The thing about emergencies is that no one can see them coming. So it’s always best to prepare for the worst. An emergency preparedness kit is a great way to ensure your safety and survival should something unforeseeable occur. If you don’t already have one in your apartment, here are some recommendations to help you built your kit.
Start With a Container
The first thing you want to do is choose a container to store the kit. The container should be fairly durable and spacious as well as water and fireproof. Be sure to place the kit somewhere that is easily accessible during an emergency. Do not pull from your emergency kit unless absolutely necessary. The last thing you want to do is deplete your resources when you don’t want to go to the store only to discover that everything is gone when you actually need it.
Pack the Essentials
Start filling the container with everything essential. Your main priority should be non-perishable food items like canned goods and bottled water. Be sure to include at least one gallon of water per person per day. Once you have food and water stored, add other essential items like toilet paper, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, etc. Take the time to really think about what you would need to survive should an emergency, like an earthquake, occur. If it’s not essential, leave it out.
Prepare for At Least Three Days
Pack enough supplies to get you through a minimum of three days. Depending on the size of your household, you may need additional supplies to account for everyone. It’s also essential to account for medications and prescriptions if you lose them in the commotion or can’t make it to the pharmacy. Things like EpiPens and inhalers are always great to keep in emergencies. Don’t forget to prepare items for the four-legged family members. Pack some extra cans of cat or dog food and consider them when preparing water.
If you don’t have an emergency kit in your home, now is an important time to start one. If you already have one and had to utilize it during the pandemic, take the time to look it over and make sure you still have enough supplies inside. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.