Emergency Preparedness Kits

Emergency Preparedness Kits or EPKs should be stored and carried in portable carriers like ‘Grab Bags’ so that in the event of an emergency one can just grab them and go.  Cardboard Boxes are harder to carry and not a good idea for storage of your EPK.

Survival for 72 hours for the family

Your EPK should take care of your 5 survival needs for at least a day and preferably your family’s needs for 3 to 5 days.

1                   Shelter (and warmth)

2                   Water

3                   Food

4                   Medical needs

5                   Mental State

6                   General Emergency Items (like matches / lighter, radio etc.,)

 
All EPKs should be significant to the areas they are from – with certain commonalities.  For example, in Canada, where it may snow heavily certain times of the year – a snow shovel may be required in the “Car Kit” whereas if this was a Dubai EPK then it probably wont be needed.

 
You can create a kit for many areas. i.e., a Larger one for the house, a grab bags for the car, a kit for your place of work, kits in schools, etc.,

 
Commonly used items can be stored / placed together – such as a first aid kits but remember – if anything is used in an emergency it must be replaced.  And the EPK should have its own First Aid Kit inside.

 
This also goes with Emergency Preparedness thinking.

 
A car should never be run low below quarter, or even half, a tank of fuel.  If there was a medical emergency at home during the night or the local pumps were closed etc., you would need the fuel and the time.  With that in mind a spare fuel can in the car or shed / garage is another preparedness option.

 
The idea is to build resilience in our communities.  Develop a sense of preparedness within families and local areas such as schools, work, recreations spaces (fitness centres, shopping malls) so that in the event of an emergency we can be somewhat resilient and self sufficient whilst the emergency services rush to the real emergencies such as the injured during a terrorist attack or the elderly and infirm with medical problems, etc.  This is a mind set and starts with carrying a few plasters / band aids in your purse or bum bag or snacks in your car and builds to being fully self sufficient for 72 hours – ensuring the survival and comfort of you and the ones you love, close to you.