By Carrie Downey, Professional Organizer, Clarity Company
Midwest living requires us to think about emergency situations due to weather like tornados, floods, blizzards, or sub-zero temps. Being prepared is the best way to lessen the anxiety brought on by these situations. Have you talked as a family about what to do if an emergency strikes? Have you set aside items every member of your household, including your pet, will need in an emergency situation?
Following is a list of items to include in an emergency preparedness kit for both your home and vehicles. This checklist is derived from fema.gov, which takes into consideration the possible need to vacate your vehicle and walk, turn off household utilities, maintain the medical needs of a chronically ill family member, or address injuries that could occur during the emergency.
For Your Car:
- flashlight
- blanket
- extra pair of comfortable shoes
- hat, gloves, scarf
- power flare
- water
- compact shovel
- de-icer
For Your Pet:
- food
- water
- food bowls
- towel or blanket
- medications (if applicable)
For Your Home:
- water, one gallon per person, per day for at least 3 days
- food, non-perishable items (peanut butter, tuna, canned chili, beans, canned fruit, protein bars)
- flashlight with extra batteries
- battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- whistle to signal for help
- can opener for food
- moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- dust mask, to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- wrench and pliers
- copies of important family documents in a waterproof, portable container
∙ insurance policies
∙ identification (driver’s licenses & birth certificates)
∙ bank account records - emergency reference material from ready.gov
- first aid kit and manual
- local maps
- cash & traveler’s checks and change
- sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- complete change of clothing for each person (consider layering), including hats, gloves and scarves
- fire extinguisher
- matches in a water proof container
- feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- paper and pencil
- books, games, puzzles
For Families With Young Children or Medical Needs:
- medication
- eye glasses
- infant formula and diapers
While you are at it, you might consider if you’re prepared for a house fire. Here is a list of the vital paperwork you should always store in a fire safe:
- current insurance policies and agent contact information
- your families’ passports, birth certificates, and original social security cards
- a list of prescription medications, along with a list of family doctors, and pharmacy contact info
- CDs or external hard drive containing digital copies of family photos
- copy of family wills, and wills in which you are the executor
- copy of your important legal documents, including powers of attorney, living wills, health care proxies — both for yourself, and for anyone else for whom you are designated attorney-in-fact, or health care surrogate.
- important papers related to investments, retirement plans, bank accounts, debts, and associated contact information.
For assistance with preparing your emergency preparedness kit, contact Carrie Downey at Clarity Co. 309-808-2576, or carrie@clarityco.org. She is a professional organizer who assists local businesses and residents get organized and prepared for disaster. Go to www.clarityco.org to learn more about the other organization, and productivity services Clarity Co. offers.
Photo credit: Pamela Moore/iStock