This Christmas, give the gift of peace of mind. What better time to prepare and to help others prepare than around the holidays. Essentials for emergency kits make great gifts. Assembling a kit can also be a great activity after all the festivities as you clean and organize as part of your new years resolutions.
Government and relief organizations constantly advise the public to prepare to live for 120 hours without the help of outside agencies, as emergency services will focus their resources on care for the injured, and rescue operations. A good kit is a must for everyone. You may not live in earthquake or hurricane country but a fire, flood and terrorist disaster can occur anywhere. This Christmas establish a budget and prepare yourself and your loved ones to be self reliant in emergencies by following this simple formula for a great kit.
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Under $5.00
Whistles
N 95 Dust Mask
Moist Towelettes
Glow sticks
Large plastic garbage bags
Biohazard Bags
Rain poncho
3-Pairs of Socks
Hat
Work Gloves
Identification Card (Free)
Emergency Mylar Blanket
Small Note Pad and Pencil
Local Map
Evacuation Maps
Safety Pins
Duct Tape
Over the counter Medications
Chapstick
Small Sewing Kit
Tooth brush and Toothpaste
Dental Floss
Deodorant
Shampoo
Soap
Comb and/or Brush
Hair Band or Clips
Shaving Cream
Razor
Toilet Paper
Hand Towel
Medical Gloves
Tissues
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Items under $10.00
Makeup…really if it will make you feel better, include it!
Water
Disposable plates, cups and utensils
Basic First Aid Kit
T-Shirt (for a total of 2 per person)
3-Changes of Underwear
Cash (nothing bigger than a $10.00 bill for a total of $100.00 per kit, a role of quarters is also great)
Over the counter Medications
Magnifiying glasses
Contact lenses solution
Boy Scout Field Book
Feminine Hygiene Supplies
Entertainment (book, crossword puzzle, crayons and coloring book, card, travel game)
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Under $20.00
Food
Multi function tool or pocket knife
Flashlight with batteries
Extra set of keys
1-Pair of Long Pants
1-Long Sleeve shirt
Prescription Medications
Sunglasses
Sun Screen
Scriptures
Other Items to Consider
A great backpack with several outside pockets for items you will need quickly such as flashlights, whistles and keys. Check out 72 Hour Kits: A New Look.
Photos. Volunteer to take family and individual photos for a friend and their family. Again if you want to know more about why photos are essential check out 72 Hour Lits: A New Look.
Infant’s Needs. If you have an infant be sure to include all their needs in adult kits. Whether for yourself or a gifts you will need diapers, clothing and food for your infant as well as toys to help them feel secure and provide a distraction.
Pet Needs. Remember food and water as well as medications and food dishes for each pet. Everyone with a pet will also need a leash, collar, and pet carrier as appropriate.
Scriptures. During a crisis your faith can sustain you. Have inspirational materials in each kits to encourage and comfort you and your family and friends.
Winter Needs. If you or the family you are creating a gift or live in a cold climate consider a “winter kit”. Create a backpack with scarves, mittens and hats for each family member. If you are creating your own kits these items can be included in your individual backpacks.
You may also want to add a wool blanket or two to kits or as gifts. Wool blankets will retain body heat and provide warmth even when wet, other blankets will not.
Now go and do!
Be sure to visit Carolyn’s facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady
Like and share her page so your friends and family will be “Totally Ready for Whatever comes”
