You never know when disaster is going to strike, or how bad that disaster is going to be. You may be stuck with a power outage for a few hours or you find yourself in the middle of a natural disaster. No matter what happens it’s important to be prepared for it.
One of the best things you can do besides having an emergency action plan in place for your family is to keep some emergency items on-hand. They should be easily accessible and ready to use at any time. Here are five emergency items all homes should have.
#1. First Aid Kit
If you’re going to have anything set aside for an emergency, make sure it is a fully stocked first aid kit. If you’re in an emergency situation and someone is injured, it could make the difference between life and death. But unless your first aid kit is fully stocked, it won’t do much good. If you use your first aid kit for everyday cuts and bruises, be sure you are replenishing anything that is low or expired. Also, include any medication family members are taking.
It is also important to familiarize yourself with basic first aid so that you can help your family members and friends if necessary. Knowing how to use your first aid kit may help save a life.
#2. Matches and Candles
If you’re stuck without power, be sure you have some way to see and get around your home to other items you may need, or to a place of safety. A stove is a good idea as well.
#3. Food and Water
You should have a gallon of water per family member for a minimum of three days on hand, as well as non-perishable food. Be sure you are watching the expiration dates on your emergency rations and switching it out when necessary. Make sure you include a can opener for your canned food!
#4. Radio and Other Communication
In order to stay up to date in an emergency situation, make sure you have a hand-crank radio. You should also have extra phone chargers and a whistle.
#5. Personal Documents
You may not think that it’s important to have things like your driver’s license, passport, proof of address, birth certificates, and prescriptions, on hand, but they can be crucial in an emergency. Make sure you have hard copies in a waterproof folder where you can easily access them. You should also include an emergency contact list, a pen and pad of paper.
After surviving an emergency situation, you may be left in the wake of another disaster — the state of your home. This is where home restoration services come in handy. Whether you’re looking for fire and water damage restoration companies or someone on the FEMA debris removal contractor registry, you need someone you can trust to restore your home to its original state.
For flood damage cleanup, to mold remediation, Restoremasters is one of the top restoration companies in Utah. Let them help you get back on track after surviving an emergency by restoring your home.