Disaster can strike at any time, in any place. Of course you hope that it will never happen to you. But it’s still best to be prepared. Ideally, you should have an emergency kit stashed in your car and a larger store of supplies in your home. Here’s everything you need to survive at least 3 days during a natural disaster.
This is perhaps the most important part of your kit. It’s recommended that you have 1 gallon of water per person, per day, to last at least 3 days. Buy gallon jugs rather than individual bottles. Remember that water is heavy—a gallon weighs about 8 pounds—so be prepared for water to make up the bulk of your supplies.
Next, you’ll need to eat. Buy non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking to eat. Peanut butter, dried fruits, crackers, canned fish such as tuna or salmon, powdered milk, and energy bars are all good choices. If you want to invest more in food, you could also purchase military-style MREs that are complete meals instead. Don’t forget a can opener!
A first-aid kit is essential. You should also have a supply of any prescription medicines, along with pain relievers and other over-the-counter medicines you typically use. Baby wipes are useful for person hygiene when there’s not much water to spare. If you wear glasses, keep a spare pair in your kit.
People often don’t consider the possibility of losing important records during a natural disaster. Your emergency kit should contain copies of your insurance policies and bank information, as well as copies of your passport, driver’s license, and other important papers. Put these in a waterproof pouch. It’s also a good idea to keep copies of your lease or rental agreement.
Take photos of every room in your home just in case you need them for an insurance claim later on. Print out those snapshots rather than relying on digital media, and add them to your waterproof pouch, too.
Get a battery-powered or hand-crank radio so you can listen for emergency updates. You should also have a flashlight for each person in your household—and don’t forget extra batteries. Garbage bags, zip ties, plastic sheeting, and duct tape are all incredibly useful. It’s also a good idea to have dust masks and plastic gloves in your kit.
A whistle is a small but potentially lifesaving addition to your kit in case you become trapped and need to signal for help. Local maps can be useful if you need to leave your home.
Don’t neglect to include a few items of personal comfort such as a blanket and pillow or sleeping bag. A couple of paperback books or crossword puzzles can help stave off cabin fever if you’re stuck somewhere without power. A notebook and a few pencils are a good idea too.
Don’t forget your furry friends! If you have pets, remember that they’ll also need food and water. Make sure that pets have tags (or microchips) and keep copies of their vet records along with your other important papers. Small pets should be kept in carriers if possible.
