Saturday, June 26, 2010

WHAT should you put in your 72-hour emergency kits?

"WHAT should I put in my 72-hour emergency kits?"....seems I receive this question almost hourly.......email, phone calls, in line at the grocery store. Now I don't believe in simply providing these seekers with a "list of STUFF" to run out and purchase that will cover ALL their prepping needs. The following is a list of 10 concepts meant to help you maximize the effectiveness of the emergency kits you prepare. Preparing your own Emergency kits allows the flexibility, thoroughness and customization to your families unique needs and circumstance.

  1. Your BRAIN is your most valuable tool. Learn as much as possible about preparedness and self-reliance, first aid and community emergency response.
  2. Each kit should be tailored to meet the needs of each user as well as seasonal and environmental variance.
  3. Your emergency kits need not be expensive. Assemble the basics adhering to the "Survival Rule of 3's" and expand as resources become available.
  4. Components of your kits should be as multi-functional as possible. For example: large Contractor grade trash bags can be used as improvised shelter, water storage and collection or emergency ponchos.
  5. Get the family involved! Have each family member participate in the creation and upkeep and review of kits. Establish a "Emergency Plan" for your family, insure each family member knows the plan, rehearse regularly!
  6. Your kits should be portable and kept in a single convenient location. Accessible to all family members. Kits should be packed in portable containers (backpacks, duffel bags, rolling suitcases etc.) suitable to fitness levels of carrier. You may be required to evacuate in a moments notice.
  7. Twice a year check/rotate perishable items. Attention should be paid to stored water, food and first aid items. Keep a record of contents and date sensitive components. Don't Pilfer your kits for daily needs, when an emergency occurs you want your cache to be complete!
  8. Plan for comfort as well as survival. After facing the trauma of a natural calamity, a "box of pouches and space blankets" isn't going to cut it! Choose items, which will afford a certain level of comfort and familiarity.
  9. Include entertainment items, scriptures, playing cards, games to occupy time, providing a distraction and slice of normalcy.
  10. Don't forget the pets!

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z

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