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With hurricane and tornado season just around the corner, and melting snow resulting in a spate of floods, there’s never been a better time to make your own emergency kit. Emergency supply kits can come in handy if an unexpected disaster like an earthquake strikes. If the worst should happen, you can prepare for an emergency ahead of time to make the transition in the days following a disaster a little more palatable. You will need at least three days’ worth of supplies. What you need to know about making your own emergency kit:

Survival Kit Basics to Include in Your Emergency Supplies

There are a few basics that you need to include in your survival kit:

• Bottled water, at least one gallon for each person in your family for three days, should be a staple in your emergency supplies. You can buy water by the gallon in your local grocery or drug store to keep in your survival kit.
• Non-perishable food that will keep your family going for at least 72 hours should also be in your emergency preparedness kit. High protein choices including energy bars, granola and nuts are good additions to your 72 hour kit.
• Emergency supplies like a flashlight, weather radio and batteries for both should be in your kit. A weather radio allows you to hear regular updates about dangerous weather conditions in your area.
• A first aid kit should also be in your emergency supplies. Your first aid kit should include pain relievers, over the counter stomach medicine, antibiotic ointment, bandages, sterile gloves and an antibiotic cleanser. Prescription medicine that you or your family members take every day should also be in your emergency preparedness kit.

Tools, Germ Protection and Special Needs for Your 72 Hour Kit

In addition to the basics, there are some other items to include in your 72 hour kit:

• In case of some natural disasters like earthquakes, you may need tools in your 72 hour kit. It may be up to you or your spouse to turn off water and utilities in your home to protect your home during a disaster. Your earthquake kit should include pliers, a wrench, a hammer, nails and duct tape.
• Your survival kit needs to include items that protect your family from contamination. Keeping your family germ-free during a disaster can be very difficult. Hand sanitizer, cleansing towelettes, garbage bags and allergy masks can help.
• Special needs supplies for your 72 hour kit need to be included for the very young, elderly and disabled members of your family. Books, games and puzzles in your survival kit can help your family get through the first through the first 72 hours after a natural disaster.

Other Items to Include in Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

Some other, miscellaneous items to include in your emergency preparedness kit include matches, maps, clothing (including raingear), pet food, blankets and important documents- including your insurance policy. The list of items to include in your survival kit will vary depending upon your family’s unique needs. Review the contents of your emergency preparedness kit every year and replace items as needed.