There are a few things that we all need to survive and thrive. Water, food, shelter and sleep are all basic requirements. But when disaster strikes, there may be challenges in accessing these essential items. It is important to have a disaster preparedness kit ready at all times to ensure you have what you need when an emergency occurs.
Water
Water is the most important thing that you can have on hand during a disaster, says Dr Michael Hilton New York. Drinking water, not bathing water or cooking liquid, is what you want to store as much of as possible. The average person needs about 2 liters (about 1/2 gallon) per day to survive comfortably and avoid dehydration in normal temperatures; this increases with age and activity level.
The amount of bottled water you should stock depends on the number of people who live in your home and how long they’ll need sustenance for after a disaster strikes (if at all). For example: if there are four people living in your household, each requiring two liters per day for three days before moving into another location–or if there’s only one person who works from home, but has access to bottled water through his employer–then it makes sense to keep at least 16 gallons on hand at all times!
Food
Food is a necessity in any disaster scenario, and it can also be an important source of comfort. In the aftermath of a disaster, you may be feeling stressed and overwhelmed–and even if you are not, your loved ones might be. Having food on hand will help everyone stay calm and focused on getting through those difficult first days after an emergency strikes, according to Dr Michael Hilton New York.
Communication Device
The most important part of your disaster kit is a way to contact your family. This can be as simple as having a cell phone on hand, or it could entail purchasing a GoTenna device that allows for two-way communication even when there’s no cell reception available.
If you live in an area where emergency alerts are sent through text messages (such as Hawaii), this will also be crucial in keeping up with any information about disasters in your area and how they might affect your daily life.
Battery-Powered Lights, Radio
- Battery-powered lights and radio: You can never have enough light in an emergency situation, so make sure you have at least two sources of it. A flashlight or headlamp is your best bet for a portable light source, but they may run out of power at some point during your emergency kit’s lifespan. A battery-powered lantern is another great choice since it will keep shining even if the electricity goes out (and it’s safer than candles).
First Aid Supplies
First aid supplies are essential for any disaster prepper. You never know when you might need to bandage a wound or give someone medication, so it’s important that you have all the necessary items on hand.
Here are some of the most important supplies:
- Bandages (in different sizes)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Painkillers
- Antihistamine cream (for bug bites or rashes) * Tweezers * Scissors/razor blades * Aspirin (for heart attacks) * Cold packs (to reduce swelling) Thermometer