er Finance and Emergency Kits: Be Prepared Not Surprised

The last few years have been what many consider a financial disaster. People have been ill-prepared for the turn in the world’s economic state and many have been left picking up the pieces. The same can be true with natural disasters. Whether it’s an earthquake, water, tornado, hurricane, or brush fire, I encourage all of you to be prepared and not make the same mistake as many have with their finances. 


In order to ensure your family’s wellbeing, take the time to put together emergency supplies you might need so that you have them on hand. Make it a summer project to assemble your emergency kit. 


Although you can’t always know in advance when a specific catastrophe will strike, seasonal or regional patterns can often tell you what to anticipate. Being prepared to have on hand the supplies you will need is the best approach. Here are 5 key factors you need to consider in putting together your emergency kit. 


Water: You ought to store at least one gallon of water per person per day, for a maximum of seven days. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water every day for drinking. Other needs include washing, cooking & sanitation. Children, nursing mothers, & those who are ill need more water. Remember that high temperatures can double the amount of water needed.


Food: Include a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person, avoiding items that will not make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, & canned foods with high liquid content. Stock canned foods, dry mixes, & other staples that don’t need refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. Individuals with special diets & allergies will need particular attention, as will children, toddlers & elderly people. For example, nursing mothers may need liquid formula, in case they are unable to nurse. 


Other Emergency Supplies: 


•Emergency Radio
•Emergency Sanitation Supplies
•Kitchen accessories & cooking utensils, including a can opener
•Shovel & other useful tools
•Emergency Lighting
•Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water
•Money & matches in a waterproof container
•Fire extinguisher
•Gas & Water Shut off Tools
•First aid kit & manual
•Photocopies of credit & identification cards
•Special needs items, such as eye glasses, contact lens solutions, & hearing aid batteries
•Items for kids, such as formula, diapers, bottles, & pacifiers


Clothing: In the event you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth since you may be without heat for a time. Make sure to include one complete change of clothing & shoes per person, including:


•Jacket or coat
•Long pants
•Long sleeve shirt
•Sturdy shoes
•Hat, mittens, & scarf
•Sleeping bag or warm blanket


Storage: as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining them so they are safe to make use of when needed. Here are some tips to keep your supplies prepared & in useable condition:


•Keep canned foods in a cold dry place.
•Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests & to extend shelf life.
•Change stored food & water supplies every seven months. Write the storage date on all containers.
•Re-think your needs every year & update your kit as your needs change.
•Keep items in airtight plastic bags & put your whole catastrophe supplies kit in one or seven easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused garbage can, camping backpack, or duffel bag.


Go and put that emergency kit together. I can promise you will feel more at ease knowing you are prepared for the next possible disaster. 


If you have already done this, how did you approach it? What do you have in your kit?

Finance and Emergency Kits: Be Prepared Not Surprised Miss T has written 579 articles on this blog.

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