In this day and age of natural and man-made disasters, we need to be as prepared as we can ahead of time. One way that we can stay ahead and safe is by putting together an emergency preparedness kit for our homes. Lets hope you never need to use one!

List of Needed Items:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days. Don’t forget your animals.
• Food: 3 day supply of non-perishable items that can be opened with a can opener. Protein, fruit and vegetables. Infant formula and pet food, if needed.
• Cash: $100 in small bills of $20 or less.
• First-aid supplies: Antibiotic ointment, sterile adhesive bandages, wipes, thermometer, pain reliever, tweezers, scissors, sunscreen, etc.
• Sanitation and hygiene supplies: Wipes, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste/toothbrush.
• Flashlights and extra batteries: Be careful of using candles, especially with children.
• Radio or TV: Battery operated.
• Documents: Keep your documents somewhere easy for you to grab and/or in a safe place.
• Extras: Masks, small fire extinguisher, matches in water proof container, aluminum foil, whistle, duct tape, toys for the kids, paper/pencil, blanket, possible escape ladder for fires, only items that operate on batteries.

Remember to give a telephone number of a contact outside the state to each of your family members. Watch the expiration dates of your food and batteries. Change your water every six months. Store this in an easy to carry bag or container in a place that is accessible for all.

A great resource that coveres emergency and disaster preparedness in wonderful detail is the American Red Cross web site. When disaster strikes, it will help you to be prepared!