I know that it’s hard to think about all the disasters which could happen: power outages, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes…. But, if there is anything we can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that disasters can happen to anyone, anytime.
Instead of getting stressed by dwelling on all the possible disasters, it’s better to get prepared. Preparedness is actually amazing for your mental health as it gives you a great sense of calm and the satisfaction of being self-reliant.
As a first step in getting prepared, you’ll want to make a family emergency kit. The following checklist covers all of your basic needs across multiple types of disasters.
Basic Supplies
Emergency food: At least two weeks’ worth of non-perishable food
Water: 1 gallon of water per day/per person
Emergency stove and fuel: Such as a small propane stove
Emergency heater and fuel
Sleeping bags and/or blankets: Including a warm baby sleeping bag for winter power outages
Emergency lighting: Such as flashlights, headlamps, lamps, and candles
Spare batteries: Try to have 10 backup batteries per device
NOAA emergency radio
Fire-starting kit: Such as lighters, waterproof matches and tinder
Cash in small bills
Pet supplies: Including food, water, leashes, crates, litter, and other supplies
Copies of important documents: Preferably organized in a binder
“Go Bag”: This will contain essential survival items in case you need to evacuate your home quickly
Entertainment and comfort items: A good book, a deck of cards, or other activities which don’t require electricity
Hygiene and Health Items
Emergency toilet: Such as buckets and trash bags; let’s hope you never have to use it!
Buckets: These have lots of emergency uses, like for making a hand-washing station
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper
Menstrual items
First aid kit and personal medications
Unscented chlorine bleach
Antibacterial soap
Everyday items: Such as extra toothpaste, shampoo, dish detergent, etc.
Home Cleanup and Safety Supplies
Plywood and plastic sheeting: For fixing damaged windows, doors, etc.
Hardware, tools, shovel, and utility shutoff wrench
Heavy-duty trash bags
N95 respirator mask and eye protection
Work gloves
Sturdy boots
Waterproof gear including boots
Rope and cordage
Ax and/or saw
Duct tape
Broom, dustpan and cleaning supplies
Fire extinguisher
Carbon monoxide detector
Ladder
Infant and Children Items
Disposable diapers
Baby wipes
Diaper and rash cream
Cloth diapers and covers
Infant formula
Pre-sterilized bottles and/or disposable inserts
Extra bottled water
Bottle sterilizing tablets
Baby food in pouches
Toys and comfort items
Note that the Red Cross, FEMA, and other disaster organizations now recommend having at least 2 weeks’ worth of supplies at home. However, some disasters can end up lasting much longer than this. That’s why I recommend having at least one month’s worth of supplies and ideally even more.
Yes, it can seem overwhelming at first but just go slowly. Start with the most important and easiest items (like water, food, and hand sanitizer) and then build up from there.
Written by: Diane Vukovic Diane Vukovic is a mother of two young girls, an outdoor adventurer, and one of the few female voices in the prepping sphere. Her book Disaster Preparedness for Women tells you how to get ready for anything in just 52 steps.
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