The Importance of Emergency Home Storage

This is a subject that is often overlooked for various reasons. The truth is, America is, as a whole, lazier than it used to be. We would all like to believe that our comfortable and carefree lives will always be as such. However, we can plainly see that dozens of circumstances can and will hunt us down at one point or another. Here are some great examples.

           *Natural Disaster
           *Terrorist Attack
           *Job Loss
           *Financial Trouble

I'm sure that most of us can easily imagine ourselves in one of these positions. The scary truth is, they can strike anywhere and anytime. The only and most important thing that we can do for our families is to be informed and prepared. I have been to many a site that promises a great list of 'must haves' for your own home emergency storage. After doing my research, I have come up with my own along with some thoughts I have yet to find elsewhere. I cannot promise that this information will be tailored to your specific situations but I hope that it can help you on your way to your own self-reliance.

Comfort/Shelter:

• Tent - if feasible and especially if staying indoors is an impossibility
• Sleeping Bags/Blankets
• at least 2 changes of clothing - appropriate for the current season
• Plastic Sheet - to lay down in unsanitary conditions
• Cloth Sheet - to lay over plastic sheet for comfort
• Games/Toys - a must have to keep children happy and stress low
• Scriptures - also a must have to keep stress low / not appropriate for everyone
• Poncho - 1 for each person

Personal Hygiene: This is important to keep from spreading germs, illnesses, etc.

• Toilet Paper - there is a good reason I put this first, you will need it if bathrooms are not available
• Baby Wipes - these are really great for keeping clean and you may not have access to excess water 
• Feminine Needs - as needed
• Hand Sanitizer - once again, water may not be accessible and you never know what situation you'll be in
• Soap - if you have access to water, this is a must have
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste - cavities are no great consolation prize 
• Plastic Bucket with tight fitting lid - you'll be thankful to have a place to put 'stinky' trash
• Plastic Bags - no, not the kind from the grocery store - find some small plastic bags that won't leak - you may need them when toilets aren't available
• Bucket Toilet - great for keeping sanitary conditions (use with plastic bags)
• Combs/Brush
• Towels/Washcloths - these have many uses
• Hair Ties - I don't know about you, but I find these important if I'm not in the mood for a loss of visibility (speaking to people with long hair - of course)

Safty: These are all 'must haves' in order to cover all bases of self sufficiency.

• Flashlights w/extra batteries
• Emergency Flares
• Candles
• Waterproof Matches 
• Pocket Knife or Utility Knife
• Whistle
• Fire Extinguisher
• Local Maps
• Wrench & Pliers to shut off utilities
• Garbage Bags
• Axe
• Rope
• Duct Tape
• First Aid Kit - make sure it's well equipped, don't skimp!
• Dust Masks
• Weather Radio w/tone alert - don't forget those extra batteries!
• Can Opener - if you have canned food
• Shovel
• Cash - if power is out, I can guarantee credit card machines won't be up and running (make sure you have a roll or two of quarters as well)
• Phone Cards - in case of cell phone failure
• Cell Phone Chargers - if power is out, solar chargers are great!
• Small sewing kit - for emergency repairs
• Paper & Pencil/Pen - you never know what you'll need to write down

Documents - It is necessary to have these in a secure but portable place in case the need arises to take them in short notice. A small, portable, waterproof/fireproof safe is a great place to keep them.

• Birth Certificates
• Social Security Cards
• Immunization Records
• Will
• Credit Cards
• Bank Statements w/account number
• Backup of family pictures
• Religious Documents 
• Insurance Documents 
• Genealogy Records  

Foods/Water - Well, the importance of this is pretty clear. However, this should be rotated regularly to keep from spoiling.

• Water - 1 gallon per day/person - this is minimal for drinking/cooking/hygiene
• At least 3 days of non-perishable food - make sure your hitting all of the major food groups
• Vitamins 

If you find anything missing or would like to comment, please do. I am always looking to update my lists where needed.