We are seven days into National Preparedness Month (NPM), are you getting prepared? NPM is a time to get your family organized for an emergency or natural disaster. The first step in preparing, according to the Ready Campaign, is to create an emergency supply kit. Here are the items the Ready Campaign recommends:
• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

Other items to consider including – cash, matches in a waterproof container, pet supplies (if applicable), diapers and formula (if applicable), medicine, feminine hygiene products, paper and pencil, and copies of important family documents.

Put all of these items in a waterproof container. Store this container in a closet or the basement or garage. It should be stored in an accessible place so each member of the family knows where it is in case of an emergency.

A few other thoughts to consider, if you move frequently, such as military families you should review kit each time you move. If you move to a colder climate consider adding blankets to your kit. Likewise, if you move to a warmer climate consider removing the blankets from your kit and adding an extra change of clothes. For more information on military family preparedness visit http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/military.html.

Preparing an emergency supply kit is just the first step toward organizing your family. Take advantage of this month to get prepared, to get organized. You never know when an emergency may strike your family.