General Information About Emergency Supplies

You've put a good deal of time and effort into planning your emergency supplies, tools, evacuation and disaster relief plans. All of that planning will do you no good if you are not organized. If your house's heating system goes out on the coldest night of the year and you can't find your solar blankets and sleeping bags, then all that pre-planning is wasted. It is absolutely imperative that you mark all of your emergency supplies and make sure they are portable and ready to go for anyone in your household who needs to use them.

These would contain items like bandages of different sizes, antibiotic creams, splints in case of broken bones and other supplies. If you purchase your items separately, make sure you are supplying your kit with everything you might need in order to keep it all together in one safe place.

First aid kits can also be stored in backpacks or plastic art supply cases. Everything that is stored should be labeled and it is good to have a list of what is in the kit in a certain spot, so that it can be checked for items that need to be replenished. If you are planning a long camping trip or a vacation abroad, you might consider using a large plastic tote that has wheels to help you move it around. This tote should contain smaller containers with labels that have the first aid items stored separately from each other. Plastic bags can be used for some items, while larger items, like blankets, would need to be stored in duffel bags.

It is important to remember items that will keep you protected from the elements and harsh or surprise weather. These would include sleeping bags, heat generating equipment and tarps for making lean-tos or for shelter from the rain. Food and water should never be forgotten, as this is vital to survival in bad situations. If you keep the items together in a storage item with a lid, you should be able to just lift the lid and grab what you want. If items are not labeled or cannot be found, it can be very frustrating.

You should not be caught in the dark without a flashlight because you have no idea where you put your emergency supplies. Plan out and list everything you need, keep everything together in a cool, dry place, and store them in a place where you have easy access. Be prepared at all times. Being prepared can save a life at any time during natural disasters.