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Your Emergency Supply KitHaving an emergency supply kit on hand is a must for every family, and especially for the self-reliant homesteader. Ice storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, blackouts or even terrorist attacks are likely to happen to anyone at anytime.And now with the threat of bioterrorism, the chances that you may have to flee your home at short notice are now even greater. If a dirty bomb goes off in your area, would you be able to get out at short notice with enough food and water to last everyone in your family until you are able either to return home or help reaches you? According to Homeland Security, every family should prepare for an imminent attack by keeping an emergency supply kit near the door with enough food, water and supplies to last everyone in your family for at least three days. More importantly, these supplies should be assembled and packed before there is an emergency so when needed, you can grab your gear and leave your home within five minutes. 
Not only should you have an emergency supply kit with sufficient food and water (at least one gallon per family member per day), but you should also have a source of light in case there is no power, a blanket for warmth, matches and a radio.
You should have a system worked out and practice it regularly so you can shut down your home system in ten minutes.
Come up with a family meeting place, and make certain everyone in your family knows about it. Have drills on a monthly basis. Learn where the shut-off valve is for your utilities before an emergency and then keep a wrench or pliers handy where you can locate them quickly. Such tools are relatively inexpensive to buy and priceless in an emergency, so keep one in your toolbox and the other in your emergency pack so you'll always have it. Ideally, you should be able to close up your house and be out the door with sufficient supplies in your emergency supply kit within ten minutes of learning of the emergency. Your Emergency Supply KitHere's a partial list of what you should have on hand. Adapt your emergency supply kit to suit your family and your particular needs. You will need to keep all of your supplies in a backpack. That way you can carry your pack and still keep your hands free if necessary.WaterYou will need one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for both drinking and for cleanliness. Since water itself is so hard to carry (although you can keep a water jug in the trunk of your car), you should keep some water filters in your emergency supply kit.
FoodYou will also need a three-day supply of non-perishable food. MRE's - short for Meal, Ready to Eat - are self-contained meals in lightweight packaging. They were created by the U.S. Military for service members in combat. They are high in calories and energy, are designed not to make your thirsty and supply you with 1,200 calories per package - enough to last you through the day. Get the ones that taste like a granola bar so your children will want to eat them.Communication ToolsYou will also need a radio as well as a NOAA Weather Radio with sufficient batteries for both in your emergency supply kit. If you can get a hand crank radio that would be even better.Also include a whistle so you can signal for help. First Aid SuppliesNext, you will need a first aid kit with sterile dressings, soap and antibiotic towelettes, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, adhesive bandages, eye wash solution, a thermometer - in case of a biological attack, and any prescription medications or supplies you would normally need.Lung ProtectionA biological terrorist attack could leave the air contaminated, so include enough dust masks for every member of your family in your emergency supply kit. In addition, include plastic sheeting, scissors and duct-tape so you can make a clean-air shelter, if necessary.In AdditionYou should also keep Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation in your emergency supply kit. And finally, if you have canned goods, you should keep a can opener in your kit and maps of the area you live in in your emergency supply kit.
Other Things to ConsiderIf you are on a prescription, be sure to include that, with an extra pair of glasses in your emergency supply kit. If you have a baby, keep extra formula and diapers on hand. If you have a pet, you will want to have pet food and extra water.You will also need important documents, such as insurance, identification and bank account records. Keep these in a waterproof container. Keep sleeping bags or warm blankets in the trunk of your car along with a change of clothing for each family member along with sturdy shoes. Keep a bottle of chlorine bleach in your trunk, along with a medicine dropper. Dilute one part of the bleach to nine parts water, and you have a disinfectant. It can also be used to treat water in an emergency. Put 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. If you go this route, do not use scented bleach, color-safe bleach or bleaches with added cleaners. Keep extra feminine supplies on hand. Also have matches in a waterproof container or waterproof matches. Paper cups, paper plates, plastic utensils and paper towels are also a boon to have on hand. Keep Boredom at BayAlso remember that boredom is a factor you will have to deal with, especially if you have children. To keep them occupied while you spend time in a shelter waiting out a storm or other emergency, keep books, games, puzzles, paper and pencils on hand.More Helpful Information on Being PreparedEvery home should have an Emergency Supply Kit on hand as an important way of being prepared. Here's how to build one.You don't want to be unprepared in an emergency, but what if disaster struck today? Here are some tips on Fast Emergency Preparation If you are thinking about being prepared by buying wheat in bulk, then you're likely looking for recipes. Here's a Delicious, Wholesome Soup Recipe Using Cooked Wheat Berries You know wheat berries can be ground into flour, but what else can you do with them? Learn how to Cook Wheat Berries for a Variety of Dishes Have you just bought a lot of wheat in bulk? Proper storage will ensure your wheat lasts for years. Here are some Methods for Storing Bulk Grain What if you haven't bought wheat yet, but want to? Where do you begin? Here are some Tips on buying bulk grains When thinking about emergency preparation, water is the essential first thing to think about. Here are some Tips on Storing Water Wheat isn't just for breads, but can be used to produce a healthy vegetable as well. Learn how to Grow Sprouts for Fresh Greens Anytime, Anywhere Do you have a drilled well on your property? You can get water from your well even when the power is out. Learn about the deep well hand pump. Being stuck with an unwanted houseguest is something to consider when preparing for an emergency. If a major global depression - or some other disaster - strikes, realize that there will be many who are not prepared. Read more. |
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