Six Things to Pack in an Emergency Kit

By Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP | February 18, 2020 | Comments Off on Six Things to Pack in an Emergency Kit
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If a blizzard, flood, hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster hit, how prepared are your parents? Government agencies urge people to have an emergency kit prepared in advance of any storm or natural disaster.

These are the six things you need to make sure are in that kit.

Caregiver Hunterdon NJ - Six Things to Pack in an Emergency Kit

Caregiver Hunterdon NJ – Six Things to Pack in an Emergency Kit

#1 – Water

Make sure there is at least one gallon of clean water for each person, each day. If the kit is for your mom and dad, they would want two gallons per day. They should have enough water to last two weeks if they stay in their home or half a week if they evacuate.

#2 – Non-Perishable Foods

Canned soups, stews, and pasta dishes are handy in a natural disaster. While they may not be the healthiest option, it’s better for your parents to keep their calorie intake up until they have power back. If you need to enhance their nutritional intake, mineral and vitamin-rich milkshakes like Boost help. Keep a two-week supply on hand.

#3 – Battery-Powered Radio and Lantern

Have a battery-powered radio available. Your parents need a radio to hear weather alerts and news. You need a lantern for lighting. Keep enough batteries on hand to last a couple of weeks. You could also go for a hand-crank radio and lantern that is powered by cranking the handle on the unit.

#4 – First Aid Kit

Have basic first aid supplies in a waterproof zipper bag, such as a Ziploc freezer bag. Keep first aid cream, bandages in different sizes, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers like ibuprofen, and alcohol pads to clean wounds before bandaging them.

#5 – Medications

Have a week’s supply of any prescription and over-the-counter medications your parents use. Add those to the first aid kit to keep them dry and in an easy-to-remember location.

#6 – Documents

Finally, make sure the emergency kit has photocopies of important papers like your mom and dad’s government-issued photo ID, birth certificates, insurance policies, and a paper listing medical information and emergency contacts.

Who is going to check on your parents during a natural disaster? If you don’t live nearby, you need to have someone stopping in. A neighbor, friend, or family member is a good place to start. If that’s not possible, arrange visits from caregivers.

Caregivers can keep in touch with you and let you know how your parents are and where they are if they’ve been evacuated. Caregivers can also make sure they have enough supplies and are eating and taking medications. Discover home care prices by making a call.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Caregiver Services in Hunterdon NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP
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