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Recent history has told us that a number of emergency situations may occur that can endanger populations in cities and in rural areas anywhere in the country. Being ready for these situations requires careful research and advance planning to ensure that you and your loved ones can withstand any hazardous occurrence. These five tips will help you to protect yourself and your family against any eventuality.

Water Supply

Water is a critical concern in any kind of natural disaster or emergency event. The Red Cross recommends storing one gallon per person per day. For an evacuation, you should have a 3-day supply with you. If you expect to shelter in place, a 2-week supply is recommended. Plastic jugs are the easier way to store water for emergencies, but a variety of storage containers are available for this purpose.

Food Supply

Emergency agencies also recommend storing foods in case of natural disaster or other events. As with water, the general rule of a 2-day supply for an evacuation and a 2-week supply if at home is the advised formula for food storage. Food types should be non-perishable and easy to prepare under conditions without electricity. You should also store a camp stove or other non-electrical cooking device to prepare foods. A variety of handy foods can be found at http://myfoodsupply.com/.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit to deal with minor injuries should be part of your emergency preparedness supplies. Emergency experts recommend a number of items to deal with common problems during an emergency. Red Cross recommends these items for maximized safety.

  • Absorbent gauze pads
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment or cream
  • Hydrocortisone ointment
  • Aspirin or ibuprofen
  • 3-inch rolled bandage
  • Plastic gloves
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Blanket
  • Thermometer
  • Breathing barrier for resuscitation
  • Medications for specific needs
  • Triangle bandage for a sling
  • Instruction booklet

Flashlights and Batteries

Have a number of flashlights on hand and suitable batteries for these devices. Both larger lights for common areas and smaller hand-held lights for moving around are required.

Tools

Another handy item is a multipurpose tool that can be used for a number of tasks that may arise during an emergency. If a multipurpose tool is not available, store an extra hammer, screwdriver, wrench and hacksaw. The joke about having duct tape on hand is still true. The tape can be used for a number of tasks that may arise during emergency conditions, including taping cracks to keep out dust and wind, holding cardboard over windows and other needs.

Earnest Parenting: help for parents who want to be ready to deal with crisis.