Raise your hand if your home area has been hit by a huge storm in the past year!
Raise your hand if you have lost power to your house for more than 24 hours this past year!
I know I still shudder with a chill remembering that October we had no power here in Connecticut for 7-10 days!!
Use these tips for emergency preparedness to keep your family safe!
September is National Preparedness Month, and when Briggs & Stratton offered to send me some Red Cross Emergency Preparedness kits to use and donate, I knew it would be a great time to share my preparedness tips with you!
Even without storms, an average 3.5 million Americans experience a power outage each week (Edison Electric Institute). So it's best to prepare now before you're left scrambling in the dark.
Emergency preparation tasks you should do now:
1. Home inventory of your pantry - do you have enough shelf-stable (non refrigerated) supplies to feed your family for 72 hours (3 days)? Stock some shelf-stable milk boxes and items that are easy to open and need little to no cooking. If you have a camp stove you will be a step ahead when it comes to food prep (always use fuel-generated items OUTSIDE!).
2. Stock up on batteries and flashlights - keep a set in each room.
3. Invest in backup power
4. Create or buy an emergency preparedness kit for the home (and car!).
Backup power via generator can help keep your family safe and comfortable.
Generators are important not so you can keep the TV running - in fact, you probably won't want to use your precious power on that - but for keeping essential electronics running. Like that freezer fully stocked with make-ahead meals? (or the half cow you purchased!?). Or medical devices.
“Portable generators provide backup power during utility outages while keeping families comfortable,” said Eric Loferski, director of marketing for Briggs & Stratton Corporation. “... they can be very dangerous if not operated properly. Because portable generators are powered by small engines that emit potentially harmful carbon monoxide gas, it is critical for both experienced and new operators alike to understand the hazards.”
Emergency Preparedness Kits are especially handy if you have to evacuate.
You can make your own emergency kit with items you probably have around the house - medical supplies, hygiene items, shelf-stable foods. However, my kit easily cost the same as or more than the pre-packed emergency kits sold by places like the Red Cross.
This basic emergency preparedness kit from Red Cross contains essentials for one person for $55. The food would last less than a day, but the medical supplies should easily serve a whole family. I like that it comes in a sturdy red backpack. The red color will help you identify the kit fast, and the backpack makes for easy handling. Plus there's plenty of room left for adding your own supplies.
Here's a few other items I'd recommend adding to customize it for your own use:
- Clothing
- Bandana
- Cash (small bills)
- Plastic water bottle for refilling
- Medical supplies
- Copies of your family's important papers (Driver's License, Birth Certificates), perhaps laminated or in a plastic ziploc bag to avoid damage
Don't get left out in the cold this year! Do a pantry inventory, stock shelf-stable foods, and make sure you have enough batteries and flashlights! Look into getting your home a generator and preparedness kit as well.
What are your tips for emergency preparedness?
Thanks to Briggs & Stratton Corporation for sending products to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own.
we have lots of canned food on hand, a camping stove and propane, a few gallons of water, and a propane fireplace.
we have lots of canned food on hand, a camping stove and propane, a few gallons of water, and a propane fireplace.
We tend to lose power with the storms here, we have a generator with fuel, we have flashlight with extra batteries and storm radio in our tornado shelter, we have important papers in lock box and other stuff in fire safe, we have some bottled water handy
We tend to lose power with the storms here, we have a generator with fuel, we have flashlight with extra batteries and storm radio in our tornado shelter, we have important papers in lock box and other stuff in fire safe, we have some bottled water handy
We stock up on can goods and batteries!
We stock up on can goods and batteries!
I do have some emergency preparedness items, but I do need to add to them. Great giveaway, thanks.
I do have some emergency preparedness items, but I do need to add to them. Great giveaway, thanks.
Currently I do not have a plan or a preperation kit for my family and I which is why this kit would be a great start for us. Thanks
Currently I do not have a plan or a preperation kit for my family and I which is why this kit would be a great start for us. Thanks
we have a snow blower, we get snowed in a lot during the winter time, other than that I don't really think about being prepared although I should.
we have a snow blower, we get snowed in a lot during the winter time, other than that I don't really think about being prepared although I should.
Unfortunately we do not have a plan right now but I know how important it is. This is something I will bring to the attention of the rest of the family!
