No one likes to imagine the possibility of a disaster striking the home or the town in which you live. However, being prepared in the case of an emergency is so important for the safety of your family. In northeast Ohio, winter can bring blizzards and icy roads, and this type of weather can easily leave you stranded without electricity or unable to leave to get supplies. However, keeping your family safe, comfortable and healthy throughout these situations is possible if you take some precautions. This is where creating a home emergency kit can be extremely helpful.

Prepare for the Unexpected with a Home Emergency Kit

After a disaster strikes your access to food, water, and even indoor plumbing can be compromised. Having enough supplies to last up to 72 hours is recommended as this is the time frame it generally takes for emergency relief to arrive. Of course, help could come sooner, but in this case it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared!

Here are the items you should include in a home emergency kit:

• Water- the most important item in your emergency kit is clean water. You should plan on having a gallon of water per person in your household per day. You’ll use this water for both drinking and sanitation.
• At least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Don’t forget a manual can opener!
• A first aid kit containing not only bandages, but antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, aspirin or ibuprofen, etc. and also, if you’re on any prescription drugs, an extra supply of those.
• Flashlight- one or two flashlights with working and extra batteries.
• Emergency blankets and changes of clothing. Make sure to include seasonal clothing like t-shirts and shorts for the summer and warmer items for the fall and winter.
• Personal care products like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lens solution if necessary, etc.
• Personal sanitation items- moist towelettes, garbage bags and twist ties.
• Items you can use to create shelter, like plastic sheeting and duct tape.
• In case you need to turn off utilities, a multi-purpose tool.
• Dust masks to filter possibly contaminated air.
• Whistles to signal for help and maps of the area.
• Copies of important documents like immunization records and insurance cards.
• Cell phone with charger and extra batteries.

Some additional things to keep in mind for your home emergency kit: if you have pets, they’ll also need food and water, so make sure to pack some pet food as well as a leash or harness to keep them secure. If you have an infant, you’ll need extra diapers, wipes, clothing, blankets and formula. Small children should also have extra supplies on hand, as well as some games or books to keep them occupied.

The items in your home emergency kit should be kept in a sturdy, plastic tote or container that will keep out dust, dirt and debris. Keep it clearly labeled and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is kept. Don’t forget to freshen up the items in the kit from time to time, too. Make sure food and medications haven’t expired and that batteries are still in good working order at least a few times throughout the year.

Having a home emergency kit ready to go will keep any emergency situation from becoming an all-out disaster.

Do you have questions about your current HVAC system? If you’re in the Cleveland area and need some expert advice, contact us or give us a call at 216-663-6462.