In any emergency, you'll want to be prepared with not only a plan, but a certain amount of supplies at home and at the ready in the moment you need them. To be clear, this isn't just about having a bug out bag - though you will want to have one ready - this is about having a set of supplies ready at the home base that can keep you prepared for disaster. Not all of this will be easily portable, but you will want these supplies if you can have them, all the same. Here is a list of things that you won't want to forget:
- Water - the most essential supply of all, you will want one gallon per person per day. You want to be ready for at least 72 hours.
- Food - you will want meals that are ready to eat or require minimal water.
- A first aid kit and instructions.
- A manual can opener and other cooking supplies.
- Plates, utensils, and other eating supplies.
- A copy of important documents and phone numbers.
- Disposable camera.
- Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.
- Unscented liquid bleach and an eyedropper for water purification.
- Heavy work gloves.
- Toilet paper.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Feminine supplies.
- Soap.
- Any other personal hygiene supplies you want to have.
- Supplies to cover broken windows. For example, plastic sheeting, duct tape.
- Other tools, such as a crowbar, a hammer and nails, a staple gun, an adjustable wrench, and bungee cords.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- Large heavy-duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket (for waste and sanitation)
- Any special needs items for children, seniors, or people with disabilities.
- Don't forget water and supplies for your pets!
And that covers the basic supplies you need to be prepared for an emergency. You can put whatever of these supplies that you want in a large, watertight container (i.e. a large plastic can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily. Still in other times, if you need to evacuate quickly, you'll want to have a go-bag or a bug-out-bag at the ready. Find out more about those in my next post!
