An Emergency Preparedness Kit, also known as a disaster kit, is a collection of basic but essential supplies that your family will need during an emergency.  The emergency preparedness kit should reflect the needs of your entire family for at minimum 72 hours following an emergency.   Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to have a plan and supplies ready to keep your family, pets, and home safe. By preparing now, you’ll be ready to face unexpected events like power outages, floods, or storms. 

Annapolis REMO recommends having a few different styles of emergency preparedness kits, including one for your home, one for your car, and a go-bag for each family member in your household.  

EMERGENCY KIT TIPS

1. Make sure everyone in your household knows where your emergency kits are.
2. Personalize each kit for family members (including babies, seniors, or pets).
3. Check and update supplies every six months (change your clocks, check your stocks) or after every use.
4. Store Important Numbers: Save emergency contacts and local shelters in your phone AND write them down in your kit.
5. Freeze Water Bottles: Keep bottles of water frozen in your freezer. They help keep food cold during power outages and can serve as drinking water once melted.
6. Store Batteries Separately: To avoid draining, store batteries out of devices like flashlights until needed.
7. Use Color-Coding: Assign a color or label for each family member’s emergency bag to make identification quick and easy.
8. Back Up Important Files: Use a USB drive or cloud storage to save copies of vital documents like insurance policies, IDs, and health records.
9. Comfort Items for Kids: Pack a small toy, book, or activity for children to help keep them calm during emergencies.
10. Review Annually: Check your kit once a year for expired food, medications, or supplies. 

Being prepared helps you stay calm, safe, and ready for anything. Start your plan and build your kits today!