Take Stock and Get Prepared While it’s Quiet
We have mentioned list-writing a number of times in recent posts because when planning for an emergency, writing lists could be the thing that saves your life! Today, we have another idea for a list you may want to write, in the spirit of getting prepared. And who knows — if you enjoy organizing — you might even find it fun!
While it’s quiet, or while you’re in the spring cleaning groove, make some time to take stock of what you do have, as far as emergency supplies go.
We have created a basic checklist of items you probably already have, just to get you started:
- canned food (don’t forget to check the dates, and pack a can opener)
- a backpack (that you aren’t using regularly)
- a flashlight
- extra batteries
- water bottles, full
- energy bars, dried fruit
- a first aid kit (fully stocked)
- Tip: if you don’t have a first aid kit assembled, perhaps think about buying one like our WorkSafeBC Level 2 First Aid Kit. Or at least consider gathering all your band-aids, medication, creams, gauze, etc. into one place.
- airtight plastic bags.
- Tip: store your items in these, within your backpack if you can, in case of water getting in.
- a blanket, or a few
- extra cash
- extra personal hygiene items
- copies of personal documents, and any important phone numbers
- multi-purpose tool
- maps (of the area)
- extra set of keys
Maybe you’ll find items in your house that you forgot about, or will finally be able to “use” something that up until now has just seemed to be taking up space. If you haven’t cleaned out the back of your pantry in a while, or perhaps your storage closets, now’s the time!
Once you have exhausted every nook and cranny in your house, and you’re satisfied that you have added every relevant item that you aren’t using, then it’s time to hit the stores. You may, for example, want to stock away more than just dried fruit and canned foods, or just have the peace of mind knowing that you have emergency food on hand that you don’t have to keep replacing every year. In this case, try out our 120 Serving Combo Bucket. This freeze dried food is GMO free, tastes great, and has a 25 year shelf!
If you need some more ideas of what to include, or further convincing thoughts about why it’s so important to prepare, feel free to browse through some of our other posts:
