Next month will be National Preparedness Month.  It is a good reminder for us all to reevaluate our emergency kits. It is necessary to go through your emergency preparedness kits often to be sure that all of your items are in tact and in working order. But, you must also be sure that any new family needs are represented in your 72 hour kit and added to your checklist.

Ready.Gov has a good basic 72 hour emergency kit checklist on their website. This list includes:

3 Gallons of water per individual

Weather Alert Radio

Food including freeze dried food storage, energy bars and other no-cook high calorie snacks

Blankets

Flashlight (hand crank preferred)

Whistle

Facial Masks

First Aid Kit

Cash in small bills

Basic Tools

As individuals and especially as families our needs are continually changing. Our 72 hour kits need to represent this. Some common reasons for the change to these kits and the need for additional items are pregnancy, injury, ailment or disease that calls for prescription medication, elderly and child needs.

Pets should also always be remembered in your family’s emergency preparedness gear. Pets may need additionally items in various conditions such as changes in health or pregnancy just like the rest of the family. More than one leash, a kennel or carrier and a specific blanket for your pet is recommended.

In addition to family health and nutritional needs a 72 hour kit should also be comprised of items that would be helpful for natural disasters that are more likely to occur in the area where you live. Some areas are more prone to hurricane disasters, while others are more prone to tornados or earthquakes. Keep these things in mind as well when you choose a place to store your 72 hour kit.