A thoughtfully crafted emergency kit can become a lifeline for your family after a disaster.

How to Build a Home Emergency Kit

In an unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is not just a precaution—it’s a necessity. A well-stocked home emergency kit can be a lifeline during natural disasters, power outages, or other unexpected events. This guide will walk you through creating a thorough emergency kit that you can rely on to help keep family safe, comfortable, and self-sufficient during unexpected emergencies.

Emergencies can come in many forms, including:

• Natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires)
• Severe weather events (blizzards, heat waves)
• Power outages
• Public health emergencies
• Man-made disasters

By preparing for these scenarios, you can reduce stress, ensure your family’s safety, and potentially save lives when an emergency strikes. The goal is to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours (3 days) following a disaster, though many experts recommend preparing for up to two weeks.

The Basics of Emergency Preparedness

Before we dive into the specifics of what to include in your kit, let’s cover some fundamental principles of emergency preparedness:

1. Plan for multiple scenarios: Prepare for both sheltering in place and potential evacuation.
2. Customize for your needs: While we’ll provide a comprehensive list, consider your family’s unique requirements, including medical needs, dietary restrictions, and the specific types of disasters common in your area.
3. Store properly: Keep your supplies in airtight plastic bags and place them in easy-to-carry containers like plastic bins or duffel bags.
4. Maintain your kit: Regularly check and update your supplies, replacing expired items as needed.
5. Multiple kit locations: Consider having kits at home, work, and in your vehicle.

Essential Components of Your Emergency Kit:

1. Water

Water is critical for survival. Store at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days, preferably up to two weeks. Remember:

• An active person needs at least two quarts of water daily for drinking alone.
• Children, nursing mothers, and people with health issues may need more.
• Hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed.
• Additional water is necessary for food preparation and sanitation.

Water storage tips:

• Use thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass, or enamel-lined containers.
• Avoid containers that can break or have held toxic substances.
• Seal containers tightly, label them, and store in a cool, dark place.
• Date each container and replace stored water every six months.

2. Food

Stock non-perishable food to last at least three days, preferably up to two weeks. Choose foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and little to no water. Options include:

• Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• Comfort/stress foods
• Infant formula and baby food (if applicable)

Don’t forget a manual can opener, basic utensils, and cooking tools.

3. Medications

Prescription Medications

Having an adequate supply of medications is crucial in an emergency situation. This is where the our Jase Daily becomes invaluable. Jase Daily offers an extended supply of your existing prescriptions for chronic conditions, ensuring you have the medications you need during an emergency. This service helps you maintain:

At least one month supply of prescription medications for conditions such as:

• • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Mental health conditions

Emergency Medications

For emergency medications, the Jase Case is an excellent solution. This customizable emergency medication kit can include:

• Antibiotics for common infections
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) for severe allergic reactions
• Malaria medication for those in or traveling to high-risk areas
• Medications to counter bio-terror agents like Anthrax

Remember: A Jase Case ensures you’re prepared for a wide range of medical emergencies when access to healthcare might be limited.

4. First Aid Kit

In addition to the Jase Case, maintain a comprehensive first aid kit including:

• Adhesive bandages of various sizes
• Sterile gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Elastic bandage (Ace wrap)
• Scissors and tweezers
• Safety pins
• Disposable gloves
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Antacids
• Insect bite relief pads
• First aid manual

5. Tools and Supplies

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio if possible)
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Multi-purpose tool or basic tools (wrench, pliers, screwdriver)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust masks, scissors, and plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities

6. Clothing and Bedding

• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate
• Sturdy shoes
• Jacket or coat
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Hat, gloves, and thermal underwear for cold climate

7. Important Documents

Store copies of important documents in a waterproof, portable container:

• Identification (driver’s license, passport)
• Insurance policies
• Bank account records
• Emergency contact information
• Medical information (prescriptions, allergies)
• Birth certificates
• Social Security cards
• Deeds or mortgages
• Wills and estate papers

Consider storing electronic copies in a password-protected format on a removable drive or secure cloud-based service.

8. Special Considerations

For the Elderly:

• Extra supply of prescription medications (easily secured with Jase Daily)
• List of all medications, dosages, and allergies
• Contact information for doctors and family members
• Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards
• Medical devices (oxygen, glucose meter, blood pressure monitor) with backup power sources
• Mobility aids (cane, walker, wheelchair) and extra batteries for motorized equipment
• Incontinence supplies
• Denture needs and supplies
• Special nutrition or meal replacement drinks
• Backup pair of eyeglasses and hearing aids with extra batteries
• Comfort items like a favorite sweater or jacket, or family photos
• Large-print documents for those with vision impairments

For Babies and Young Children:

• Diapers and wipes
• Formula and bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Books, games, electronics (Remember tablets are great until the battery dies and there’s no power to recharge it)

For Pets:

• Food and water (two-week supply)
• Medications
• Leash, harness, and carrier
• Documents (vaccination, registration, microchip information)
• Sanitation items

9. Making Emergency Preparedness a Family Activity

Building your emergency kit can be an excellent opportunity for family bonding and education. By involving all family members in the process, you can:

1. Ensure everyone’s needs are considered
2. Teach children about emergency preparedness
3. Create a sense of ownership and responsibility
4. Customize the kit to your family’s specific requirements

Consider allowing each family member, especially children, to create their own “mini-kit” in addition to the main household kit. These personal kits can contain items that provide comfort, maintain habits and hobbies, and address individual needs during an emergency.

10. Storing Your Emergency Kit

• Keep your kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly.
• Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Keep a smaller version of the emergency supply kit in your vehicle.
• Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

11. Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit, maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
• Review your supplies at least every six months.

Creating an adequate home emergency kit is an essential step in preparing for unexpected situations. By involving the whole family in the process, you not only ensure that everyone’s needs are met but also create an educational opportunity and foster a sense of preparedness and resilience.

Remember to regularly check and update your kit, including rotating perishable items and adjusting contents as your family’s needs change. And with a Jase Case for emergency medications, and Jase Daily for your extended supply of chronic medications you can ensure that your medication needs are covered in any situation.

Being prepared brings peace of mind and can make a significant difference in how you and your family weather an emergency. Take the time to prepare now, and you’ll be thankful for your foresight if an emergency does occur.

Tune in next week for the next part in our National Preparedness Month series, where we will go over low cost, and no-cost emergency preparedness solutions and ideas.

– Your partners in preparedness: Jase.com