Last week, we kicked off our 72-hour emergency preparedness journey, covering water, food, first aid, toiletries, and pet essentials. Did you feel a sense of satisfaction as you checked off items on your inventory list, knowing you already had many of these essentials at home? It's great to see the groundwork laid for a more secure and prepared living space.
Before we begin this week's list of must-have items for your home kit, let's take a moment to discuss several topics I believe are vital.
Staying Safe at Home: While there are situations where leaving is the best choice for survival, I believe the primary goal should be to stay home. 
Personally, I feel much safer and more comfortable in my own home than I would in a shelter or hotel room, and I'm sure you and your family members would feel the same way.
The best piece of advice I can offer is that once you've decided to shelter in place, it's crucial to stay off the streets. By doing so, you're not only keeping yourself out of trouble but also staying out of the way of those who are trying to help others during emergencies. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure your safety.
In situations like tornadoes, it's crucial that every family member is familiar with the designated safe space within your home, whether it's a basement or storm shelter. Make sure everyone knows the plan.
Deciding When to Move: Knowing when to stay and when to go is key. As. your family establishes strategies for different scenarios, understand your limits and have a pre-established plan before any crisis hits.
Sharing Smartly: A less talked about but equally important aspect of preparedness is how much information to share. While community support is essential, sharing too much information might inadvertently make your home a target for those unprepared. Think about it—if you've told all your co-workers, friends, and family you have everything you need in your home to keep you and your family safe for a month, do you think someone might show up at your door if they haven't prepared? Finding a delicate balance between forming a community with like-minded individuals, helping family and friends, and keeping your family safe is crucial. Set your boundaries before you need to.
Prescription medications: You need a minimum of three days of medication for every member of your family that takes prescription medication. Personally, depending on the medication, I would want to have more than three days of any life-preserving medication you or a family member takes.
Manual can opener: Make sure you are able to operate the manual can opener you have on hand just in case you actually need to use it!
Disposable plates, bowls, and plastic utensils: Consider using disposable paper plates, bowls, and plastic utensils for your emergency kit. If you've stored enough clean water to wash regular dishes and prefer using them, that's totally fine. Personally, I'm not a fan of disposable utensils, but in a short-term emergency, they're the most practical option for my family. Since we only use them in emergencies, they last a long time and are there when we need them.
Flashlights: For 72 hours, I do not recommend candles or oil lamps. Why introduce the risk of fire into your home if you don't need to. You will want a flashlight for each member of your family old enough to carry one. Make sure you have replacement batteries on hand. Having spare batteries ensures that your flashlight stays on for a long time. If the first set of batteries runs out, you can easily swap them with the backup ones, keeping a steady and reliable source of light.
Wind-up or battery-powered radio: Radios connect you with your community during emergencies, especially if television and the internet are down. Local stations provide updates specific to your area, giving you a better understanding of the local impact of the situation, such as evacuation information or weather updates. I personally like this radio, which not only do I sell, but is my personal collection of supplies!
4-in-1 Emergency Solar Flashlight & AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio
Pens and paper: They help you jot down important information, make notes, or leave messages. If there's no power, and you can't use electronic devices, pens and paper become your reliable tools for communication and staying organized.
Duct tape: Duct tape is super useful in emergencies. It can quickly fix things, seal leaks, or secure items. It's like a versatile tool that comes in handy for many unexpected situations, making it a smart addition to your emergency kit.
Keeping Warm: Do winters get chilly where you are? If you use a wood or kerosene heater, make sure you have enough wood or kerosene stocked up. If not, have warm clothes, blankets, or sleeping bags ready. If it's really cold, consider gathering in the smallest bedroom, hang blankets over doors and windows to keep drafts out, and remember, using heaters meant for indoors is important for safety. Always have carbon monoxide detectors to stay safe.
Keeping cool: Staying cool is important! Wear loose clothes, drink water, and stay on lower floors. Use battery-operated fans to circulate air, open windows if safe, and place cool towels on wrists or neck. Close off hot rooms to stay comfortable.
Whistle and/or flare if you need to attract attention.
Charger for cell phone: When choosing a cell phone charger for emergencies with no power, look for one with multiple charging options like hand-crank, solar, or USB. Ensure it's compatible with your phone, has a high capacity, and includes built-in features for efficient power storage. A durable, portable design is also important for convenience during emergencies.
Infant needs: If you have an infant, or a member of your family with special needs, make sure you have their essentials well. For example, if you have an infant, make sure you have extra diapers, formula, bottles, and clean clothes.
Ensure you're prepared with an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses. Keep a handy list of emergency contacts, and don't forget an additional set of house and car keys. It's a smart move to have some cash in smaller bills as credit card processing might be affected during power outages. Next week, we'll explore the crucial importance of having copies of essential documents. I'll provide a list of documents that everyone should have on hand for better preparedness.
Finally, let's talk about keeping your mind and spirits up during tough times. Without TV or smartphones, staying entertained becomes vital. Pack a deck of cards, board games, or a good book to pass the time. Doing activities not only distracts from stress but also brings a sense of normalcy to your family. If you have younger children, you understand the importance of keeping them occupied too.
Remember, preparation goes beyond physical needs; mental well-being is crucial. Having a few entertainment options in your emergency kit can make a big difference in keeping a positive atmosphere during uncertainty.
As we wrap up our journey into emergency preparedness, it's great to see the pieces falling into place for a safer living space. Last week, we covered basics like water and food, and this week, we've discussed important items for your home kit. Remember, being prepared isn't just about physical things; it's also about taking care of your mental well-being. From staying safe at home to having a backup plan, each step builds your family's resilience. Next week, we'll talk about the importance of essential documents. Let's celebrate the progress and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being well-prepared.