A disaster like an earthquake or hurricane can leave your family without the daily essentials you need, which is why putting together a home emergency kit is so important.
Necessary Emergency Supplies
A disaster like an earthquake or hurricane can leave your family without the daily essentials you need, which is why putting together a home emergency kit is so important. Our insurance experts share how to create an emergency kit with virtually everything you need to survive a disaster. Most supplies in a home emergency kit are easy to find, relatively inexpensive, and include:
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Dust masks
- Battery-powered radio
- Cell phone and charger
- Change of clothing, sturdy shoes
- Flashlight(s)
- Extra batteries
- Family and emergency contact information
- First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Copies of insurance policies, birth certificates, and other important documents in a waterproof container
- Garbage bags with ties
- Manual can opener
- Maps of your local area
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, soap
- Over-the-counter medicine such as pain relievers, antacids, etc.
- Paper cups and plastic utensils
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket
- Three-day supply of nonperishable food or dry foods
- Enough water for one gallon per person per day
- Whistle
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities like gas or water
Remember Specialty Items
In addition to the basic items, you’ll need to include any specialty items you or your family members need, including:
- Books, games, or puzzles to entertain children who may feel anxious or scared
- Feminine hygiene items
- Infant formula and other baby supplies, such as diapers and wipes
- Necessary prescription medicines, like insulin, anti-seizure medicines, or other drugs
- Pet food and additional water for any pets
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lens solution and cases
Keep Your Kit Updated and Close By
Make sure items in the kit have not expired. Review the contents of your emergency kit at the beginning of severe weather season or during the switch to daylight savings time. Keep your kit in a cool, dry place where you can easily reach it during an emergency. Make sure all family members know where the kit is so it can be accessed quickly.
Get a Free Insurance Quote Today!
Another essential tip for dealing with disasters is to ensure that you have the proper insurance protection. Our Media Benefits Insurance Services (MBIS)* agents are eager to provide a free coverage quote. Call now!
- Cynthia Padilla (Main Office/Hollywood) – 323.845.4489
- Maria Valdez Okafor (Main Office/Hollywood) – 323.845.4494
- Monique Garcia (Culver City Branch) – 888.800.3328 ext. 5146
Schedule an appointment, get an insurance checkup over the phone, or visit our agents in either our main office on Forest Lawn Dr. or our Culver City branch on Washington Blvd.
