Things To Hoard For Emergencies

As last night's storms pummeled the area, I looked at the led flashlights I had in each room and just smiled. I was prepared. Or was I?

I was not! Sure I have flashlights in every single area, but do I have other supplies? Not really. You will also need a temporary safe shelter. That could be a basement, garage, etc. it all depends on the emergency.

Here are the things you should hoard, and replace when necessary, "just in case."

1. Bottled water. Though you should replace it every couple of months, this is a must. Out of everything we need to survive, this is most important. Have enough for cooking, drinking and um...well personal use.

2. Non cook/non-perishable foods. Since you won't, in all likelihood, be able to cook in an emergency (using fuel in an enclosed spot is a quick way to die of carbon monoxide poisoning), you need food that last and can be eaten without a fuss. tuna, dried fruit, granola bars,peanut butter, and nuts are good ideas.

3. A can opener! Seriously, this is almost as important as water but very forgettable. oh, make it the manual kind!

4. Batteries, a battery powered radio, and flashlights. It's obvious why you need batteries. Just remember to have the right sizes for the flashlights and radios. That isn't an obvious thought.

5. Medications/first aid supplies. Luckily, they make all sizes of kits, so you can get the one perfect for your family's first aid needs. As far as medications, these are the over the counter and prescription meds you use commonly. The "OTC" ones you can keep packed tight (make sure the storage area is not humid), the prescriptions need to be handy to throw together at a moments notice.

6. Fuel. Whether it's firewood for the fireplace, propane to cook with, gas for a generator or kerosene for a room heater, you should always have some on hand. never, ever run out or you will be up a creek without a paddle in a natural disaster or even power outage.

Here is something to remember too, cell phones run out of power, so it may be useless. Write down important phone numbers you may need in an emergency and keep it in the temporary shelter area.

For more, check out the American Red Cross website.