Personal Documents and Cash
In emergencies, having important documents and cash on hand can facilitate recovery and access to services:
- Identification: Copies of driver’s licenses, passports, and birth certificates.
- Insurance Policies: Copies of health, home, and car insurance policies.
- Medical Records: Important medical information, prescriptions, and doctor’s contact details.
- Financial Documents: Copies of bank account details, credit card information, and property deeds.
- Emergency Contacts: A list of important contacts, including family members, friends, and local emergency services.
- Cash: Store small bills and coins for transactions when electronic payment systems are down.
Specialized Medical Supplies
If you or a family member have specific medical needs, ensure your kit includes the necessary supplies:
- Prescription Medications: A supply of necessary prescription medications, with a copy of the prescription.
- Medical Devices: Spare parts and batteries for medical devices like hearing aids, glucose monitors, or CPAP machines.
- Allergy Supplies: EpiPens or other allergy medications.
Baby and Pet Supplies
Consider the needs of all family members, including babies and pets:
- Baby Supplies: Diapers, formula, baby food, bottles, and baby wipes.
- Pet Supplies: Pet food, water, bowls, leashes, and waste bags.
Emergency Preparedness Plan
A survival kit is only one part of your overall emergency preparedness plan. To ensure you and your family are fully prepared, consider the following additional steps:
Develop a Family Emergency Plan
Create a comprehensive plan that covers different types of emergencies and outlines the steps each family member should take:
- Emergency Contacts: Ensure everyone knows how to reach each other and emergency services.
- Meeting Points: Designate safe meeting points both near your home and outside your neighborhood.
- Evacuation Routes: Plan and practice multiple evacuation routes from your home and community.
- Communication Plan: Establish a plan for how you will communicate if phone lines are down.
Practice Emergency Drills
Regularly practice emergency drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go in different scenarios:
- Fire Drills: Practice evacuating your home in case of a fire.
- Earthquake Drills: Practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” and how to safely evacuate if necessary.
- Evacuation Drills: Practice your planned evacuation routes and meeting points.
Stay Informed
Keep informed about potential emergencies and stay updated on the latest preparedness tips:
- Weather Alerts: Sign up for weather alerts and emergency notifications from local authorities.
- Emergency Resources: Familiarize yourself with local emergency resources, such as shelters and evacuation centers.
- Preparedness Websites: Regularly visit preparedness websites like FEMA, Red Cross, and CDC for updated information and resources.
Conclusion
Creating your own DIY survival kit is a proactive step towards ensuring you and your family are prepared for any emergency. By carefully selecting and organizing essential items, you can customize your kit to meet your specific needs and preferences. Remember to regularly review and update your kit, practice your emergency plan, and stay informed about potential threats.
At Survivalogist.com, we believe in the power of preparedness. Explore our website for more tips, guides, and resources to help you build and maintain the ultimate survival kit. Stay safe, stay prepared!
