during a storm, and updates on road conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration coordinates the network of AM radios across the United States.
6. Battery-powered flashlights
Battery-powered flashlights help you navigate your home safely during power outages. Keep two fully charged flashlights handy, ready to shine. In addition, purchase a bright red lantern to provide additional light when natural lighting is low. Red bulbs or filters will not interfere with your night vision.
Conclusion
While it’s impossible to predict every hurricane, tornado, wildfire, or flood, preparing now helps ensure safety and saves money later. Start by keeping these six items in mind.