In the event of a disaster, whether tornado, snow storm, hurricane or other disaster, you will need to have an emergency kit. You also need to designate an out of town contact for all family members to call to check in afterwards to make sure everyone is accounted for.

Have this ready to go at all times. Reevaluate every 6 months.

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation or a quality water filter kit found in most camping or outdoor stores.
• Good Backpack
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Quality LED Flashlight and extra batteries (solar charger with rechargeable batteries work well)
• First Aid Kit with first aid manual or guide
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Rain gear
• Moist wipes, 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 or a GPS (global positioning system) with solar charger
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
• Prescription medications, over the counter medications such as Aspirin, 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 (a roll or two of quarters only since change can be heavy)
• 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, extra socks 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 and/or a magnesium fire starter
• 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
• Mp3 player (don’t forget extra batteries!)

For more information on Disaster Preparedness, purchase your copy of The 4-1-1 on Life Skills at www.my411books.com. Stay safe!