Right now the world is panicking. A virus is spreading fast and it’s the only thing news media outlets can talk about. A friend of mine texted me to tell me that her local wholesale club was a mad house with people stocking up on the most random items. I have personally seen people going about their day with masks on, and I have even heard of some beginning to stockpile on supplies for their families.

I won’t pretend I haven’t been concerned at all, I am. Last week I went out and replenished our medicine cabinet. One thing, however, that I haven’t had to do, was stockpile. In fact, way back in the beginning of January my husband and I made a run to our wholesale club and fully stocked our pantry. This is something we do every year.

We live in crazy times, at any moment an emergency could happen. Earthquakes, hurricanes, storms, power outages, terrorism, pandemics, war, economic issues; these are all very real things that could happen without a moment’s notice! It is better to be prepared for just about any circumstance. Now, we aren’t your traditional “preppers”, but we are individuals who just like to err on the side of caution. Better to be safe than sorry!

What is Recommended For The Average Household?

The American Red Cross has put together a fine list of things every family should have on hand at any given time. This list includes:

• One gallon of water per person, per day. 3 days for potential evacuation, 2 weeks for at home isolation.
• Non-perishable food. 3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for at home isolation
• Flashlights
• Battery powered radios
• Extra batteries
• Deluxe First Aid Kit
• 7 day supply of essential medications
• Basic tools
• Personal hygiene and sanitation products
• Copies of essential documents, identification, house deeds, passports, birth certificates, etc.
• Cellphones and chargers
• Extra cash.
• Emergency blankets
• Map of area
• Extra food and water for any Pets

Now all of that can seem like a lot to think about. There are companies that make already made kits that you can purchase. Kits like the Ready America Kit which is the kit we personally have.

In addition to that kit, we always have a supply of non-perishable food on hand in the pantry. Food like canned goods, dried soups, canned fruit, granola, oatmeal, and rice. In our refrigerator I have a good supply of frozen vegetables and meats that would get us through for quite some time in the event we have to stay home.

We also keep things like candles, oil lamps, tons of extra batteries, wood for our wood stove, extra clothes, and extra shoes. These are all things we have set aside in an easily accessible area. In the event of an evacuation, both my husband and I know exactly where everything is and we can quickly grab it all and go! We call our emergency kit our “Go Bags”. Even our pup Layla has her own little bag with basics. She is our baby after all.

I hope this short little blog post is helpful to you in knowing what you might need to have in your home for emergencies. Remember to listen to reputable news sources, and wash your hands!!!!