Family Emergency Kit Assembly
This playbook outlines the steps necessary for assembling a Family Emergency Kit, with the aim of providing the essential supplies and items needed to sustain a family for at least 72 hours in case of an emergency.
Step 1: Planning
Evaluate the needs of your family members, including any medical requirements, dietary restrictions, and consider pets' needs. List all the essentials needed to support your family for three days.
Step 2: Water Supply
Calculate and store at least one gallon of water per person per day, with a minimum three-day supply for drinking and sanitation.
Step 3: Food Storage
Gather a three-day supply of non-perishable food items that are easy to prepare and meet the dietary needs of your family members.
Step 4: Essential Tools
Include basic tools such as a manual can opener, a flashlight with extra batteries, a radio, and a multi-purpose tool.
Step 5: First Aid Kit
Prepare or purchase a first aid kit that includes necessary medications, bandages, antiseptics, and any prescription medications your family needs.
Step 6: Personal Items
Collect personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other sanitary supplies. Also, pack a change of clothes for each person.
Step 7: Important Documents
Make copies of important documents, such as identification, insurance policies, bank account records, and store them in a waterproof container.
Step 8: Special Needs
Consider the unique needs of your family such as supplies for infants, elderly members, or items for people with disabilities.
Step 9: Pet Supplies
Assemble a kit for your pets with food, water, medications, and any other items they will need.
Step 10: Pack & Store
Pack all items in one or two easily accessible, durable containers. Label the containers and store them in a place known to all family members.
Step 11: Maintenance
Check the kit semi-annually, replace expired items, update personal items, and refresh water and food supplies as necessary.
General Notes
Customization
Tailor the kit to fit your family's specific needs beyond the basics, considering any items that children, elderly family members, or pets may specifically require.
Training
Familiarize your family members with the contents of the emergency kit and provide instructions on using the items, especially tools and the first aid kit.
Practice Drills
Conduct emergency drills using the kit, so family members become comfortable in finding and using the items under stress.