How to Make a Fire Survival Kit

A fire survival kit should be part of every household's emergency preparedness plan. Each year brush fires and other blazes leave families displaced for days, weeks or even longer. However when a fire strikes there's no time to scramble for supplies and other necessitates. It's vital you assemble your kit before flames attack. Use this guide to collect all the essential items you'll need to keep your family as safe and comfortable as possible after a blaze.

Instructions

• 1

  Make copies of important documents and place them in your kit. Don't forget insurance policies, birth certificates, Social Security cards, bank account information, IDs and other family documents.

• 2

  Collect spare clothing for everyone in your household. Don't forget shoes and include warm-weather and cold-weather options.

• 3

  Place cash or traveler's checks in your kit. The bank may be closed when you need it or you may need funds immediately.

• 4

  Add medications your family uses regularly. Spare sets of eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution, and prescription drugs must be included in your kit. You may not be able to get new supplies for some time.

• 5

  Assemble or purchase a first-aid kit and add it to your supplies. The Red Cross provides a through checklist of things that should be included on its webpage (see Resources).

• 6

  Include food and eating utensils in your kit. Government officials recommend you have a three-day supply. Look for long-lasting supplies, such as canned items (don't forget a can opener), granola bars and trail mix. Avoid items with a high salt content that will induce thirst. Replace these items periodically with fresh supplies.

• 7

  Assemble the following gear and tools; pliers, flashlight, extra batteries, duct tape, wrench and a radio. You can find basic tool sets in hardware stores that will fit the bill. You may also want to include a whistle so you can signal rescue workers if need be.

• 8

  Assemble enough drinking water to sustain your group for three days and add it to your fire kit. Put aside at least six quarts of water for each person. Store water in study containers such as soft drink bottles. Forget glass bottles because they can break. Milk cartons aren't great either. They can decompose and break down.

• 9

  Pack personal hygiene products. Don't forget moist towelettes, feminine sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, toothpaste, garbage bags and bleach which can be used as a sanitizer when diluted.

• 10

  Create a list of important telephone numbers and add it to the rest of your gear. Include family members and insurance agencies.