In the event of an emergency, it is important to make sure that your family is prepared. It’s easy to panic in an emergency situation so being mentally and physically prepared can help.

Developing an easy to remember plan is important. An emergency plan is not effective if it can’t be remembered. Write up an emergency checklist that includes your plan with any additional information you think you may need at that time. Have your 72-hour kit ready (one kit for each family member) is a crucial step in a major emergency.

Here are some ideas of what to include in your emergency kit.

• Food and Water

You will need a 3 day supply of food and water for each person in your family. Some suggestions include: granola bars, trail mix, crackers, dry cereal, nuts, jerky, canned juice, and powdered drink mix. It is especially important to pack for young children or anyone with a special dietary or medical needs. Plan on one gallon of water per person per day. And don’t forget the family pets! Pets are often forgotten when planning for an emergency situation. They need enough food and water for 72 hours also.

• Fuel and Lights

Bring batteries, flares, candles, lighters and waterproof matches.

• Personal Documents and Cash

Keep these items in a waterproof, safe place. Keep information such as: Passports, driver licenses, birth certificates, wills, vaccination records, insurance policies, and banking information. Along with paper copies, keeping a small USB drive with this information can be helpful.

• Equipment

Bring dishes, utensils, can opener, shovel, radio, whistle, axe, paper and pen, rope, duct tape, fire extinguisher, and pocket knives.

• Bedding and Clothing

Clean clothes and blankets can make a huge difference in an emergency. Some items you may want to include are: Change of clothes for each person, jackets, cloth sheets, light & heavy blankets, emergency foil blankets, ponchos and coats.

• Personal Supplies and Medication

These items can be the most important during an emergency. Items to consider packing are: Travel size hygiene items, first aid kit, toilet paper, baby wipes, feminine items, hand sanitizer, soap, ibuprofen, children’s medication, allergy medication, and any prescription medication that your family may need.

Check your 72-hour kits every 6-12 months to replace expired food items and add to it if needed. Consider keeping games or toys in your kit to comfort children in a time of need. Being prepared is extremely important and is something each family should do.

You never know when disaster will strike, so it is best to have things ready for your family just in case. Once your family’s safety is assured, call AAA Restoration to help you rebuild your home after a disaster.