How to Make an Emergency Kit

Since an emergency can happen at anytime, it is best to prepare as much as possible ahead of time and set up kits to have around the house and car. Read on to learn how to make different variations of an emergency kit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• See each package listed below for items.

1. Decide how many kits you would like to make and designate an area in which to store them. To create the kits, set aside an area on the floor to gather all supplies and put the kit together in an organized fashion and then store in your designated area. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the kits are located along with emergency contact numbers.

2. Start making a sanitation kit by getting a large plastic bucket with a tightly fitted lid to store essential items including plastic bags with ties, toilet paper, improvised toilet seat, disinfectant such as bleach or Lysol, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, soap, garbage sacks, infant disposable diapers and hand wipes.

3. Prepare documents. It is a good idea to have all important documents backed up to PDF format and stored on a portable USB drive that is stored outside the home so you can access if something does happen to your home. It is also good to have these documents together and in a container that is easy to grab and take with you. Examples of documents include genealogy records and pictures, birth certificates, personal journals, insurance policies, wills, contracts and other legal documents, stocks, bonds, Social Security cards, inventory of household items and bank account information.

4. Have tools handy. These are good to have a back up of in a kit, so if you need to leave your home and be out in the woods, make sure you have a shovel, axe, hunting knife, crowbar, screwdriver and screws, pliers, hammer and nails, saw, wrench, fire extinguisher, electric tape, duct tape, small broom, radio, batteries, insect repellent, lantern, fuel and a tent.

5. Collect general items such as aluminum foil, candles, fish line, hooks, compass, flashlight, batteries, extra bulbs, matches, pocket knife, plastic bags, rope, magnifying glass, paper towels, bedding, blankets, sleeping bag, sewing kit, mirror, stone, plastic ground cover, whistle, cash, heavy string, razor blades, brush, deodorant, extra set of clothes for each person, safety pins, gloves, water-resistant coat, warm hat, boots, lip balm and lotion.

6. Know that a cooking kit should include a skillet and lid, stove fuel, utensils, paper plates, napkins, plastic cups, can opener, cooking pot, utility knife, dish detergent, disinfectant, canned meats, stews, peanut butter, pork and beans, dried fruits, breakfast squares, canned soups, canned vegetables, crackers, water, vitamins, sugar, salt, dry cereal and other items.

7. A good car kit should have a call police sign, paper towels, flashlight and batteries, flares, reflectors, matches, lighter, warm clothing, orange reflector jacket, first aid kit, ice pack, tool kit, jumper cables, duct tape, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, tire changing equipment, road maps, windshield scraper, antifreeze, fire extinguisher, water and cash.

8. A first aid kit should contain bandages, adhesive tape, cotton, gauze, large handkerchief, tweezers, thermometer, safety pins, burn ointment, Neosporin, scissors, pain relievers, single edge razor blades, laxatives, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, medicine dropper, sanitary napkins, face mask, eye drops and personal medications.

[Blackbear]

on 4/16/2008 Well done article.