None of us know when an emergency might strike. Whether at home, work or traveling, be prepared by starting an emergency pack kit.
Light Sources:
Heat Sources:
Blankets are a must in any pack. Solar blankets are available at department stores in the camping section and they take up very little space - about as much as a deck of cards. Once used, though, it's hard to fold them back that small again. Regular bed blankets take up more space but can be shared by a couple of people at once. Sleeping bags, if there's enough room for them, are a good think to pack for an emergency.
Food and Water:
Bottled water and food that is ready-to-eat, like energy bars, should be packed, but remember to check the dates on the food each year. Packages of oatmeal, nuts, raisins and other dried fruits, and foil-packed tuna stay fresh for long periods of time.
First Aid:
Besides food and water, first aid supplies are number one in a catastrophe. Purchase a first aid kit for your emergency satchel or pack your own by starting with the basics like alcohol, bandages, medical tape, peroxide, cotton swabs, aspirin, non-aspirin products, over-the-counter sleep aids, elastic bandages and splints.
Cooking Source:
If the pack is for outside, you will need a fire starter. You can make your own by using styrene meat trays from the grocer. Line the tray with foil. Fill the tray with wood chips, melt wax and pour over the chips. Allow to cool, then wrap with foil or plastic wrap. To start, set on ground and toss a match on the mixture. Use to start a campfire or use for cooking. You can also buy canned fuel. Unscrew the lid, and light. They are good for 6 to 8 hours.
Implements:
Depending upon if it's a car pack or another pack, be sure and include the implements you may need in an emergency like jumper cables, screwdrivers, saw, hammer, rope, and other hardware.
Personal Items:
Bathroom tissue will probably be the last thing on your mind during an emergency, but it sure will be nice to have if you've thought of it ahead of time. Antibacterial soaps and hand wash, antibacterial sprays, disposable wash cloths or wipes, safety pins, feminine products, diapers for babies, maybe toothbrushes and toothpaste, all are things you might consider placing in your emergency pack.
Additionals:
Coffee filters for filtering water, rags, cards, pen and paper, flares, assorted tape, foil, zipper lock bags, plastic wrap, trash bags - there are many things you can pack or eliminate, depending upon how much space you have, but make sure you have at least the necessities in your emergency pack. Consider tying or chaining the pack to a basement support beam and keep another one in the trunk of your car.
