A Home Disaster and Emergency Kit

A standard which should be found in any home is a disaster or emergency kit. Recommended by such agencies as the American Red Cross and Department of Homeland Defense, an emergency kit should be kept on hand for a variety of potential threats. From storms such as hurricanes and tornadoes to acts of terrorism, an emergency kit is something no home should be without.

When assembling an emergency kit, one of the first considerations should be water. Water should be stored in plastic drink safe containers. Do not use breakable containers such as glass bottles. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day with at least a three day supply.

When considering food, a three day supply of non perishable food should be kept on hand which requires no refrigeration, cooking, and little if any water to prepare. If there are food items which need to be prepared, a small can of sterno should be adequate for this purpose. Some food items to consider include canned juices, salt, pepper, and spices, canned meats and vegetables, energy bars, vitamins, and specialty foods for infants or others. Don't forget to include some comfort food which you will most certainly need if the kit is utilized.

A first aid kit is essential. The ability to adequately deal with a minor injuries is both necessary to the physical as well as the psychological. Include in your kit adhesive bandages, sterile dressings, gauze bandage, triangle bandages, gauze pads, alcohol hand wipes or sanitizer, latex gloves, and adhesive tape. Also include a simple and straight forward book on first aid and familiarize yourself with the contents. Additionally, cold packs, tweezers, and a CPR barrier are items to be included.

Keep some essential non prescription drugs on hand such as aspirin or ibuprofen, nausea and diarrhea medication, and Ipecac syrup for potential poisoning especially if you have small children.