Are You Prepared with Emergency Kits in Your Home and Car?

By Paul F. Joshua

Emergency kits are something we all know we should have ready and easily accessible, yet we rarely actually go through the process. And they can literally save the lives of us and our families. Putting together an emergency kit really is not that difficult a task.

You do not have to look far to find lists of suggested items for your emergency kits. Some of them are standard, while others may depend on the area in which you live. Other considerations are more personal, such as whether you have pets and if anyone in your household has medical conditions.

Bottled water is one of the key ingredients in your emergency kit. Water is the thing we can live without for the least amount of time. You will also want food that does not spoil quickly, that is lightweight and requires minimal, if any, preparation. Power bars are always a good choice. Do not forget to include food and water for your pets.

Commonly added items also include a first aid kit, matches, a radio that is operated by batteries or hand cranked, blankets, one or more flashlights and extra batteries. There are emergency blankets you can buy that take up very little storage space. Any prescription medicines should be put in the kit, at least in small quantities. A bit of cash is also a good idea.

While you are putting together an emergency kit for your home, do not forget about your car. Kits for automobiles should the same items as the one for your house. Also make sure that you have flares in your trunk, as well as items that make sense for your area such as a shovel, kitty litter for ice and scrapers.

Put all your emergency items in a suitcase that is specifically for that purpose. You do not want to risk emptying it for a vacation and then never getting around to putting it back together. One that has wheels and is easy to take with you quickly will be best.

You may want to purchase at least part of your kit already prepared. There are many companies that offer these kits for sale. Even if you would prefer to create your own, you can at least start with a prepackaged kit. This way you can rest easy that you are covered with the basics.

The kit should be gone through every six months to replace water and any food that is coming up on its expiration date. Check through the expiration dates on the batteries as well and change the ones within the flashlight. Batteries left inside can become corroded in which case neither they, nor your flashlight, will work.

Do not delay another day. Purchase or put together your emergency kits now. Should an emergency strike, you do not want to be caught unprepared. You will rest far easier once you scratch this item off your list. - 29972

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