It’s important to have water, food and clean air when there’s an emergency. If there is a member of the family with special needs, your medical kit should cotain that medication. You should also keep important family documentation in a safe place.
But let us review the recommended supplies which you should include in your basic emergency kit:
- WATER (1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation)
- FOOD - at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food
- BATTERY POWERED RADIO - for weather report and other emergency broadcasts. I recommend a CRANK radio (so you can power it up yourself)
- FLASHLIGHT (can be a radio-combo) with extra batteries
- FIRST AID KIT
- WHISTLE to signal for help
- DUST MASK (or a cotton shirt to filter air)
- WRENCH or PLIERS for turning off utilities
- CAN OPENER
You should also consider warm clothing like a jacket, long pants, a long sleeve shirt and quality shoes. Don’t forget a hat, gloves and a sleeping back plus a warm blanket for each person.