Recent hurricanes and floods were wake-up calls for many Americans. While some were prepared for emergency evacuation, other Americans were woefully unprepared. Are you prepared to evacuate in case of an emergency? Buying an emergency evacuation kit is one way to prepare.
The Red Cross website offers a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit for adults. It comes in a red backpack and lasts three days. The kit contains first aid items, battery-powered flashlight and radio, rain gear, drinking water, food bars, and personal hygiene items. Other essentials include a whistle, work gloves, and plastic sheeting. This kit sells for .95 plus shipping.
Screwdriver Kit
The McAfee Secure website offers a similar kit, which is "designed to provide the necessities of First Aid, Water, Heat/Warmth and Light." First aid items include antiseptic wipes, bandages, band-aids, scissors, sterile gauze pads, and face masks. Like the Red Cross kit, this kit contains a flashlight and batteries. It also has a signal cone, light stick and lanyard, and safety matches.
The McAfee kit sells for .00 plus shipping. Car, outdoor, travel, and winter survival kits are also available. Reading about these kits and got me thinking and I realized my emergency evacuation kit needed some extras.
1. Cash. I don't keep a lot of cash in my wallet, but I can keep extra cash on hand in case of emergency.
2. Blank checks. Safety experts tell people not to carry their check books with them. However, we can carry a few blank checks.
3. Medications. Though I take few prescribed medications, the ones I take are essential to my health and well-being. So I refill my prescriptions early and keep a supply on hand.
4. Photocopies of prescriptions. Having photocopies of your prescriptions will make re-fills easier and faster.
5. Hearing aid batteries. I wear two hearing aids and always have batteries with me. Certainly, I would need extra batteries in case of an emergency evacuation.
6. Extra ID. I memorized my Social Security number and you should, too. It is also wise to have two forms of identification with you -- a driver's license, a military card, or work ID.
7. Extra keys. When you're stressed it is easy to misplace your keys. So get an extra set of house
keys and car keys.
8. Eye glasses prescription. If your eyeglassees break you will need to get new ones as soon as possible. Making a photocopy of your prescription is a good idea.
9. Eye glasses repair kit. My eye glasses have fallen apart twice. That's why I bought a travel repair kit with a tiny screwdriver and screws.
10. Phone charger. You will probably have your cell phone with you if you evacuate. But your phone may be low on power. Keep your phone charged and grab the charger on the way out the door.
Family members may also agree on a central meeting place and phone number in case of an emergency evacuation. You will want to stay in touch with those you love.
Copyright 2008 by Harriet Hodgson