The U.S. news has been replete with natural disasters recently, and I bet most people victim to Mother Nature’s wrath didn’t have a natural disaster kit. Before we find ourselves in such dire straits, we should all assemble natural disaster kits.
FEMA suggests we include the following in a basic natural disaster kit:
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food. (Avoid foods that will make your thirsty, like saltines etc.)
- Three-day supply of water – one gallon of water per person, per day. (If buying store-bought bottled water, observe the expiration or ‘use by’ date.)
- Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- First aid kit and manual.
- Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
- Matches and waterproof container.
- Whistle.
- Extra clothing.
- Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
- Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
- Cash and coins.
- Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
- Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
- Other items to meet your unique family needs.
For those of us who live in colder climates, we should also include:
- Jacket or coat.
- Long pans.
- Long sleeve shirt.
- Sturdy shoes.
- Hat, mittens, and scarf.
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).
FEMA reminds us that we’ll also need to maintain our disaster kits. For this and more information, including kits suitable for your work and car too, go to fema.gov.
For specific emergency situations, visit the American Red Cross page of disaster preparedness, which includes such events like floods, mud slides and heat waves, among others.
(The accompanying pic was taken by Mr. Fred Smith on June 15, 1991 over Lake Okeechobee. Via fishindog.com)
