What to Include in Your Home Emergency Kit

In the event of an emergency, does your family have the basic supplies you may need to stay safe for an extended period of time? Being prepared for a natural disaster and having enough food, water, first aid, and other essential items is crucial should you find yourself faced with the unexpected. 

From snowstorms to hurricanes, floods, fires, and even earthquakes, New Englanders are at risk for a number of potential perils. At Bearingstar, we’re here to help you with your insurance needs in the aftermath and, as unlikely as these events may seem, we’re also here to help you get prepared ahead of time. We hope you never need it, but just in case, here is a list of items to assemble for your home emergency kit. 

What to include:
• Water (enough for one gallon per person per day)
• 3-day supply of non-perishable food
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit with any prescription/non-prescription medications you take regularly
• Battery powered or hand crank radio for local weather and emergency updates
• Face masks
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
• Pet food and extra water if you have a pet
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Sleeping bag and/or warm blankets
• A change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• List of phone numbers for family, friends, and emergency contacts
•Cash
• Important documents — copies of your insurance policies, ID cards, bank account records, copy of your home inventory

Pro Tip: There are companies that will come to your home and conduct your home inventory for you. Or, if you’d like to complete it yourself, we have a guide you can use here.

Where to store your kit:
Now that you’ve compiled your emergency kit, where should you keep it? We recommend you store all your items together in a cool, dry place in a designated spot that is easily accessible to all family members. Each year, conduct a review of your emergency kit and replace any items that may have expired or are no longer needed. If you want to take extra precautions, we recommend you also consider assembling an emergency car kit.

When it comes to preparing for the unexpected, having an emergency kit available can make all the difference. We hope this guide helps you assemble yours, giving you peace of mind knowing your family is prepared.

Have more questions about putting together an emergency kit or protecting your home with the right insurance policy? A local Bearingstar Insurance agent would be happy to assist. Visit our website to connect with one today: http://bit.ly/2WVYd1C