How-To Organize an Emergency Supply Kit

I love organization. I take great pride in figuring out great organizational strategies, implementing them, and then sharing them with you! While this is a sponsored post in collaboration with Milkman, I hope to arm you with some simple ideas that help make your life run a little more smoothly.

One area that is not currently organized in my home, is my Emergency Kit. I have all the basic pieces, but they are spread throughout my house, rather than organized in one specific place. Winter is coming. You may remember last year, when I had to flee PA with my kids for power and heat in NJ with my parents. Well this year, I want to be ready.

In an ideal world, you should get a large plastic container with a lid to keep your Emergency Kit in. This will protect it from critters and moisture. Plus, if you need to move location, it travels more easily. Once you have your container, what should you put in it?

According to FEMA, your Basic Emergency Supply Kit should contain the following items:

• Water - FEMA recommends one gallon per person per day, for at least three days. For us, that would be 12 gallon water jugs. Obviously these do not fit in our container.
• Non-perishable Food - Tuna, soups, Milkman Instant Lowfat Dry Milk, protein bars, jerky and fruit leather are all good choices.

• Battery-Powered or hand-crank radio -You may also want to consider a NOAA Weather Radio and don't forget extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle - You may need to signal for help.
• Dust mask, plastic sheeting and Duct Tape - Depending on the type of emergency, you may need to shelter in place.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties - These can come in handy for personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers - Handy of you need to turn off your utilities.
• Can opener - Select a manual can opener to keep in your kit if you've put canned foods in there as well.
• Local Maps - in case you need to leave the area.

Once you have all your supplies together, keep them in a handy place - like your basement or garage, clearly labeled. I have a few blankets in mine as well. Don't forget to add any baby items or medications if necessary. With a little luck, we won't need any of these things this winter, but it never hurts to be prepared, and being organized makes it that much simpler.

Do you have an Emergency Supply Kit? If so, what's in yours?

catch you soon -
I received compensation for the time I spent preparing this post. As always, all opinions are my very own.