How To Maintain Your Home Emergency Kit

New York is no stranger to disaster, but after the tragic events of 9/11, the city proved it can rise above even the worst catastrophes. In the future, earthquakes, fires, blackouts, floods, and inclement weather are just some of the emergencies New Yorkers should be prepared to face, says the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO). While most of those disasters are practically unpreventable, they are easily prepared for.

You're a step ahead of most people if you have a home safety kit, but simply owning one may not be enough. It also needs to be regularly checked and maintained. The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to test, restock, replace, or update your kit's contents. The last thing you need is for your disaster emergency kit to cause another disaster or emergency.

Step 1: Stock up. Your emergency kit should include items from the following list:

-- LED flashlights, lanterns, or headlamps (I recommend using LED-based lights since they are brighter, longer-lasting, and more reliable than conventional bulb products.)
-- AM/FM radio
-- Extra batteries
-- First-aid kit (This should include prescription medicines as well as general medicines.)
-- Multi-tool or pocketknife
-- Non-perishable food (Include three days' worth of food, such as nuts, granola bars, dried foods, and peanut butter. Canned food has a good shelf-life too, but don't forget the can opener!)
-- Bottled water (One gallon per person per day is recommended to provide enough water for drinking as well as sanitation.)
-- Warm blankets and/or sleeping bags
-- Waterproof matches/lighter
-- Whistle
-- Extra clothing
-- Boots or good shoes
-- Dust mask
-- Cash (including change)
-- Moist towelettes
-- Plastic garbage bags and ties (for sanitation purposes)
-- Mess kits (for eating)
-- Local maps
-- Important documents
-- Emergency contact information
-- Hygiene products
-- Baby diapers and powdered formula (if applicable)
-- Glasses (if necessary)
-- Books and games (optional, but helpful for downtime)
-- Tools for repairs and/or demolition
-- Plastic sheeting/tarps for shelter
-- Extra fuel for vehicles
-- Duct tape
-- Extra keys

Step 2: Test. As you can see, many items on this list can malfunction over time. Batteries corrode, so any battery-operated devices should be tested and extra batteries should be examined. Similarly, you should test any device that "turns on," including lights, radios, and generators.

Step 3: Restock. Emergency supplies are sometimes taken and used throughout the year, so these should be restocked if necessary. The first-aid kit, food, and water are the most crucial items to restock.

Step 4: Replace. Supplies that go unused for long periods will deteriorate, especially if your kit is exposed to extreme conditions such as heat, cold, or water. Replace any supplies that appear damaged or questionable for use. Be especially thorough when checking for water damage, as too much moisture can be harmful to just about every product in your kit and can make your supplies vulnerable to mold damage.

Step 5: Update. Review any important documents in your kit for changes in policy, providers, etc., and update your emergency contact information. Check expiration dates, especially on medications and foods.

The odds of disaster striking aren't always in your favor when you live in one of the biggest cities in the world. That's why it's essential to keep your emergency disaster kit in good working order.

~Richard McNeal, 2010

By: Richard McNeal

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