How Prepared Are You for Emergencies?

Do you have the right items on hand to weather the storm?

What constitutes emergencies?  When heavy storms or freezing ice hit our area, we generally experience a power outage.  Some only last for an hour or two, but others can last days, even weeks.

As we have a wood stove and multiple camping supplies (like lanterns, matches, and a propane cooktop) on hand, I feel well prepared to stay warm, keep things lit, and have the ability to keep our tummies fed.

There are other items I often neglect to keep on hand or put in safe storage space that’s easy to locate during an emergency, like candles, water, and first aid kits.  Items like shelf-sustainable food items and water purification tablets would also be great to keep in a handy place.

Here’s a checklist of items to consider stock-piling to help you weather out a storm or emergency situation.  Print it off and identify which items you have and those you might want to purchase. You’ll be thankful you have the right items on hand, when you need them!

q Flashlight and Batteries
q Emergency Radio
q First Aid Kit
q First Aid Handbook/Guide
q Pocket Knife
q Water Purification Tablets
q Gallon Jugs of Water
q 3 Day Supply of Sustainable Shelf Food
(peanut butter, canned meat, crackers, dried fruit, dry milk, etc.)
q Sleeping Bags or Heavy Blankets
q Plastic Sheeting or Tarps
q Matches
q Candles
q Sterno Canned Heat, Propane Grill, or other Non-Electric Reliant Cooker
q Can Opener
q Disposable Dishes, Utensils, and Napkins
q Shovel
q Bucket
q Garbage Bags
q Ax
q Work Gloves
q Duct Tape
q Cash

Do you have a home emergency kit?  What other items do you keep handy in case of emergencies?