Unfortunately we do not have a plan right now but I know how important it is. This is something I will bring to the attention of the rest of the family!
We stock up on canned goods especially when winter comes. Also batteries
brich22 at earthlink dot net
We stock up on canned goods especially when winter comes. Also batteries
brich22 at earthlink dot net
We don't have a emergency prepareness kit already I need to serious get with & get one together for our family!
We don't have a emergency prepareness kit already I need to serious get with & get one together for our family!
Our family does already have emergency preparedness kits but my son just started driving so I am working on getting his car ready incase of an emergency.
Our family does already have emergency preparedness kits but my son just started driving so I am working on getting his car ready incase of an emergency.
We're stocked with the basics but are looking into getting a generator; it could come in very handy for those CA earthquakes!
We're stocked with the basics but are looking into getting a generator; it could come in very handy for those CA earthquakes!
We have a few supplies but are looking into getting more. Thanks for a very informative post.
We have a few supplies but are looking into getting more. Thanks for a very informative post.
We don't but should start. You never know when something will happen.
Ladyblueeyez1960 (at)(aol)(dot)(com)
We don't but should start. You never know when something will happen.
Ladyblueeyez1960 (at)(aol)(dot)(com)
The closest I come to being prepared is having lots of spare bottled water, extra flashlights (& batteries) & candles. I also have canned for stocked up in my kitchen.
The closest I come to being prepared is having lots of spare bottled water, extra flashlights (& batteries) & candles. I also have canned for stocked up in my kitchen.
We are never prepared for storms or when the electric goes our, but thid winter we are going to be ready thanks to your tips!
We are never prepared for storms or when the electric goes our, but thid winter we are going to be ready thanks to your tips!
We do have a kit prepared. Plus, we keep plenty of canned goods and water at the ready.
We do have a kit prepared. Plus, we keep plenty of canned goods and water at the ready.
I am one of those woefully unprepared people! I know this is something I need to work on and get stocked up on extra batteries, flashlights, candles, water, and food.
I am one of those woefully unprepared people! I know this is something I need to work on and get stocked up on extra batteries, flashlights, candles, water, and food.
We have blankets, water, non perishable foods and other items stored just in case there is an emergency.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
We have blankets, water, non perishable foods and other items stored just in case there is an emergency.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
We just moved from Texas to Minnesota so we are trying to get the basics right now bracing for a real winter.
We just moved from Texas to Minnesota so we are trying to get the basics right now bracing for a real winter.
We dont have a kit ready either, but we really do need to. I do in the winter stock up when a snowstorm is coming, but I really need to be more prepared!
We dont have a kit ready either, but we really do need to. I do in the winter stock up when a snowstorm is coming, but I really need to be more prepared!
We prepare for hurricane season, by having a well-stocked pantry, our flashlights and batteries ready, and we make sure to have an emergency kit.
We prepare for hurricane season, by having a well-stocked pantry, our flashlights and batteries ready, and we make sure to have an emergency kit.
Because we have a well that doesn't work when the electric goes off, we usually keep water around. We also have flashlights stashed all over the house just in case.
Because we have a well that doesn't work when the electric goes off, we usually keep water around. We also have flashlights stashed all over the house just in case.
I stock up on can and pantry goods, batteries, do an auto check. Put all outdoor equipment away.
I stock up on can and pantry goods, batteries, do an auto check. Put all outdoor equipment away.
We take warm clothes out of storage. We stock up on candles and kerosene in case its needed.
We take warm clothes out of storage. We stock up on candles and kerosene in case its needed.
we sort of have a kit... more of a drawer but i havent visited it in a long time (pretty much since we built the cabin) but we really do need a real kit... especially with 2 babies in the house as of this winter! Thanks for sharing this post!
we sort of have a kit... more of a drawer but i havent visited it in a long time (pretty much since we built the cabin) but we really do need a real kit... especially with 2 babies in the house as of this winter! Thanks for sharing this post!
We always keep emergency food and water on hand and lots of extra batteries and charged flashlights.
We always keep emergency food and water on hand and lots of extra batteries and charged flashlights.
You know what?! I actually do not have an emergency kit.. I really need to put one together and this would be a great start! I hope I win this great giveaway! I think that, for my family with 3 young kids, I would have lots of pantry foods, for sure. I also need to get the first aid kit more heavily stocked..
