It’s important to build an emergency supply kit and have it ready and available at a moment’s notice. The geographical issues you may face, such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, terrorist attacks, flooding, earthquakes are important to consider in deciding what goes in your emergency bag. What might make sense in one place might not be recommended in another.

An emergency supply kit is vital

If an emergency occurs when you’re alone, you need to know how you’ll find and reach friends or family.<ul><li>Have a general evacuation plan as well as a communication plan</li><li>A multi-tool</li><li>Spare clothing, considering your climate.</li><li>A Weather/Emergency Radio, such as a Midland ER310, can tune in to AM/FM and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration channel.</li></ul>

For One Person

<ul><li>Water: Keep bottles of water and gallons of potable water.</li><li>Food: Three days' worth of nonperishable food, like survival food bars that contain 2,000 calories.</li><li>Portable Lighting: Flashlights and tea candles are ideal.</li><li>An Emergency Whistle: A simple signaling whistle can alert emergency rescue crews.</li><li>A Dust Mask: Airborne debris, fumes or gas from accidents or natural disasters can cause respiratory problems.</li><li>Solar Chargers: It can charge devices as large as a tablet with a day’s worth of sun.</li><li>Miscellaneous Items: Check the bag every couple of years in case tech has become outdated.</li></ul>

The Bare Basics

Build off the basics and necessities for one person, and make sure you pack enough supplies for everyone<ul><li>Mylar Thermal Blankets are windproof, waterproof and can reflect more than 90% of your body heat.</li><li>Bleach, when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach can disinfect. You can treat water using 16 drops of bleach to a gallon of water.</li><li>Waterproof Container to keep insurance policies, copies of identification, and more.</li><li>Miscellaneous Items, such as infant formula and diapers, books, games, other activities for children.</li></ul>

For a Family

<ul><li>A few days' supply of pet food, extra water, and any medications your pet may need are essential to keeping them happy in an uncomfortable situation.</li><li>For cat owners or anyone with small animals, consider packing extra blankets in their pet carrier for an emergency.</li></ul>

For Your Pets

Essentials should include<ul><li>moleskin fabric</li><li>liquid bandages</li><li>soft-wrap elastic bandages</li><li>micropore paper tape</li><li>fabric adhesive dressings and bandages</li><li>coverlet adhesive 4-wing dressing</li><li>non-adherent bandage pads</li><li>a sterile gauze bandage roll</li><li>adhesive wound closures</li><li>triangular bandages</li><li>alcohol swabs</li><li>Bacitracin antibiotic ointment with zinc</li><li>burn ointment</li><li>eyewash</li><li>a thermometer</li><li>petroleum jelly</li><li>pain killers</li><li>anti-diarrheal medication</li><li>antacids and laxatives</li></ul> Periodically check to ensure the medication, food, and other perishable supplies are not expired.

First-Aid Essentials

Here's what you need to know to survive in these extreme situations

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

education

Learning & Education

travel

Travel

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

Survival Tips

It is never too early to talk with friends and family about emergency plans — and how to build the perfect go-bag in case disaster strikes.