Your Storm Emergency Kit

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Park Cities we are ready to help after the storm.

If there is a sudden storm in Park Cities, you may not have the time or presence of mind to quickly gather everything you need for a few days. This is why it’s a good idea to pre-pack a storm emergency kit and have it easily accessible in case of emergency.

The Red Cross recommends storing items in airtight plastic bags or easy to carry containers such as plastic bins or backpacks. Your emergency kit should have enough supplies for at least 72 hours and should include the following:

• Water (at least one gallon per person, per day)
• Food (more on this below)
• Battery-powered or hand-powered radio and extra batteries
• At least 1 high-powered flashlight
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Dust masks
• Cellphone with charger and/or solar charger 
• Baby wipes, garbage bags, and twist ties (for sanitation)
• Blankets or sleeping bags for each person in the family.
• Cash (in small bills)
• A first aid kit and any medications that your family needs as well as over the counter meds such as pain relievers or stomach aids.
• A complete change of seasonally appropriate clothing for every member of your family
• Personal care items for each member of your family (toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, deodorant, diapers, feminine hygiene items)
• Pet food, leash and supplies

While not necessary for survival, it’s also good to have these items on hand:

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, or emergency tents
• Trash bags
• A camping stove for cooking
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities and a multi-tool (such as a Leatherman)
• Copies of essential documents, such as birth certificates, IDs, wills, health insurance cards, immunization records, all stored in a sealed Ziploc bag
• A list of emergency numbers, including family contacts (keep in mind your cell phone might run out of batteries or be damaged during an emergency)
• An emergency medical book if medical help is unavailable or delayed. One good option is “The Survival Medicine Handbook.”

And since the spring of 2020, the CDC has also recommended people include items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or the flu, such as cloth face coverings, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

Best Foods for Your Emergency Kit

You’ll want foods that are nonperishable and require little, if any, time to cook. It is likely your power and water will be out, so include a manual can opener and disposable eating utensils. Some good things to include are:

• Peanut butter and crackers
• Beef jerky
• Powdered soup mixes
• Powdered drink mixes (like Gatorade)
• Instant coffee or tea
• Whole grain cereal
• Granola bars or protein bars
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned meats (like tuna, chicken, or SPAM)
• Canned or bottled juices
• Dried fruit & nuts
• Comfort foods (like cookies or chocolate)
• Baby food or formula (if necessary)
• Shelf-stable milk

You can purchase ready made kits online, however, it’s much more affordable to assemble it yourself. This allows you to pack supplies tailored to your family’s unique situation and needs. For families with kids, it’s a good idea to get them involved in the assembly process. Let them pick out their change of clothes and a couple of toys. They can carry their own backpacks with a small water bottle, some granola bars, extra wipes and maybe a book.

Preparing for emergencies can be scary, but knowing you’ll be ready for anything is equally, if not more, empowering.

For more information about what you can do to recover from unexpected disaster please visit our website here or call us at 214-522-3000.

SERVPRO of Park Cities, always here to help.