What Should Be In An Emergency Kit?
The CDC’s recent announcement regarding coronavirus preparedness brings to the forefront a few things that families should already do.
First, it’s essential to listen to reputable sources of information. Avoiding the clickbait headlines and catastrophic thinkers is best for the mental health of all of us. Narrowing your input to the CDC, Johns Hopkins, local health departments and local hospitals is the way to go.
Continuing to wash your hands and take necessary hygiene precautions is fantastic advice for everyone, every day. These are the best ways to prevent getting sick from all the invisible germs that live among us. It is impossible to “avoid sick people” since most viral diseases can be spread by people who are infected but are not showing any symptoms. And, a surgical mask helps to decrease the spread of your germs to others, not the other way around.
Ensuring our emergency kits are up-to-date is another reasonable and appropriate action. This recommendation might be a new practice for some families. Those of us in the Midwest may be familiar with kits that are prepared for use in case of natural disasters or “survival kits” (read: tornados). Emergency kits do not have to be as extensive, focusing only on simple care and wellness items. Think of this as a collection of things that we might need or use to “shelter in place” while still having access to our homes, clean water, and electricity.
The good news is many of these items are likely already in your home. Finding them, bolstering a few supplies, and ensuring everything is up-to-date is the practical step to take.
An emergency kit starts with communication planning.
Who are emergency contacts for your family?
What is the plan if your family gets separated?
How will you notify the rest of your family that you are OK or that you need help?
Who are emergency contacts outside of your immediate area?
Do you know your child’s school evacuation plans and how to connect with daycare providers or work colleagues?
Collect this information, while thinking of meeting places and communication plans, as a first step. Keeping a printed document with these names and numbers is best.
Things to also include in your family’s emergency kit start with the basics - food and water. In general, preparedness experts recommend having a 2-week supply on hand. (Hello, Costco!) Keeping a variety of non-perishable foods is important. Include proteins, fruits, vegetables, as well as simple carbohydrates. If you are loading up on canned items, make sure to stash away a manual can opener. You might include frozen items, if you have room to store them, including ice and ice packs.
Experts suggest holding a 3-day supply of bottled water. One gallon of water per person per day is enough for drinking and sanitation purposes. Water purification tablets are cheap and can be helpful if water supplies run low. Household bleach can also be used to sanitize water. Don’t forget pet food and accommodations for their water needs, as well.
If an infant is in your home, remember formula, diapers, wipes and diaper creams.
For family members on any routine medication, keeping a seven day supply on hand is recommended. Also, make sure you have a simple first aid kit. Include antiseptic solution (Betadine), a good emollient (Vaseline), pain reliever tablets (ibuprofen/acetaminophen), and an antihistamine (Benadryl) at a minimum.
Basic paper goods such as paper towels and toilet paper should be available, as well as plenty of garbage bags. Also, feminine products and hygiene items (soap, deodorant, contact lens solution, toothpaste) should be on the shelf. Check this list from the EPA for effective cleaning agents that work on troublesome bacteria and viruses.
Flashlights, cell phone chargers and extra batteries are smart to keep around. Knowing the location of important documents and spare cash (small bills) may be useful. And don’t forget entertainment items for the kids, like travel games, pens/paper, books, and card games.
I know that learning about threats to our family is scary. Following simple recommendations allows time for the calm and collected thinking needed to help prepare our families for times of crisis, and decrease some of the stress should emergencies arise. These are things we can do to keep our families safe while continuing to live our lives in the best ways in which we are able.
For more information, here’s an excellent post from Parents magazine on emergency planning, or download this comprehensive PDF from the CDC.
