Be Prepared: Part 2

If you started to read this post and wonder what it's all about, you can read the first post in this series HERE .
 

So, last week you picked up the container to hold your emergency kit and your water supply. This week we will start filling that emergency kit!
 

Step 1: Food- Remember that you are stocking up on supplies that will last a MINIMUM of 72 hours. This is the recommended time from Red Cross, etc. I suggest stocking up for longer "just in case".

- Store food items that are familiar to your family rather than special emergency foods. Don't forget to take into account special dietary restrictions. Your body is already going through a stressful time and you dont' want to further upset it with foods that you haven't tried.

- Ideal foods are shelf-stable, low in salt and do not require cooking (ex: peanut butter, canned fruit & vegetables, canned soup or meat, jam, low salt crackers, dry cereal, etc.)

- If containers do not have an expiration date, make sure to mark them for rotation. Canned food usually has a shelf life of 18 months to 2 years. Dry products like cereal, crackers, cookies will last 6 months.

- Another great option is purchasing cases of MRE's. The same kind that are used by our troops. They have a shelf life of years. We have them and have tried one. It's not that bad.

Step 2: Make A Plan

- Designate an out of area contact person. Long Distance service is often restored before local service. Provide this person with the names and numbers of people you want to keep informed of your situation. Instruct family members to phone this person and tell them where they are if you become separated.

- Documents binder. Make copies of important documents that you might not have time to grab. These can include birth certificates, social security cards, driver's licenses, wills, deeds, insurance information (health, car and home), prescriptions, etc. Make sure to include photos of all family members and pets, as well.

- Make sure every family member knows where the emergency kit is and where each go-bag is (We'll discuss go-bags next week).

- Designate a meeting place outside of the home in case it becomes unsafe. Designate two areas. One just outside of the house, and one outside of the neighborhood in case of an evacuation.

- Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher. If you don't have one in your home, purchase one.

- Locate the gas main and other utilities and make sure each family member knows how and when to turn it off.