Emergency Preparedness #1: Kits for Homes

Keep an eye on changes here -- additions, or whatever. I will be adding to this when I learn things. Emergency kits for vehicles will follow.

Being prepared, in case of a severe natural disaster, was brought up at my synagogue a few weeks ago. I mentioned this to my friend, and since then, she has been on me to make sure I have emergency kits.

We need small kits in every vehicles, we were told, and I believe we need one in our homes. Since my vehicle is in the shop for a week more, at least, I will look first at an emergency kit for the home.

We live on a major fault line. So far, so good, however! And I really hate planning or thinking about what I call "The What-ifs," but with all the disastrous earthquakes that are going on everywhere, and our constant prayers for the suffering of so many people, perhaps it would be prudent for me to start planning -- just in case.

13 non-food items for the home emergency kit, which must be stored on the ground floor in a place you think will be the easiest to access, should the house be damaged. This is what is suggested -- and get enough for a week, minimum:

1. Large sealed containers of bottled water -- minimum of 1 gallon per day per person -- and replace these every year, minimally
2. Water filters
3. Liquid antibacterial DISH soap (can be used for hands and pans)
4. A grill and some bags of self-lighting charcoal for outdoor cooking only stored in a dry place
5. Beside #2, also keep filled canisters of propane with a propane-burning stove (unlike charcoal, these can be used inside, with ventilation)
6. For heat, keep a heater that can be used indoors, with fuel (remember that a fireplace may not be safe after an earthquake or storm, because it could have been damaged)
7. Have some blankets stored in a dry place -- a vacuum bag is good
8. A tent, ready to unfold and use.
9. Per person: at least one face cloth, hand towel, and bath towel
10. Toilet paper
11. Paper towels
12. Proof of your banking accounts
13. MONEY -- your credit and debit cards may not work

13 for the food, utensils, and more, kept higher up in easily-accessible cabinets (in case of water damage). Don't just have these items scattered about you home in their usual places! Be specific about putting the emergency stuff in one place, but be sure to use and replace the foods constantly, in order to avoid allowing them to get beyond their use-dates:

1. A well-stocked first aid kit
2. A hand-crank can opener
3. Flashlights, at least one per person, some of which are the crank-type
4. Battery-run and.or crank-type radio
5. Batteries (remember to keep these fresh also!)
6. Dust masks
7. Hand sanitizer and a couple canisters of hand-wipes (like Wet Ones)
8. Sturdy paper plates and cups, which not only eliminate the need for more water, but they can also help start a fire (watch out for plastic stuff that looks like it's paper!)
9. I prefer real eating utensils to the plastic ones that break, along with a couple charp knives
10. Packaged meals, like those packaged noodley thingies, or MREs
11. Canned meats (like tuna, chicken), canned vegetables, canned chili, and canned soups -- but remember that when the electricity goes off, you will have meats in the freezer you will need to use up immediately and to share with others
12. Canned fruit, and be sure some are citrus, including juice
13. Breakfast bars and any other ready-to-eat meal replacements you can find

Family: I need to look into this more

1. A place to meet and a way to communicate is paramount. Start thinking about it and come up with a plan for yours. 
2. For youself and your babies and/or children: Clothes, night clothes, diapers, sleeping bags, etc.
3. We have no pets, but if you do, you need to be prepared for them, too.
4. If your home becomes uninhabitable, you need to know where the local shelters are, if you choose to use them, but remember that if your home is that damaged, others' homes will be also

So far, we are sort of prepared for our home, but I need to work on putting all the elements in one easily-accessible place. We will use our utility room.

For more information:
How Prepared Are YOU?
Your Storm Pantry
Government Site
Preparedness Pantry

MORE to follow: your vehicle kits, one per vehicle