EMERGENCY KITS: WHERE TO STORE THEM FOR EASY ACCESS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Why do I need an emergency kit?

In the event of an emergency, it is important to have all of your supplies ready and easily accessible. This includes your emergency kit. Where you store your emergency kit will depend on the type of emergencies you are most likely to face. In this article, we will discuss the different types of emergencies and where you should store your emergency kit for easy access.

Preparing for natural disasters

If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, such as floods, bushfires, storms, or earthquakes, it is important to store your emergency kit in a place that is easily accessible. This could be somewhere like a closet, cupboard or basement. If you have a garage, you may also want to consider storing your emergency kit in there.If you are worried about man-made disasters, such as a fire or break-in, you may want to store your emergency kit in your car. This way, you will have it with you even when you are not at home.No matter where you live or what type of emergencies you are most likely to face, it is important to have an emergency kit ready and easily accessible. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can be prepared for anything that comes your way.

Emergency kit checklist

Firstly, we recommend that you use a waterproof bag to protect all of the emergency supplies inside.

Personal documents & important documents

Most of our information such as insurance documents are now stored online, however it is common in natural disasters to not have access to them due to loss of electricity and internet signal. We recommend to include any important government information, birth certificates, passports and anything else that would be a huge pain to have to replace. We have a waterproof document holder included in our Betty B Reddy to store these documents in. 

Warmth & Light

• Snap lights
• Candles
• High power LED torch
• Mylar space blankets
• Beanie

Tools

• Utility bags
• Signal whistle
• Emergency hand crank portable radio
• Carbon steel knife
• Flint fire starter
• Multitool pliers & driver bits
• Paracord rope
• Duct tape

Food & Water

• Water purification tablets
• Water bottles filled with water
• Calorie ration bard with long shelf life
• Emergency drinking water pouch

It's really important to pack non-perishable food that can last you for at least 72 hours. If you have no access to power, ideally the food is easy to open and doesn't require cooking.

Protection

• Rain ponchos
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Survival tarpaulin (with heat reflective lining)
• KN95% filter masks
• Antibacterial wipes
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Insect repellant
• First aid kit

When should I update my emergency kit?

You should review your emergency kit at least once a year and make sure that all of the items are still usable. You may also want to add new items as your needs change. For example, if you have a baby, you will need to add baby supplies to your kit. If you move to a new location, you may need to adjust your kit accordingly. And don't forget to prepare for your fur babies!By taking the time to put together an emergency kit and keeping it up-to-date, you can be prepared for anything that comes your way. By being prepared, you can help yourself and your family stay safe in the event of an emergency.

What are some other ways I can prepare for emergencies?

In addition to having an emergency kit, there are other ways you can prepare for emergencies. Here are some suggestions:

• Learn first aid and CPR
• Create a family communication plan
• Practice your emergency plan
• Stay informed about the types of emergencies that could occur in your area
• Know where to go for information and assistance during an emergency 
• Get involved in your local community

Common sense preparedness

The bottom line is this: Emergencies happen. It's best to be prepared for them. By taking the time to put together an emergency kit and familiarise yourself with emergency procedures, you can be ready for anything that comes your way. Don't wait until it's too late to prepare. Get started today.Our Betty B. Reddy comprehensive kit is designed to assist by providing useful tools to you get through unexpected events. Use around the home, or take it with you if you need to leave the house in a hurry.If you have any questions about emergency preparedness, or if you would like help putting together an emergency kit, please contact us. Stay safe!