I have a confession… I’m 32 years old, my first weather job was in 2007, I’ve been a meteorologist for years now and I’ve never practiced what I preached – I admit it, I’ve never actually had a complete emergency kit. I always kind of looked in the pantry and garage and with a shrug told myself “ah, good enough.”  Shame on me! lol

 

Now that I have a little guy, I guess my perspective has shifted. As my father, the scientist, always says “It’s not if, but when.” It’s just a matter of time before a natural disaster hits and I should be prepared. We ALL should be prepared. I challenge you to actually do the research, look around your home, create a list and go out and complete your emergency kits. I’ve made that pledge to myself and my family. Today – for the first time – I went to the store to stock up.

 

I’m starting with the basics – here’s some of my loot from a Costco/Walmart run today!

 

 

In addition to the items below – make sure your gas tanks are full in your vehicles and fill tubs / buckets with water for flushing and other needs. As far as your emergency supply kit goes, FEMA recommends the following items…

 

EMERGENCY KIT ESSENTIALS

First Aid Kit - $22.87  for a 205 piece kit on Amazon / $17.47 at Walmart

 

 Fire Extinguisher - $19.97 on Amazon / Walmart $20.67

 

Prescription Medication, prescription glasses, contact lenses, contact lens solution

 

Water – One gallon per day per person (5 to 7 day supply) / I got a clear plastic 5-gallon at Walmart for $8.18

Non-perishable food - 5 to 7 day supply (and utensils)

 

Hand crank or battery-powered radio ($15) and a NOAA Weather Radio ($27) with tone alert and extra batteries

 

Flashlight & extra batteries

 

Whistle to signal for help

 

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

 

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

 

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

 

Manual can opener for food

 

Local maps ($5 on Amazon)

 

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

 

Other supplies you may need

Baby essentials – formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, etc…

 

Pet essentials – food, water, medication

 

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

 

Matches in Waterproof Container or Waterproof Matches

 

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

 

Ready.gov also suggests having:

 

• Emergency information resources – first aid reference material, pamphlets, print outs (free publications)

 

• Cash or traveler’s checks and change – If the power is out, ATMs will not be operational. If stores are open but the power is out they may only take cash.

 

• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – EFFAK (PDF – 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.

 

• Denture needs, extra eyeglasses

 

For more disaster preparedness information and to download a FEMA emergency supply kit list click HERE.

 

MauiReady.Org also has a comprehensive list, plus a take-along kit list and suggested food and supply kit items. Click HERE for that resource.

 

Comment below if you have something to add to the list and I’ll update my post. Mahalo! Stay safe everyone! You can never be too prepared… #lifesswell