Ready to Go Emergency Kit (Bag)

Many of us may hope and pray that we are never faced with an emergency due to a hurricane, a snowstorm, a tornado, a home or forest fire or even an earthquake. However, history has shown that these disasters are all too common within our own country and neighboring countries.

With this in mind, you can prepare an Emergency Kit (Bag) to help you and your family through the first three days (3 days) of these trying times.

* Make a list of emergency telephone numbers, for example, the fire department, the police department, hospital, and the electric company. Keep the list handy and in the open, but place a copy in the Emergency Kit as well.

*** Note: On the telephone list, write down the numbers of close family and friends who do not live in the same area as you. It is understood that your family and friends will want to hear from you.

Additionally, if you become separated from one another, you can discuss beforehand, whom "out-of-the-area" person all of you will contact so that everyone will know where you are. Do not forget to keep the list up-to-date.

* Some stores sells already prepared (packed) Emergency Kits (Bags), but before you purchase one, check to make sure that it has enough items for your entire family. Maybe you will need to buy two.

*** Note: If you do not want to purchase an Emergency Kit, you can prepare you own. On the other hand, if you do buy a kit, you can purchase a few other items to go alone with the kit.

**Necessary items

Food - tin items and other food that are not easily spoiled
Water ( 4 litres per person, per day)
Garbage Bags
Dusk Mask
Candles
Flash Light (s)
Emergency Radios

Batteries "AA" & "D"
Toilet Tissue, Tooth Brush and other personal care items
Manual Can Opener (for the canned items)
Blanket
First Aid Kit
Medication (Prescription)
Important documents

** Safety Items

Leather Gloves
Safety Goggles
Knife (multipurpose)
Tarp
Duct Tape (just in case the Tarp rips)
Whistle
Lighter and Matches

** Distraction Items

Games (board games etc.)
Toys (for younger children)

There are other items that can be added to this kit, however, it will depend on the type of disaster that you are faced with. For example, if there is a hurricane headed your way, you may be allowed several hours or a couple of days to put a few things together. If this is the case, you can add:

Cash (small denominations)
Simple tools such as a hammer and screw driver
Clothing
Plastic cups, plates and spoons