How to Buy Emergency Supplies

Stocking up on emergency supplies is an important task, particularly if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters or power outages. Buying essential emergency items is simple as long as you know what you need and how much to buy. The important thing to remember when shopping is that food and drink items eventually expire, so you should only buy as many as you would need in an absolute emergency.

Things You'll Need

• Large plastic tubs
• Canned food
• Can opener
• Meals Ready to Eat (MRE's)
• Sterno cans
• Jugged water
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Matches
• Garbage bags
• Baby wipes
• Blankets
• First-aid kit
• Masking tape
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Purchase several large plastic tubs with lids. These tubs can hold emergency supplies, protecting them against moisture and making them easily transportable if evacuation becomes necessary.

2. Go to a camping store and purchase canned goods designed for longtime storage, a can opener, ready-to-eat meals, dehydrated food that can be prepared simply by adding water. Buy enough food for each family member to have a five-day supply. Also purchase some Sterno cans, which can be lit and used to heat food and water if necessary during an emergency. Purchase three gallons of jugged water per family member to be used for drinking and sanitary purposes during an emergency. Make sure to check these items regularly to ensure that they don't expire.

3. Gather together a battery-powered radio, enough flashlights for each family member, extra batteries, matches, garbage bags, baby wipes and blankets. The items do not have to be new, but they must be clean and in good working order.

4. Purchase or create a first-aid kit containing an over-the-counter painkiller, allergy medication, bandages, antibiotic ointment, antibacterial hand sanitizer and any prescribed medication or supplies.

5. Pack the food items and water into one plastic tub. Place the lid on the tub and label it with a piece of tape and the marker. Do the same with the non-food supplies. Stack the tubs in a cool, dry area, preferably on the top floor of the dwelling near any important documents that may need to be taken should evacuation become necessary.

Resources

• Emergency preparedness kit recommendations