Once you've got these basics in order, FEMA recommends considering adding the following items:. Finally, a first-aid kit should be one of your first preparedness purchases. You'll want to make sure to stock it well. We like these guidelines from the American Red Cross. Find more information at the FEMA site. And please stay safe. By Kaylee Hammonds.
Save FB Tweet More. Emergency Checklist. Credit: Getty Images. Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable items Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries Whistle to signal for help Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener for food if your kit contains canned food Local maps.
Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Cash or traveler's checks and change Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate. Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate. A few simple steps taken in advance make emergency preparation affordable even on a tight budget.
The American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend a three-day supply for evacuating to a safe zone though a two weeks' worth of emergency supplies for sheltering in place. Related: Best Portable Generators. A well-equipped first-aid kit is essential for any household, stormy weather or not. But storm prep requires extra supplies. The recommendation to keep three days of supplies to evacuate also applies to household medications and medical devices, including syringes, prescription drugs, hearing-aid batteries, contact lens cleaner, and related supplies.
Have at least one flashlight or lantern for every member of the household. LED lights powered by lithium-ion batteries are usually cheaper, both upfront and long-term, while those powered by more-expensive alkaline batteries are usually brighter and more powerful. Stockpile extra batteries for the lights and any other battery-powered emergency items, such as fans. Remember that alkaline batteries AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt are especially prone to corrosion, so alkaline-powered emergency devices not in use should never be stored with their batteries inside.
Also, battery-powered objects are far more convenient than hand-cranked ones. People who find sleeping easier with "white noise" in the background can turn the radio to a static station.
For more home-safety tips, please sign up for our free newsletters. When power goes out in an extended area, ATMs and credit-card readers don't work. Whether evacuating or sheltering in place, keep enough cash on hand , preferably in small bills, to get by until the power is restored. Any emergency kit requires a supply of food that can be stored without refrigeration and eaten without cooking or preparation.
Many ordinary canned heat-and-serve foods , such as baked beans, pasta , and stews, also double as emergency rations. They can safely be eaten cold, although they won't taste as good. Store at least one manually operated can opener with the food supply — and keep an eye on expiration dates.
Other inexpensive food possibilities include crackers and no-refrigeration sandwich fillings such as peanut butter, honey, and single-serving jams and jellies; canned fruit or fruit cups; pudding cups; trail mix; raisins and other dried fruits; fruit leather; granola or energy bars; summer sausages; and meat jerky. A barbecue grill or wood- or gas-powered camp stove can cook and heat foods outdoors.
But never , under any circumstances, use such items inside a house, garage, or any other building. Even with all windows wide open, there's a deadly risk of toxic, suffocating fumes filling the space. In case outdoor cooking is not possible, keep a supply of ethanol gel cans used for chafing dishes. These do not generate enough heat for true cooking or boiling water, but they usually are sufficient to heat canned items.
Minimum recommendations call for a gallon of water per person per day, although people who live in hot climates or are prone to excessive perspiration need more. Empty plastic soda or juice bottles can be washed and reused to store tap water.
Do not use milk jugs or dairy containers for this purpose, because it's impossible to know for sure that washing has removed all traces of milk proteins. Water alone is sufficient to prevent dehydration and maintain good health, but drinking nothing but lukewarm water gets monotonous after a while. Consider stocking powdered drink mix and shelf-stable liquids, including single-serve milk and juice boxes.
Choose drinks sold in cardboard boxes or plastic bottles rather than breakable glass. There are also many foods that help you stay hydrated. When you first hear that a storm might strike during the coming week, start making and storing as much ice as the freezer can handle. Also, start eating as much food as possible out of the fridge and freezer to avoid waste in case the power goes out. Fill clean, empty plastic bottles with water and freeze them to serve as an emergency supply of ice and water.
Be sure to leave a couple of inches empty at the top, so the freezing water has room to expand.
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