You can never be too prepared before a big storm strikes.
Chances are, at some point, you’ll be stuck inside during a serious storm. In the event the power, gas, and heat go out, it’s important to have a full stock of food, water, and safety supplies. Premade storm kits are a great starting point, but if you have a large family, you may want to add extra supplies, or even make a kit from scratch. Here’s a handy list of essentials to have on hand.
Food and Water
We’re all familiar with the age-old advice/dictum “Stock up on milk, eggs, and bread!” during the craze of an impending storm. But those things won’t mean much if the power goes out. Stick to water and nonperishables instead. According to FEMA, you’ll need at least one gallon of water per person per day. To play it safe, store about two weeks’ worth for each family member in a food-grade blue polyethylene jug to prevent bacteria growth. Purifying tablets should be used as a backup if you run out of a fresh water source. As for food, go for canned options, along with condensed meat and vegetable soups, nuts, dried fruit, pasta, coffee, tea, and cocoa. You can also purchase a pre-made meal survival pack. And don’t forget disposable utensils and a manual can opener. You’ll need ‘em before digging in.
First Aid and Safety
Standard first-aid supplies are a must. Depending on the size of your family, you can purchase a first-aid kit that caters to anywhere from 2 to25 people. For safe measure, keep one in your car and home, along with an empty gas can. The same goes for flashlights. We suggest getting a flashlight with a power crank or solar generator so you don’t run out of batteries. Speaking of batteries, you’ll want to have plenty of disposables on hand, since recharging most likely won't be an option. And remember: Not all batteries are made alike. Some last far longer than others. We suggest Energizer® Ultimate 4-Pack AA 1.5-Volt lithium batteries. They’ve been proven to to be the longest-lasting batteries on the market, and boast a 20-year shelf life. But don’t rely solely on batteries for your electronics. A hand-crank radio with an AM/FM setting and a NOAA weather alert channel will help you stay in the know if you run out of other power sources.
Blankets
Temperatures drastically drop during most storms, and you may lose heat or gas. To stay warm , stock up on blankets and sweaters. A wool blanket retains an abundance of heat, along with insulated sleeping bags made to withstand the cold. You should also have synthetic, waterproof blankets in case the others get wet. And since you’ll be stuck lounging all day, why not snuggle up in a fleece sweatshirt that doubles as a cozy blanket?
Baby and Pet Supplies
Make sure your kit accommodates your growing family. Assemble to-go bags for newborns and toddlers, stocked with dry diapers, powdered formula, diaper wipes, ointments, warm baby blankets, and plastic bags to dispose of dirty diapers. Your furry friends will also need their own kit. Store plenty of dry or canned food in a plastic bin, and factor their water supply into your own. (The average 50-pound dog needs quarter-gallon of water per day, while the average 12-pound cat needs 1/10 of a gallon.) You’ll also want a disposable litter tray and puppy pads, since Fido and Ms. Kitty probably won’t be able to relieve themselves outdoors.
Entertainment
Being stuck without power or access to the outside world means you’re going to get bored. Very bored. Games can keep you busy, and can also bring the fam together for some quality bonding. We suggest cards, a classic game like Scrabble or Taboo, and more contemporary, laugh-out-loud options like Mattel® Apples to Apples or “What Do You Meme?”
Things You Might Not Think Of
There are a few things that may slip your mind when packing a safety kit. For one, don’t forget to use a large airtight container or waterproof bag to load your supplies into. You don’t want anything to go missing or become water damaged. Also, be sure to make copies of all your important documents and file them in a plastic bin in the event that the originals get destroyed in the storm. Cash is also a smart idea, as credit card machines may be down in any stores that are open during or after the storm. You’ll also have limited (or no) access to showers, so purchase plenty of body wipes, antibacterial sanitizer, dry shampoo, and extra deodorant.
Stay safe out there!