No one wants to think about the possibility that a crisis can arise at any moment. However, accepting that emergencies can and will happen is the first step in moving towards emergency preparedness. "Be Prepared" is more than just a fun Disney villain song performed by Scar and some hyenas in The Lion King. It's a way of life.
It is often easy to live with something of an invincibility complex, thinking, “Oh, that’ll never happen to me.” No one is impervious to crises and disasters, though, and maybe we should all adopt the boy scout motto to "be prepared" and have an emergency plan. Although you may feel luckier than others, everyone faces the same types of risks in life, and it is always worth it to pay attention, hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.
How Do You Make Sure That You Are Ready For The Worst?
We will walk you through the basics of emergency preparedness, starting with the basics and working up from there. Over 60 percent of Americans do not have a plan for if and when an emergency happens, and at JUDY, we want to do everything we can to make sure that that statistic changes for the better. Whether you are a seasoned survivalist or a newcomer to preparing for emergencies, we have helpful tips for you.
Start With The Basics: 72 Hours Of Non-perishable Food And Water
In an emergency, you might find yourself without power or access to the grocery store, meaning you will have to look to non-perishable food sources. Non-perishable food is shelf-stable, meaning it does not need refrigeration to stay fresh. In addition, non-perishable foods typically can stay fresh for years, making them ideal for stocking up to rely on in emergencies.
A good rule of thumb is to keep a minimum of 72 hours worth of non-perishable food and water ready to use in your home in case an emergency arises. JUDY’s emergency preparedness kits are equipped with nutrient-dense, high-calorie meal replacement bars, which can keep you full for long periods of time without taking up too much space. These bars are ideal for storing in an emergency go-bag, a highly portable kit that contains survival supplies that you can take with you easily if you need to evacuate your home.
In addition to non-perishable food, it is also essential to make sure you have access to clean, drinkable water. In many emergency situations, this is not a given, whether it be due to frozen pipes in a blizzard, being stuck in the woods while hiking, or another crisis.
In these emergencies, water is one of the most precious survival resources you can carry with you. JUDY’s emergency preparedness kits come stocked with non-perishable water pouches. We favor these pouches over plastic water bottles, which can eventually expire and degrade the quality of the water inside.
Once you have an emergency go-bag assembled (or have picked up one of JUDY’s pre-assembled ones), complete with non-perishable food and water, you are well on your way when it comes to emergency preparedness. However, in addition to portable emergency food supplies, it is a great idea to stock your pantry with plenty of canned food and other non-perishables to rely on when your power goes out due to a natural disaster. Keeping canned goods in your home can make a big difference in emergencies – canned food can last years without expiring, making it perfect as a standby for any time your access to the grocery store is cut off.
Emergency Wearable Supplies
When in a crisis, it is always a game-changer when you are able to stay warm, dry, and safe from the elements. If a natural disaster or other emergency strikes, wearable items that can protect you and your loved ones from rain, wind, and cold can be lifesaving supplies, and you never want to go without them. Below are some wearable items that are included in JUDY’s emergency supply checklist:
- Emergency blankets: Made of heat-reflecting foil, an emergency “space blanket” is a lightweight sheet that you can drape over yourself to keep your body from losing precious heat. Because they are extremely light and collapsible, these blankets make the perfect portable sources of warmth to stash in your emergency go-bag.
- Hand warmers: These nifty gadgets can provide hours of warmth to your hands, perfect for times when you are stranded without access to electricity. It’s a good move to keep a package of hand warmers stocked for each member of your household.
- Work gloves: These will come in handy in a wide variety of circumstances, especially when you are dealing with dangerous debris in the wake of a natural disaster. Protecting your hands from sharp objects, germs and anything else that could pose a threat to your safety is always crucial when navigating a crisis. Durable, heavy-duty work gloves are a must-have addition to any emergency go-bag.
- Ponchos: Like emergency blankets, these disposable raincoats are extremely lightweight and portable. Anytime you need quick protection from rain, you’ll be grateful to have a poncho packed in your emergency supplies. In addition, ponchos can frequently come in handy when traveling, even in non-emergency situations. Getting caught in the rain is no fun, and it’s always a relief to have something to wear to keep you dry.
- Face Mask: While these have become all the more common due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these are also particularly useful in the case of natural disasters, when you may be faced with dust and debris in the air.
First Aid
One of the most important aspects of emergency preparedness is knowing how to address injuries. First aid is a life-saving skill that is well worth your time to learn. JUDY’s emergency preparedness kits come with a pre-packaged first aid kit, filled with items that come in handy when dealing with minor injuries like scrapes, burns, cuts, and bruises.
Dealing with these types of injuries is often within your means without seeking out additional medical attention, as long as you have the proper tools and experience. Of course, in some circumstances, it is necessary to seek professional medical help, especially when injuries are beyond your ability to patch up. However, even in the event of a severe injury, the supplies in your first aid kit can help contain the situation until professional medical help can be accessed.
Other Useful Supplies
Some of the most helpful items in your emergency kit are the ones that might be the last you think of. Below is a short list of just a few of the items that can make a major difference in an emergency.
- Hand sanitizer: When you lose your access to soap and water, hand sanitizer is the most reliable way to keep your hands germ-free.
- Duct tape: Perfect for patching up leaks in a pinch.
- Flashlight: with some extra batteries, ideally one with a wide-ranging beam. You don’t want to be left in the dark when the power goes out!
- A multi-tool: When you’re on the go and need pliers, a knife, a saw, or another small utility, a multi-tool can provide many in a small, compact, easy-to-carry form.
These are just a few of the handy items that can be found in JUDY’s emergency kits. Don’t go without them!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/non-perishable-food
https://www.ready.gov/preparedness-research
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness
If you have additional questions, send them our way!
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