What To Include In Your Emergency Supply Kit
There has been a lot of talk recently about preparing for disaster. While it often seems that discussions about disaster are based on farfetched theories and apocalyptic superstition, those that say we should be prepared may have a point. After all, the last year alone has seen devastating earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and tornadoes in all parts of the world. While these disasters may not signify the end of the world, they should stand as a wake-up call to anyone who thinks it unnecessary to stash away a first aid kit, extra food and butane lighter refills. If nothing else, they prove that an emergency may always be lurking just around the corner.
The most important thing to include in any disaster relief kit is fresh water. During a disaster, it is very common for water lines to become contaminated or to stop working altogether. This means that even if your house remains intact, you may not have access to safe water to drink. Most experts advise that you store enough water to last two weeks, as it often takes this long for the authorities to get water systems up and running again. If you do not have the space to store this much water, however, you should still try to have enough to last at least three or four days.
Your emergency kit should also include a number of other items that can help you survive disaster. Make sure that you have both waterproof matches and butane lighter refills. Being able to light a fire will ensure that you can warm yourself, boil water, cook food and light candles. Fire, however, should not be your only source of warmth and light. Your emergency kit should always include candles, flashlights, batteries and at least one warm blanket.
The first aid kit included in your disaster relief supplies should be more comprehensive than the basic kit most people keep in their homes. It should include regular first aid items such as bandages, gauze, scissors, disinfectant and over-the-counter painkillers. Ideally, however, it will also include a number of more specialized items such as butterfly clips for wound closure, a hypothermia blanket and an epi-pen, used in the case of a serious allergic reaction. Remember that in a disaster, you may not only be treating your friends and family. If you are on any medication, make sure to include a back-up supply in your first aid kit.
Regardless of how you prepare, it is important to remember that a little can go a long way. Even if you do not have the room to store a full emergency relief kit, a few bottles of water and some butane lighter refills could end up saving your life. After all, you never know when the next disaster may strike.
The most important thing to include in any disaster relief kit is fresh water. During a disaster, it is very common for water lines to become contaminated or to stop working altogether. This means that even if your house remains intact, you may not have access to safe water to drink. Most experts advise that you store enough water to last two weeks, as it often takes this long for the authorities to get water systems up and running again. If you do not have the space to store this much water, however, you should still try to have enough to last at least three or four days.
Your emergency kit should also include a number of other items that can help you survive disaster. Make sure that you have both waterproof matches and butane lighter refills. Being able to light a fire will ensure that you can warm yourself, boil water, cook food and light candles. Fire, however, should not be your only source of warmth and light. Your emergency kit should always include candles, flashlights, batteries and at least one warm blanket.
The first aid kit included in your disaster relief supplies should be more comprehensive than the basic kit most people keep in their homes. It should include regular first aid items such as bandages, gauze, scissors, disinfectant and over-the-counter painkillers. Ideally, however, it will also include a number of more specialized items such as butterfly clips for wound closure, a hypothermia blanket and an epi-pen, used in the case of a serious allergic reaction. Remember that in a disaster, you may not only be treating your friends and family. If you are on any medication, make sure to include a back-up supply in your first aid kit.
Regardless of how you prepare, it is important to remember that a little can go a long way. Even if you do not have the room to store a full emergency relief kit, a few bottles of water and some butane lighter refills could end up saving your life. After all, you never know when the next disaster may strike.
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