Is your emergency kit packed and ready?
Date: 05/31/20
Everyone loves surprises on their birthday or anniversary. But surprise emergencies? Not so much. Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30, but flash floods, tornadoes and other severe weather events can happen anytime. That’s why it’s important to always have an emergency kit packed and ready.
If you don’t have an emergency kit ready, it’s time to make one! Don’t know where to start? Just follow these steps:
Step One: Choose a bag for your kit. Waterproof and fire-resistant bags work best. But a backpack or a duffle bag work great too. Just make sure whatever bag you choose is easy to carry.
Step Two: Start building your emergency kit. Include things like water, food and clothing for each member of your household. Check out the emergency kit checklist on GetAGamePlan.org to make sure you don’t leave anything out!
Step Three: Don’t forget about your medical needs. Flashlight batteries are important, but so is your health! Make sure to pack a first aid kit and your medications. Make a list of prescription medications needed for each person. Also, if you rely on a medical device that needs electricity, make a plan. Contact your local power company and be sure that you have a way to power your device during a power outage.
Step Four: In a separate waterproof container or zip-top plastic bag, pack your family’s important documents. These include:
- Driver's licenses or personal IDs
- Social Security cards
- Proof of residence (deed or lease)
- Insurance policies
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Stocks, bonds and other negotiable certificates
- Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns
Step Five: Make sure everyone in your home knows where the emergency kit is and can access it quickly. Try to store the kit in a high place. That way if there is a flood, your kit will be safe and dry.
More information about how to prepare your emergency kit or get ready for hurricane season can be found at www.GetAGamePlan.org.