Is Your Emergency Preparedness Kit Ready?

Are you prepared for a disaster?

What exactly is an emergency preparedness kit? It’s a package of basic tools and supplies prepared in advance of an emergency situation. Note the use of the phrase “prepared in advance”, this is the big thing. During an emergency not everyone’s mind is clear enough to be able to think of exactly what’s needed or you just may not be permitted with enough time to do so. With an preparedness kit, everything you need is prepackaged and all you have to do is grab it and go! It’s genius, right?

Why are emergency kits necessary?

Emergency preparedness kits are necessary due to the fact that relief crews or government help may be unreachable for hours or days. They will come sooner or later, but until then it is important to have enough supplies to make due until they get there to help. This means you should have enough food, water, medication, and other supplies needed to last you for a minimum of 72 hours.

What do you need to get started?

Simple! You can choose between packing a kit customized to your needs, or you may purchase a kit to have on hand. Either is fine, better safe than sorry!You can add items to your kit for your personalized needs.  Remember one kit will not fit everyone’s survival requirements; you’ll need to customize it for you and your family.

Packing a kit; what do you need?

Start your kit by purchasing a backpack, rolling suitcase, or a plastic container large enough to fit all of your supplies.

NOTE: Keep in mind that any emergency supplies in the kit should be able to be used without electricity, sewage, etc. (these luxuries may not be in service after a natural disaster).

The bare minimum required for an emergency preparedness kit:

• Medication: There should be a 7 day supply of prescribed medicine in the kit. Along with over the counter medications such as Tylenol and Benadryl.

• Water: General rule of thumb for water is having AT LEAST one gallon of water per person per day.

• Food: Nonperishable’s

• Manual Can opener

• Extra keys to your home and car

• Flashlights

• Radio

• Batteries

• First Aid Kit

• Blankets

• Maps

• Multipurpose tool

• Copies of important documents

• ICE (in case of emergency) contact information

• Cell phone & charger that doesn’t require energy

• Extra Cash

At Complete DKI we understand that the aftermath of a disaster can be stressful. If you are in need of assistance with the aftermath of a disaster and are in the Pensacola or Mobile area give us a call at 850.CALL.DKI or 251.CALL.DKI. “When Disaster Strikes, We Strike Back!”