What do you do as soon as an emergency strikes? What if you only had a few minutes to get the most important things to you and leave the house? Most of us wouldn’t know where to start and would be grabbing at straws. Instead create a pack that is stocked and ready to go in case of an emergency or sudden evacuation happens. You can even prepare your documents ahead of time by creating dedicated online photo galleries where your important documents and photographs are scanned and saved. Here are some tips for things to remember when planning your own family's emergency packs.
Each member of your household should have his/her own pack with essentials, plus any specific items they need. If you have children, prepare the essentials for their packs first and then talk with them to discuss any special items they would also like to include – items like a stuffed animal for comfort can be just as important as emergency survival gear.
Purchase or find a durable backpack for each survival pack. If you have small children you won’t want to over pack their bags. They won’t be able to carry as much weight as an adult. You may have to walk a distance, so it's important to plan for this comfort. Backpacks with lots of pockets are very handy to separate and store specific items.
Some of the items you should make sure to include are;
Water - FEMA recommends that each person have 1 gallon of drinking water per day. It’s important to be sure everyone stays properly hydrated. You may struggle to find clean drinking water. One gallon of water is 128 ounces, which is about 6 to 8 store-bought bottles depending on the size of the bottles. You can purchase portable small filters and water cleaning tablets which will take up less space.
Food - Pack nonperishable airtight packaged food. Things like granola, trail mix, snack and protein bars, beef jerky, nuts, dried fruit, or individually canned meat along with a manual can opener are good ideas. Plan enough to last several days.
Clothes – You’ll want to have a few options including plenty of clean socks, underwear, thin layers of shirts, a windproof and/or waterproof jacket, and a hat. In a disaster situation you may have to walk for long distances, so, if your budget allows, pack an extra pair of good walking shoes.
Shelter - If you have a small pop up tent, this is the best solution. Include one small roll of plastic sheeting in each person's pack to form a waterproof layer on the ground for sitting and sleeping just in case you need to sleep outdoors.
What else should you pack?
Besides water, food, and shelter, there are essentials that everyone should have access to when an emergency situation occurs. You’ll want to have a notebook with a list of all of your important passwords to things like your web photo album. If you’ve scanned your important documents you’ll need access to them.
Copies of identification, or any other important papers you may need, in a Ziploc plastic bag or waterproof containers can be very important. Write out and laminate one card for each person with important information.
Pack each bag carefully and mark with each person’s names. Regularly evaluate and update your packs. In the event of an emergency evacuation, each person can easily see which pack is theirs and will be able to grab it. You may never need to put these packs to the test, but isn't it better to know that they are ready if you do?
Each member of your household should have his/her own pack with essentials, plus any specific items they need. If you have children, prepare the essentials for their packs first and then talk with them to discuss any special items they would also like to include – items like a stuffed animal for comfort can be just as important as emergency survival gear.
Purchase or find a durable backpack for each survival pack. If you have small children you won’t want to over pack their bags. They won’t be able to carry as much weight as an adult. You may have to walk a distance, so it's important to plan for this comfort. Backpacks with lots of pockets are very handy to separate and store specific items.
Some of the items you should make sure to include are;
Water - FEMA recommends that each person have 1 gallon of drinking water per day. It’s important to be sure everyone stays properly hydrated. You may struggle to find clean drinking water. One gallon of water is 128 ounces, which is about 6 to 8 store-bought bottles depending on the size of the bottles. You can purchase portable small filters and water cleaning tablets which will take up less space.
Food - Pack nonperishable airtight packaged food. Things like granola, trail mix, snack and protein bars, beef jerky, nuts, dried fruit, or individually canned meat along with a manual can opener are good ideas. Plan enough to last several days.
Clothes – You’ll want to have a few options including plenty of clean socks, underwear, thin layers of shirts, a windproof and/or waterproof jacket, and a hat. In a disaster situation you may have to walk for long distances, so, if your budget allows, pack an extra pair of good walking shoes.
Shelter - If you have a small pop up tent, this is the best solution. Include one small roll of plastic sheeting in each person's pack to form a waterproof layer on the ground for sitting and sleeping just in case you need to sleep outdoors.
What else should you pack?
Besides water, food, and shelter, there are essentials that everyone should have access to when an emergency situation occurs. You’ll want to have a notebook with a list of all of your important passwords to things like your web photo album. If you’ve scanned your important documents you’ll need access to them.
Copies of identification, or any other important papers you may need, in a Ziploc plastic bag or waterproof containers can be very important. Write out and laminate one card for each person with important information.
Pack each bag carefully and mark with each person’s names. Regularly evaluate and update your packs. In the event of an emergency evacuation, each person can easily see which pack is theirs and will be able to grab it. You may never need to put these packs to the test, but isn't it better to know that they are ready if you do?
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