Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1520927
An emergency supply kit contains basic items your family may need to survive a disaster. Assemble yours with the below items in an easy-to-carry bag that you can grab in a hurry: 5 At least one gallon of water per person for three to seven days 5 Non-perishable packaged or canned foods and snacks 5 Can opener 5 Paper plates and plastic utensils 5 Garbage bags 5 First-aid kit 5 Toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap 5 Baby supplies 5 Sleeping bags and warm blankets 5 Flashlights and batteries 5 Battery-powered radio 5 Matches in a waterproof container 5 Whistle to signal for help 5 Medications and prescriptions 5 Extra pair of eyeglasses 5 Cash 5 Trash bags and duct tape 5 Fully charged emergency phone 5 House and car keys 5 Printed medical, insurance, financial, and Social Security documents 5 Regional maps 5 Pet food and water Emergency Supply Kit Checklist 2. STAY ALERT. Know what's coming your way by staying up to date on emergencies. Get the lowdown on the weather by regularly visiting reliable websites, listening to local radio stations, or watching news broadcasts. Additionally, you can sign up for alerts from apps like: Red Cross Emergency. This app lets you customize 40 weather alerts with fast notifications. It also features a disaster preparation guide and shelter map. Storm Radar: Weather Tracker. Get live National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service alerts right on your device, including winter storm warnings, tornado warnings, thunderstorm warnings, and more. Ventusky. Available around the world, this app combines a weather forecast with a 3D map showing the weather beyond your location. 3. PROTECT YOUR HOME PROACTIVELY. When a disaster strikes, your personal safety is paramount—and tending to your home at the last minute isn't the ideal course of action. Take the time to verify your homeowner's insurance properly covers your property for relevant disasters, and collect and store hard-to-replace documents, like passports, IDs, marriage licenses, insurance cards, and birth certificates, in a fireproof and waterproof container. To help protect the physical structure of your home and its contents, make a habit of unplugging appliances and electronics, like toasters, laptops, fans, lamps, air fryers, and blenders, when not in use. Maintain outdoor spaces, trim trees and bushes, remove fire hazards, pull dry vegetation, and clear gutters, too. 4. SET A COMMUNICATION PLAN. You'll want to ensure every family member knows what to do amid the commotion and chaos. Create a plan for who to contact and how during a pending disaster. Here's what you can do to prepare: • Program emergency contact numbers for local departments in your phone. • Double-check that your managed community has your contact information and you have theirs. • Set a meeting point where your family can gather. • Confirm everyone in your family has an emergency cell phone and can send messages. • Have a list of people to contact in case of an emergency with addresses, phone numbers, and social media handles. 5. MAKE EVACUATION ARRANGEMENTS. Common in weather emergencies, evacuation orders mean it's time to go. If officials tell you to evacuate, you should leave immediately. Build an evacuation plan in advance so your family can get out of danger quickly with: Your evacuation zone. Check official databases to identify your region and get information on local disaster response, including recovery centers and flood maps. Alternative shelter plans. Ask to stay with family and friends who don't live in your area. Assistance for pets, elderly, or disabled individuals. Organize special plans for those who may need them. Utilities shut-off. Know the shut-off locations for your home's water, gas, and electricity. Play it safe and do the things you need to do to prepare for an emergency. When it matters most, you'll be glad you did. COMING HOME MAGAZINE 35