Be prepared before an emergency hits. An emergency supplies kit simply contains basic household items that you may need in an emergency. It is recommended that you have enough food, water, and emergency supplies to last up to 72 hours. Taking just a few minutes to put a kit together can make all the difference whether you're sheltering in place or evacuating.
What should you put in your emergency kit? Refer to this list of recommended basic supplies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Now that you've done all of that great work, don't just stuff your kit under your bed and forget about it! It's important to keep your supplies in good condition.
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
- Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented or corroded.
- Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh supplies.
- Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
- Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your needs change.