The Emergency Kit

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

Are you prepared???

Everyone needs to have an emergency kit handy, on top of an emergency plan, in case of a disaster that leaves you without food, water, and basic necessities for a few days. Every emergency kit should have enough supplies to last AT LEAST 72 hours! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Battery or hand crank radio
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Wrench or pliers
• Gloves (work or garden)
• Medications
• First aid kit
• Whistle
• Dust masks
• Local maps
• Battery/solar phone charger
• Personal toiletry items (TP is a must!)
• Pet supplies if applicable
• Blankets

When creating your emergency kit, keep in mind the number of people the kit will be for as that will change the amount of items needed in that kit. For example: each person should have a gallon of water a day, so if you have 5 people that means you would need 15 gallons of water for 3 days! For food each person needs enough food to last 3 days. That could be 15 cans of soup, 9 granola bars, and 21 tablespoons of peanut butter per person (hint: make sure its food your family will actually eat so it doesn’t go to waste)!

You’ll also need a 3 day supplies of batteries enough for your cell phone chargers, radio, and flashlight or lights. Make sure to keep your kit in an easy to carry container such as a backpack or storage box with handles (TIP: a 10 gallon bucket from a hardware store holds a lot)! Be sure to re-think your needs every time your family has a change. Also, keep it easily accessible in a cool, dry place such as your basement, garage, or closet!

This is a extremely basic kit that covers the bare minimum and every family will have different needs for their kit. Be sure to put time and thought into making your emergency kit. SERVPRO aims to keep your family safe and sound during times of disaster! We are here to help no matter the size of the job! Stay alert and stay safe!