Top Ten Supply Lists for Earthquake and Other Disaster Preparedness
Seems like the world is getting pretty shaken up, literally, lately. What with the series of devastating earthquakes, mudslides, blizzards and tornadoes that have dominated the news lately. We've all likely done what we could for others in terms of volunteering and donating -- but as moms we've got to think in terms of protecting our own families, just in case it happens in our backyard. Even those living in pretty neutral spots that don't typically incur the wrath of Mother Nature are wary. Makes sense since nobody knows where disaster is going to strike next.
To get your protective mom mojo in motion, we've put together a basic series of Top Ten Lists to help you with emergency preparedness (you can definitely get more detailed, but these will get you started). A quick trip to the market will leave you with some of the stuff you need to store (experts recommend at least a three day supply of food), while some equipment can be found at camping supply stores and online. Once you have it all, you can put it out of your mind (and in a hall closet or in the backyard where everyone knows to find it) until, well, hopefully you never need it.
Top Ten Kitchen Gear Items
1. Camp stove
2. Stainless steel pots and pans
3. Stainless steel serving utensils
4. Mini grill
5. Waterproof matches or lighter
6. Non-breakable plates, cups, and cutlery or paper/plastic versions
7. Manual can opener
8. Water purification tablets
9. Stove maintenance kit
10. Extra fuel in safely sealed container
Top Ten Food Items
Experts recommend at least 3 days worth of provisions -- these are basic suggestions. You can always store more, especially non-perishable favorites for your kids.
1. Water (enough for 5 days per person).
2. Cold and instant hot cereals, bread, crackers (replace every 6 months for freshness)
3. Instant soups or other "add hot water and ready" dishes
4. Canned fruit, veggies, meat, fish (replace 1x per year)
5. Powdered eggs
6. Powdered milk, canned evaporated milk, shelf-stable milk (replace 1x per year)
7. Fruit juice/drink mix
8. Coffee/tea--either premade or instant coffee/tea bags
9. Sealed containers of salt/pepper/sugar
10. Cookies, pudding, trail mix, chips, pretzels
Top Ten Items for First-Aid Kit
1. Hydrogen peroxide
2. Antibiotic ointment
3. Multi-sized adhesive bandages
4. Gauze pads/adhesive tape
5. Eye drops
6. Tweezers/scissors
7. Alcohol swabs/cotton swabs
8. Prescription and non-prescription medicine
9. Thermometer
10. Splint supplies
Top Ten Household Comfort Items
1. Blankets/sleeping bags/sleeping mats
2. Candles/waterproof matches
3. Tent/ground cover
4. Camping chairs
5. Portable radio/extra batteries
6. Flashlight/extra batteries
7. Toilet paper/paper towels
8. Change of clothes
9. Anti-bacterial soap/hand sanitizer
10. Games
Top Ten Household Extras
1. Fire Extinguisher
2. Extra set of house/car keys
3. Cash
4. Extra pair of eyeglasses/contacts
5. Portable potty (with sanitary bags)
6. Tarps
7. Antiperspirant/deodorant
8. Toothbrushes/toothpaste
9. Water for washing
10. Combs/brushes
Top Ten Baby Essentials
1. Powdered formula
2. Bottles
3. Pacifiers
4. Diapers
5. Wipes
6. Baby soap/powder
7. Food (preferably in cans, not breakable jars)
8. Baby juice
9. Clothes
10. Blankets
Top Five Pet Supplies
1. Food
2. Water
3. Leash
4. Toys
5. Medicine
Dish with us: Do you have any supplies stocked away?