New Year, New Emergency Kit
New York is no stranger to disaster. In fact, after the tragic events of 9/11, New York proved it can rise above even the worst of disasters. According to the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), earthquakes, fires, blackouts, floods, and inclement weather are just some of the emergencies New Yorkers should expect to face. And while most of those disasters are practically unpreventable, they are easily prepared for.
If you currently have a home safety kit, you’re a step ahead of most people. However, just simply having a kit may not be enough - it also needs to be maintained. A perfect time to check your emergency kit is around the new year; in fact, try making it an ongoing resolution. Firefighters remind us to test our smoke alarms every time we set our clocks for Daylight Savings Time, so the new year can become a similar reminder to evaluate your disaster emergency kit. When the new year comes around, pull out your kit to test, restock, replace, and update those items that don’t work, need replenishing, or are expired. The last thing you need is for your disaster emergency kit to cause another disaster or emergency.
Use the following list as a reference for the items you should be including in your emergency kit. As you read through, make mental notes of the supplies you should be regularly evaluating.
- LED flashlights, lanterns, or headlamps (I recommend using LED-based lights since they are far more reliable than conventional bulb products. Additionally, LEDs are brighter and will last longer given a similar power source.)
- AM/FM radio
- Extra batteries
- First-Aid kit (This should include general medicines and any prescription medications.)
- Multi-tool or pocketknife
- Non-perishable food (The food should be enough to last for 3 days. Try packing 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 (The recommend amount is one gallon per person, per day. In addition to drinking water, this will provide enough to use for sanitation purposes.)
- Warm blankets and/or sleeping bags
- Waterproof matches/lighter
- Whistle
- Extra clothing
- Boots or good shoes
- Dust mask
- Cash (including change)
- Moist towelletes
- 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 very helpful for downtime)
- Tools for repairs and/or demolition
- Plastic sheeting/tarps for shelter
- Extra fuel for vehicles
- Duct tape
- Extra keys
Test
As you can see, there are a number of items on this list that are susceptible to malfunction over time. For instance, batteries corrode. Any battery-operated devices should be tested and extra batteries should be examined for signs of corrosion. Similarly, any device that “turns on” should be tested. This includes lights, radios, and generators.
Restock
In addition to testing, all items in your disaster prevention kit should be examined and restocked if necessary. Sometimes during the year (perhaps in an emergency) supplies are taken and used. The most crucial items to be aware of restocking are the First-Aid kit and your food and water.
Replace
As supplies go unused for long periods of time, they deteriorate. If your kit is exposed to extreme conditions - heat, cold, or water - your supplies may deteriorate even faster. Quickly replace any supplies that appear damaged or questionable for use. You will need to be especially thorough when checking for water damage. Too much moisture can be harmful to just about every product in your kit, making your supplies vulnerable to mold damage as well.
Update
Finally, many items in your disaster kit may simply need to be updated. Any important documents in your kit should be reviewed for changes in policy, providers, etc. Update your emergency contact information. Also, remember to check expiration dates, especially on foods and medications.
Living in one of the biggest cities in the world, the odds of disaster striking aren’t always in your favor. That’s why it’s essential to not only keep an emergency disaster kit handy, but it’s crucial to keep it in good working order as well.
~Richard McNeal, 2010
