Keep on Hand a Simple Emergency Preparedness Kit for Short Term Disasters
Why have a short term disaster emergency preparedness kit? Before we answer that question, consider the following.
Emergencies can be classified as either short or long term. You more likely will have to deal with short-term emergencies – such as losing power for a day or having a medical emergency. These usually pass fairly quickly.
But when something causes a short term disaster, unless you’re prepared, you could find yourself in a serious world of hurt. You could be putting yourself and your loved ones at risk.
Weather
Weather emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and blizzards are the top four causes of short term disasters that people are forced to deal with. These disasters create situations where you can end up without any lights, heat or air conditioning.
Power Outages
Without electricity, you won’t have a way to keep your food supply from spoiling. If the disaster causes a rush on grocery store supplies, there will be empty shelves, leaving you without a way to get food. And without power, you cannot count on restaurants or fast food joints to be open.
When losing power, you no longer have the ability to call out for help for health reasons, or if there’s looting and the battery on your cell phone dies. The time to plan for a disaster is right now – while you have electricity – while you have the food you need and the means to get ready for what might come your way.
Develop a Short-Term Disaster Plan: Key Approaches
Preparing for short term disasters is not as hard as it sounds. You don't need to build a bunker or stockpile tons of food and water. You just need to have some basic supplies and a plan in case something goes wrong. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
- Have a disaster kit. This should include items like flashlights, batteries, radio, first aid kit, medications, cash, copies of important documents, and some non-perishable food and water. You can buy ready made kits or customize your own kit according to your needs and preferences.
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- Have a family emergency plan. This should include how to contact each other, where to meet, and what to do in different scenarios. You should also have an out-of-town contact who can relay messages if local communication is disrupted.
- Stay informed. Know the risks and hazards in your area and how to respond to them. Listen to local authorities and follow their instructions. Be aware of the signs of impending disasters and respond accordingly.
- Be flexible. Disasters can be unpredictable and chaotic. You may have to improvise or adapt to changing situations. Don't panic or lose hope. Remember that you are not alone and that help is on the way.
Be Prepared
Prepare yourself now, but have an emergency preparedness kit. In that kit, you need water for every member of your family and enough food to last everyone for at least a week.
- You’ll need a way to keep warm – especially if the disaster is during the colder months. Use thermal blankets and waterproof sleeping bags. Have battery powered or solar powered gadgets that can charge cell phones.
- Have flashlights and radios on hand that run on batteries and keep extra batteries ready. Or, invest in the hand crack variety. Make sure you have a first aid kit that includes face masks and all prescription medications. Prepare your kit with infant and pet needs, too.
- Keep antibacterial wipes with the kit and seal your personal ID copies in with the kit. In case your originals are destroyed in the disaster, you’ll have a backup copy that will save you from a future hassle.
- You’ll need matches, a hand held can opener and a multi-tool as well as a whistle. A whistle can be heard over long distances and will make it easier to locate you. Keep all of your supplies together in an air-tight waterproof container and store the container somewhere that the temperature doesn’t vary.
Ready Made Kits
We offer ready made emergency and disaster kits – which a number of people choose to buy. If you decide to go that option, don’t forget to add copies of your important paperwork since a ready made kit most likely won't include it.
