Moms Talk: Emergency Kits

Welcome to Moms Talk, a feature here on Suisun City Patch dedicated to reaching moms and families. We invite you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support here in Suisun City. Additionally, you will have opportunity to ask questions or offer answers on issues and hot topics that concern you.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question from your Moms Council:

I heard before that it is a good idea to have an emergency kit together for my me and my family, but I am not sure what to put in it other than a first aid kit. Can you help?

My answer: Emergency kits are a good idea for earthquakes, power outages, or just about any kind of natural disaster you can think of. Here is a list from the American Red Cross website to give you an idea of what to include. It is also a good idea to personalize it when possible. For example, you can add baby supplies if you have an infant or a spare pair of glasses or hearing aids with batteries.

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3­-day supply for evacuation, 2­-week supply for home)
• Food—non­perishable, easy­ to­ prepare items (3-­day supply for evacuation, 2-­week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery­ powered or hand ­crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-­day supply) and medical items
• Multi­purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area

For more information, including ideas on items specific to your region, visit Red Cross’s website.