Building an Emergency Disaster Kit

Many of us have seen National Geographic’s smash hit TV show called “Doomsday Preppers.”  Most of the people who have seen it have thought, boy those people are crazy!  Maybe they are, but at least they are prepared.  How prepared are you for an emergency or disaster?  Here is a checklist on the things you might need to become one step closer to becoming a sensible prepper.

Supplies Recommended by FEMA

3 Days’ Worth Of Water

Each person should have about one gallon per day for not only drinking but sanitation purposes.  For a family of 5, you would need to stock pile 15 gallons of water.

3 Days’ Worth of Non-Perishable Food

The average person needs to eat around 2000 calories per day.  Calculate the calories on the labels of food to ensure that you have enough food for 3 days for each person.  Make sure to stockpile non-perishable foods like canned goods and Twinkies!  Freeze dried foods can be bought at your local hunting store and are great for emergency kits, because they can last up to 10 years.

Hand Crank Weather Radio

Whether you are stuck in your tub hiding from a tornado or seeking higher ground in a Tsunami, you need to be able to know what to do in an emergency.  The National Weather Service will broadcast during an emergency, so it is necessary to be able to receive emergency broadcasts.  My personal suggestion is to get a radio with a built in solar panel, so you don’t have to get batteries.

Flashlight

When don’t you need a flashlight?  Keep a few flashlights and extra batteries stockpiled and set away in your emergency kit so you always know where they are, because let’s face it, you can’t ever find a flashlight when you need one.  If you don’t want to stockpile batteries, they make great alternatives now.  You can buy a hand crank flashlight, or even a shake flashlight, and just do away with batteries.

First Aid Kit

It is extremely important to have a first aid kit, because in case of a disaster, medical attention is scarce.  Include everything from gauze and Neosporin to scissors and aspirin.  Make sure to pack a needle and thread for stitching or super glue to close a wound.  Always remember Murphy ’s Law, what can go wrong will go wrong.  Just be prepared so that you don’t end up dying from a paper cut.

Whistle

If you’re trapped in a building or rubble, you want a way to signal help.  A great device to do this is a whistle!  Have one handy for each person so that you can communicate properly.

Dust Mask

A good dust mask can filter out dust and other contaminates.  Hospitals use N-94 Respirator masks, so they should work great

Toiletries

Keep some toilet paper, paper towels, tooth brushes, and any other kind of sanitary devices on hand.  Sanitation is a must in an emergency.

Tools

You want a manual can opener to open food.  A set of pliers for turning off utilities, a utility knife for cutting, a box of matches, and anything else that might be helpful.

Maps

Have a good set of maps of your local area so that you never get lost.  You may want to include a compass with your map.

Things I Would Find Helpful in an Emergency

A Firearm

A way to defend yourself is always useful in an emergency.  In case of mass chaos, people will result to looting, so defend your stash.

A Bible

If you had no hope before, it’s never too late!

A Plan

Know what you’re going to do in case of emergency.  Have a meet up point, and a bug out plan.

Even though it may sound crazy, you can learn a thing or two from the Doomsday Preppers.  If you want to see what other people are doing to prepare for emergencies, then tune into National Geographic Channel, but for the rest of us, follow this guide and be prepared for anything.

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