You don’t need to be hiking Mt. Everest to pack an emergency supply kit. In fact, an emergency supply kit can be a safety net to have on hand in your house or in your car. A prolonged power outage at home or unsafe driving conditions that have you pulled off the road could have you needing easy access to supplies. A kit should include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, as well as pet food if you have pets)
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlight and batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Cell phone with charger and backup battery
Don’t forget to have a copy of your insurance information available at all times, in your wallet, in your car, in your emergency kit.