Basic Emergency Supply Kit

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

24 Mar 2008 09:20 AM

Emergencies can vary from being inconvenient to being life threatening. While I hope that you will never find yourself in an emergency, having an emergency is always a possibility.

The U.S. Government recommends that you become prepared by creating and having on hand a basic emergency kit. This kit will provide you with the essential needs that may become scarce in an emergency situation: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

What should you include in your kit? Let's go through the list.

The most important item on the list is water. Without fresh water, it is nearly impossible to survive. You will need water for both drinking an sanitation. Count on at least one gallon of water per day per person, and be sure to have at least a three-day supply. If anyone in the home is pregnant or breastfeeding, increase that amount to one gallon and a half to be safe. You can store water in five gallon barrels that are specifically made for that purpose. A water purification additive or some chorine bleach is essential to make sure your water will be safe, if you store it for a long period of time. You can also purchase individual gallon jugs of water, rotating a replacing them when they near their expiration date.

The next item for your kit is food. Again, you want at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person. Include baby food and baby formula, as well, if you will need it. You want to have a variety of healthy food, of course, but include some treats and snacks as well. Canned goods are an obvious choice, but other good choices include dry cereal, instant oatmeal, granola, fruit bars, crackers, peanut butter, dried fruits and nuts. Store the food in air tight containers on shelves and away from areas that could become flooded.

Check back for more information about what should be included in your basic emergency supply kit.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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