Being prepared is not going overboard. It is giving you the tools that you need to care for your family. I can't imagine anything worse than not being able to find food, water, and other necessities for your famialy. Why put yourself in that situation? What should you include in your emergency kit?

The Department of Homeland Security has an entire list of things that you should include in emergency kits. Their list includes the survival basics of warmth, clean air, fresh water, and food. The key is to make your emergency kit to fit your family situation. In this way, you will be able to care for your family if something happens. Here is the list recommended by the Department of Homeland Security.

• Water. One gallon of water for every person in your family per day. For example, if you have three people in your family and want your emergency kit to last three days, then you will need nine gallons of water. This is for drinking and for sanitation needs.


• Food. Three days worth of non-perishable food is recommended for each member of your family.


• Radio. A battery-powered or hand crank operated radio will keep you in touch with the outside world.


• First aid kit.


• Flashlight. Several flashlights, with extra batteries, might be handy. Or get a hand-crank powered flashlight in your kit.


• Garbage bags. Don't forget the plastic ties.


• Moist towelettes.


• Sanitizing gel.


• Whistle. It will get attention for help.


• A dust mask. especially an ??15??. Have one for each member of the family to prevent the spread of disease, as well as some plastic sheeting and duct tape to help create quarantine zone, if necessary.
  
• filter contaminated air and to make a shelter if needed.


• Pliers, or a wrench. You may want to turn off water, electricity, gas, etc.


• Can opener.


• Complete change of clothing for each person, consisting of pants, long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes.


• Pet food and water.


• Sleeping bag or blanket for each person in your family.


• Family documents. Have copies of things such as birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, drugs and medicines, and a list allergies for each person.


• Household chlorine and medicine dropper. This can come in very handy to disinfect plates, cups, etc. Use one part bleach to nine parts water and, in an emergency, this can be used to disinfect water. Sixteen drops of regular bleach in a gallon of water can make water safe for your use.


• Medications that you take on a regular basis.

The list recommended by the Department of Homeland Security is the same one with a few minor modifications that is recommended by the Red Cross and other emergency preparedness experts. You can purchase ready-made kits or create your own kit and keep it handy in various storage devices.

Being prepared for an emergency, whether it is a natural disaster, pandemic or other illness, or terrorist attack, can help you to take care of your family until help arrives. Emergency kits can give you the tools to take control of your well-being and destiny. Why would you not want to have one for your family? It could save your life.