We don't have a kit anymore...we brought the one we had to my mom's house so she would have one. 🙂
We don't have a kit anymore...we brought the one we had to my mom's house so she would have one. 🙂
Thank you for this reminder! I need to work on my list now that it is almost October! Gosh time is just running!
Thank you for this reminder! I need to work on my list now that it is almost October! Gosh time is just running!
Thanks for sharing and for the great giveaway. I always have great intentions of preparedness but I have such anxiety about using things before they expire and not wasting that "prepping" is seriously difficult for me! I do try to keep batteries and water but need to start a list and budget for a little bit each month.
Thanks for sharing and for the great giveaway. I always have great intentions of preparedness but I have such anxiety about using things before they expire and not wasting that "prepping" is seriously difficult for me! I do try to keep batteries and water but need to start a list and budget for a little bit each month.
since we live in southern california no. When I lived in New York and Minnesota yes, I kept snacks and a kit in my car.
since we live in southern california no. When I lived in New York and Minnesota yes, I kept snacks and a kit in my car.
I live in MO, where tornado have touched too close to home the last few years. We did invest in a weather radio last year, since our neighborhood is very susceptible to loosing power and i am home with the kids a lot while hubby is working.
I live in MO, where tornado have touched too close to home the last few years. We did invest in a weather radio last year, since our neighborhood is very susceptible to loosing power and i am home with the kids a lot while hubby is working.
Since I live in earthquake territory, we not only have a 72 hour kit, we also have a 72 second kit next to each bed in case the emergency occurs in the middle of the night. I used the space bags and packed some clothes sweats and shoes for all of my family.
Since I live in earthquake territory, we not only have a 72 hour kit, we also have a 72 second kit next to each bed in case the emergency occurs in the middle of the night. I used the space bags and packed some clothes sweats and shoes for all of my family.
For Winter we cover our hose bibs, disconnect hoses, and blow out our sprinkler system. These simple actions can help reduce the chance of frozen pipes and water bursts destroying our home.
We now own a generator too.
For Winter we cover our hose bibs, disconnect hoses, and blow out our sprinkler system. These simple actions can help reduce the chance of frozen pipes and water bursts destroying our home.
We now own a generator too.
We winterized our house buy covering the air conditioner, sealing the actic fan, and putting away the patio furniture.
We winterized our house buy covering the air conditioner, sealing the actic fan, and putting away the patio furniture.
We have a generator and heavy-duty snow plow for winter emergencies.
We have a generator and heavy-duty snow plow for winter emergencies.
Have escape routes mapped out for your home and meet up places in case of emergencies.
Have escape routes mapped out for your home and meet up places in case of emergencies.
Getting ready was never something we honestly considered but we just moved to a new state and to a very remote area so its something I am manically researching.
Getting ready was never something we honestly considered but we just moved to a new state and to a very remote area so its something I am manically researching.
If you want a generator keep an eye out on Craigslist after the next storm or warning for one. People will have bought them and put gas in them, which prevents them from returning them afterwards even if they didn't use them.
It leaves you potentially without a generator during the next storm, but you'll be prepared for the next one after without breaking the bank!
If you want a generator keep an eye out on Craigslist after the next storm or warning for one. People will have bought them and put gas in them, which prevents them from returning them afterwards even if they didn't use them.
It leaves you potentially without a generator during the next storm, but you'll be prepared for the next one after without breaking the bank!
Thanks for posting...it's so important to plan ahead for the unexpected. We have a plastic container in an easily accessible area of the house full of batteries, solar powered flashlights, weather radio, bags, masks, water, general camping/cooking supplies, and some MRE's. We don't have a generator at this point (Wish list ) and we definitely do not have enough food to get us through 3 days...mainly because we buy it (for emegency purposes) and then eat it!
Thanks for posting...it's so important to plan ahead for the unexpected. We have a plastic container in an easily accessible area of the house full of batteries, solar powered flashlights, weather radio, bags, masks, water, general camping/cooking supplies, and some MRE's. We don't have a generator at this point (Wish list ) and we definitely do not have enough food to get us through 3 days...mainly because we buy it (for emegency purposes) and then eat it!