Making and Maintaining an Emergency Kit
Emergencies, at the very least, are always an inconvenience. Being prepared for the most common types of emergencies in your area can go a long way in easing the effects of the emergency. There are many factors to consider in making preparations for emergencies.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, thousands of people suffered and some died needlessly because of the lack of access to medical records. Too many people didn't have their medications with them and did not know the names or doses of their medications. Too many didn't even know their medical conditions or history and precious time was lost performing tests and assessments before treatments could begin.
You can go overboard and become completely neurotic trying to anticipate all of the kinds of emergencies and natural disasters that might affect your parents or in-laws, but it is important to help them be prepared with at least the very basics to ride out an emergency for a few days if necessary.
Food, water, and at least a three-day supply of all medications are basic life-sustaining items. These need to be kept in a watertight container such as a five-gallon bucket with a lid in an easily accessible area of the home. All items must be rotated periodically to ensure they have not expired or spoiled. A smaller version of this emergency kit should be kept in the car if they still drive.
In addition, there should be a list of medications along with prescriptions numbers and pharmacy information. A brief medical history and contact information for all health-care practitioners as well as contact information for family members should also be listed. These items can be laminated and should be stored in a clear-plastic zip-lock bag. The bag should be taped to the lid of the bucket or other watertight container.
The emergency bucket should also contain a basic first-aid kit with, at the least:
Bottle of nonprescription pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol
Bottle of water
Several sizes of bandages
Antibiotic ointment
Gauze pads and tape
Gloves
These items should be rotated to ensure freshness as well, and don't get in the habit of using this kit without replenishing it immediately.
Food should include easy-to-open cans or packages of nonperishable items such as tuna, fruits, and vegetables. These can be eaten out of the container; they don't require cooking. Again, they should be rotated periodically to prevent spoilage. Take into consideration special dietary needs, but remember in an emergency supplies will be limited and sugar or salt may not be the worst enemy. Water is essential and there should be a three-day supply per person. Don't forget water and some pet food for any animals they have.
Emergency blankets such as the small foil type found in camping stores should be in the kit. There should be at least one for each person. These were designed for use in space, and although they are quite thin, they will hold in body temperature and keep you warm.
The kit should include a small radio and extra batteries as well as at least one flashlight and extra batteries. Again, batteries don't keep forever; they should be rotated periodically and not borrowed without being replaced immediately. Test these items periodically to make sure they are in good working order.
A knit cap for each person would be advisable, as body heat is lost through the top of the head, and covering it will help to keep a person warm. Gloves would be another good addition if there is room.
