Now that we’ve got 3 days of food and water, let’s move on to the next step: Your First Aid Emergency Supplies.

The Good News: You probably have every single one of these in a bin, a garage or a junk drawer.
The Bad News: No one really knows where they actually are and it might take some time to locate.
The Goal: LESS STRESS & PANIC – It will all be in one place. No panic trips to Walmart.

This list is meant to work for any Emergencies including Natural Disasters. We come from California so our Kit looked different as we were worried about Power Outages, broken glass etc.

Even if you think the item doesn’t apply to the current Covid situation- why not just have it anyway? We never could have imagined that having a supply of jigsaw puzzles and Board Games would actually save lives???

Take a quick look and put a check next to the ones that are probably already floating around the house/garage/drawer
https://www.ready.gov/kit

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

You’ll notice the absence of Toilet Paper… I will leave that can of worms untouched… ?

For the first six items, I would use the term “Essential” instead of “Additional” here. Why? Because we’ve been there and done that. We know that these need to be in there.

Additional Emergency Supplies

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer,
  disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Ok- so clear off a shelf or grab a duffel bag and start stuffing these things in there!

Pick up one or two things each time you see them at the store.

Be proud of yourself for taking care of yourself and your family. Survive & Thrive!

Molly Freibott is the Co Founder of GYCC. She has a passion for organizing, managing programs supporting the Community and Faith Based Programs, especially those for under supported populations.