Do you have a family emergency plan?

Last year with the disasters in Japan and a local area-wide power outage, I realized that my family did not have an emergency plan.  We do not have a supply of water or food, we have no first-aid kit.  Nothing.  It’s pretty sad actually.

I started talking to Bob about how we needed to buy emergency foods to have on hand.  I went out and purchased a small thing of bleach in case we needed to sanitize some water.  But other than that?  I didn’t get very far.

*hangs head in shame*

I feel awful that I don’t have an emergency plan.  I just haven’t taken it seriously and I really need to!

FEMA.gov recommends the following items to be in an accessible location.  I’ve even seen suggestions of having more than one kit in multiple locations, especially if you live in a large home or have multiple floors.

Emergency Kit Supplies

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food,
• at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food (can be purchased from BuyEmergencyFoods.com)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic-sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

The Endless Crafting website has a fabulous emergency preparedness kit that I envy!

Does your family have an emergency kit? What do you have in it? I really need to get this together before it’s too late!