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How to Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit for a Home

The American Red Cross suggests that you assemble an emergency preparedness kit for your home. Your kit may be the only resource you and your family have in an emergency, so your kit should include food, water, medical supplies and tools.

Things You'll Need

  • Batteries
  • Latex gloves
  • Plastic bags
  • Feminine supplies
  • Can opener
  • Flashlights
  • Antacids
  • Large container
  • Signal flares
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Antiseptics
  • Aspirin
  • Disinfectants
  • Food
  • Soap
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Dust masks
  • Water
  • Bandages
  • Laxatives
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Instructions

  1. Select a Container to Hold Your Emergency Kit

    • 1

      Choose a large backpack to hold your emergency preparedness supplies. A backpack has the advantages of being lightweight and leaving both hands free.

    • 2

      Opt for a large, covered trash can if you have a large family.

    • 3

      Be sure to select a trash can with a locking lid to keep your kit contained.

    Select Non-Perishable Foods

    • 4

      Assemble foods that do not require heating or refrigeration. In an emergency, you may not have access to either.

    • 5

      Buy canned foods, such as tuna, corned beef and a variety of vegetables and fruits. Remember to include a can opener in your kit.

    • 6

      Put easily portable goods, such as energy bars, in your home kit.

    • 7

      Include spices, such as salt and pepper to make bland food more palatable.

    Stock Up on Water

    • 8

      Save water in sturdy plastic containers. Glass and soft plastic containers can break or leak easily.

    • 9

      Plan to have at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person in your family. You should have a minimum of 3 days worth of water.

    • 10

      Add more water to your calculations for nursing mothers.

    Assemble a First-Aid Kit

    • 11

      Place your first-aid supplies in a separate, easy-to-carry container.

    • 12

      Include medications, such as aspirin, laxatives, anti-diarrhea pills and antacids. Buy medications in pill form, rather than liquid form, for easier packing.

    • 13

      Gather bandages. At least 20 adhesive bandages, a roll of sterile gauze and four sterile gauze pads should be included.

    • 14

      Add instruments, such as tweezers and scissors.

    • 15

      Include antiseptic wipes, latex gloves and dust masks in the kit.

    Include Sanitation Supplies

    • 16

      Gather toilet tissue, soap, feminine supplies and disinfectants.

    • 17

      Put plastic bags with ties into the kit for use as emergency toilet facilities.

    Assemble Tools

    • 18

      Include flashlights and extra batteries.

    • 19

      Put a battery-operated radio and extra batteries in the kit.

    • 20

      Throw in signal flares to help rescuers locate you.

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