An emergency supply kit, sometimes called a “72-hour kit,” provides the essentials in many disaster situations. The kits should be in a readily available location should the need to evacuate arise quickly.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has come up with a good checklist of what could go into an emergency supply kit. That checklist can be found at http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist.pdf.
The kits should be easily carried; usually a sturdy backpack is a good choice. As you plan for your kits remember that you’ll need supplies for each member of your family. Also remember that children can help, so it is useful to pack lighter kits for them to carry. Keep in mind that the family might have to split up temporarily as well, so it’s a good idea to pack so that if this happens there are redundant supplies useful for each group. Regarding smaller children, it might also be useful to pack a small, light toy to help smaller children feel a bit of comfort in potential chaos. Consider your family’s situation and adjust what is needed in your kits accordingly.
There are many kinds of emergencies that can happen. With proper preparation we can reduce the stress involved in any emergency and increase our chances for survival dramatically.
