An Emergency Preparedness Kit is More Than Just a Fashion Accessory--It Can Be a Lifesaver!

Natural disasters can occur no matter where you live. In beautiful Sonoma County, we are subject to wildfires, earthquakes and flooding. It’s prudent to be prepared to evacuate our homes quickly—sometimes at a moment’s notice.

An emergency supply kit for your family isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential! Although an emergency kit can be quite elaborate, gathering the just essential items in a backpack and keeping it in a safe, easily accessible spot can go a long way in making a stressful situation more manageable.

And remember to rotate your emergency items regularly. Ill-fitting clothes for children, old batteries, unsavory food items or expired medications are of little value in a true emergency. Set a reminder in your phone every six months to swap items in your emergency kit. Hopefully, you will never need to use it. But if you do, you will be happy that you took the time to update as needed.

Basic Items for an Emergency Supply Kit

• Remember to include important documents, medication and personal identification.

• Each member of the family needs water, non-perishable food items, a change of clothing and basic toiletries.

• Be sure to include a simple first aid kit for minor injuries.

• Small children may find comfort from a familiar book, blanket or stuffed toy.

• Bring fully-charged portable chargers for phones.

• Don’t forget that your pets need food and other necessities as well.

Additional Emergency Planning Tips

• Keep your car tank full of gas when possible. Having plenty of fuel in an emergency is helpful.

• Carry extra cash in your wallet and place a flashlight and battery-operated radio in your vehicle. Don’t forget extra batteries!

• Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home.

• If possible, collaborate with neighbors regarding their emergency planning. Gathering phone number or contact information for your neighborhood could make a huge difference in an emergency.

• Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and designate a meeting place for family members. Consider having an out-of-the-area person for family members to contact in case of emergency.

• Do you have elderly family members who might need assistance with gathering items for an emergency kit? Consider spending an afternoon helping loved ones prepare and safely stow an emergency kit.

• Interested in learning more about emergency preparedness? Check out NFPA’s emergency planning webpage for more detailed information.