Introduction
Emergency and weather-related events can lead to everything from power outages to evacuation, and preparing ahead of time can help reduce stress.
Gathering supplies beforehand also ensures collecting the potentially wide range of needs of various household members.
Although pre-assembled emergency supply kits are commercially available to purchase, a supply kit tailored to specific needs can be assembled
inexpensively. Prior to the flurry of activity that takes place when impending weather conditions or other emergencies arise, understanding a household’s needs can mean that all of the appropriate items are included.
Review the contents of the kit twice every six months to make certain all supplies are in place and replace any items that might have expired such as food or batteries.
When to prepare an emergency kit
It is much easier to assemble a kit when the weather is not a concern. When the forecast calls for severe weather in the form of thunderstorms, high winds, flooding, snowstorms, nor’easters, hurricanes and/or tornadoes, not only is there pressure and stress on to prepare, but items may be in short supply at stores. Crowds and long lines at stores as well as empty shelves for specific items become the norm if shopping at the last minute.
Types of weather-related events and duration
Examples of weather conditions that can occur in Connecticut are severe thunderstorms, flooding, snowstorms, nor’easters, hurricanes and tornadoes.
Prepare for a minimum of three days and up to one to two weeks. Keep in mind that in the event of a major storm, first responders may not be able to get to individual homes for several hours or even days. Other people may also need assistance.
Prepare an emergency supply kit on a budget
First, look at the list provided here, gather items already purchased in one spot, and cross them off the list. Put a star on the list by the most important
items. Also, consider other must-have items needed in event of an emergency. Plan ahead and buy those needed items over time. Watch for coupons. Stores
often have apps and email lists to subscribe to that may help to keep costs down. Perhaps plan to buy one sale item each shopping trip or each time income is available.
Think about options—Dollar, discount, warehouse and thrift stores, online, and sales at drugstores, home improvement, sporting goods, outdoor, and outfitter stores. Check out clearance and out-of-season items. Potentially buying some items in bulk with family or friends may prove to cost-effective. If asked for gift suggestions for upcoming birthday, anniversary or other special occasions, an item or two might be good possibilities. Be sure to consider any specific items that would be important for household members' well-being in a disaster.
Storing emergency supplies
Keep emergency supplies in an easily accessible, dry location, creating labeled, individual kits in durable bags or containers. Duffle bags, backpacks, plastic containers, and wheeled totes and suitcases are some examples of containers useful to store emergency supply kit materials.
Also consider how household needs may have changed in the past six months. For many, it may be convenient to remember to do this when the time changes in the Spring and Fall.
In Case of Evacuation
Evacuation can happen quickly. Having basic supplies (a ‘go kit’ or ‘bug out bag’) ready in advance will be helpful. Pack enough supplies for at least three days. Think ahead about evacuation sites and personal needs when reviewing supply lists and assembling items.
Emergency kits away from home
Put together emergency kits for the car and workplace. In addition to a first aid kit, be prepared for common situations on the road such as a flat tire and dealing with cold weather. For the workplace kit, include food and other supplies needed for at least 24 hours.
For more information about food supplies, see Pre-Storm To-Do List: Your Emergency Food Supply at eden.uconn.edu (Pre-Storm-to-Do-List-Your-Emergency-Food-Supply.pdf)
Refer to the UConn EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network) Emergency Supply Kit Check List fact sheet with items suggested from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Family & Home Preparedness | UConn Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)