Weather any calamity safely by stocking up on these tools and supplies in your home.
In order to help your family weather an emergency situation better, it is best to remember that old scouting motto you learned in grade school – be prepared! This just doesn’t come in handy when camping outdoors, but it can really make a difference when typhoons bring floods and power outages even in the most exclusive of enclaves.
The first step to being prepared is to have a stock of necessary items that can tide you and your family over in an emergency situation. According to the American Red Cross, there are supplies that you should always have on hand:
- Water: It is recommended that you store at least one gallon of water per day in a three-day supply for each member of the household, including your pets. Water should be stored in plastic containers that do not decompose or break. This stored water supply should be changed every six months.
- Food: Go for non-perishable food that is ready-to-eat, such as canned meat or vegetables, soups, juices, and milk. Other good ideas are peanut butter, jelly, crackers and energy bars. Special diets should also be taken into consideration, as should instant coffee and tea mixes, breakfast cereals, and hard candies. Salty food, such as pretzels and chips, will only make you thirsty, so veer away from those. If you own a pet, dry pet food should also be on the emergency supplies list. Your food stocks should be changed or replenished at least once a year.
- Medical supplies: Your basic first aid kit should contain the following – self-adhesive bandages; gauze pads; scissors; antiseptic; cleansing soap; moistened towelettes; latex gloves; petroleum jelly or other lubricants; thermometer; non-prescription medicines such as pain relievers, antacids, laxatives, anti-diarrheal medicines; and special medications for members of the family who may need it, such as medicine for diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.
- Beddings: You also have to consider having alternative beddings such as sleeping bags and warm blankets, in case your family may have to relocate to another area.
- Tools, gadgets, and equipment: There are several things that you should always have ready when there are calamity warnings in your area. First, keep your cell phone with a fully-charged battery handy, as wire-based phone services may be disrupted. Flashlights and batteries are better alternatives to candles and gas lights, as are rechargeable lamps. In case of power interruptions, a radio that can run on batteries can help keep you updated on the situation at hand.
Other items that should be tucked in your emergency pack are:
- A whistle – which can be used to call for help
- Signal flares
- Matches or other lighting implements
- Multi-tool knife
- Can opener
- Copies of important documents in sealable waterproof containers
- Hygiene items such as tissue and feminine napkins
All members of the household should be informed where the emergency kit is located. To be really ready and steady, gather the family together to form an emergency plan, where you can discuss exit routes, standard emergency procedures, and to assign responsibilities for each member.
Another important thing to remember in emergency situations is to be level-headed at all times. Panicking may lead to making the wrong decisions at crucial moments. It is best to simply be prepared in order to help you stay cool and safe in any situation!
