Disaster Planning - Making an emergency kit

I am going to break with my usual daily themes to share what I think is a timely article.  I wrote this for another site, but feel it should be shared in many places!  

As Hurricane Sandy is affecting so much of the eastern US right now, my thoughts are, obviously, with the people who live in those areas.  Even in my neck of the woods there is talk of possible flooding and high wind damage.  The hubby is on the road...but stuck in eastern Pennsylvania, as his usual destination of Hartford, Connecticut is unreachable.  The state of Connecticut is under a state of emergency.

Disaster Planning - Making an emergency kit

No one wants to think of a natural disaster hitting their home, but, unfortunately, we cannot control Mother Nature. With just a little time and money, you can put together a kit that will be easy to grab with calamity strikes.

What items should you put in your kit? Here is a list of materials that will be helpful in case of an emergency:

• Blanket(s)
• Candles
• Matches
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Small battery operated radio
• Bottled water
• Granola bars
• Trash bags
• Rain ponchos
• Extra cell phone charger
• Water tablets
• Aspirin
• First aid kit
• Important papers – birth certificates, insurance information (home, medical), prescription information, family and other important phone numbers, recent photos of household members, etc. put in a water tight plastic storage bag.

You may want to have enough food and water to last 72 hours. This can make the container heavy, but that weight will be well worth it if disaster comes knocking at your door. If you have more than one adult or teenager in your household, you may want to put the food items in a second container. Canned food (don’t forget a manual can opener!) and gallons of water are ideal.

How should you store your emergency kit? A large plastic storage container is a great way to keep the kit dry.

Make sure you check your kit periodically – about twice a year. This way you can ensure nothing is close to expiring.

If you have small children, it wouldn’t hurt to add something to keep them occupied – a toy, coloring book, crayons. Keep it lightweight and easily portable. Also add items that may be needed, such as diapers and formula for an infant.

Don’t forget about your pets! If you have a pet, add food and water for him as well. A photo of your pet should be added to your important papers.

Where should you store your emergency kit? Somewhere out of the way is ideal, but you want to be able to grab it quickly if needed.