Saturday, 9 August 2014

Buying The Right Disaster Preparedness Kits

By Annabelle Holman


Disasters can strike at any moment with little warning. Basic disaster preparedness kits contain the supplies necessary to immediately sustain oneself in event of such an emergency for a minimum of three days. A kit like this has to be put together in such a way as to be easily carried and thought must have gone into organization so that all items are easily accessible.

Many people think it is far preferable to assemble their own kit rather than buying one. There are certain advantages to assembling your own such as being able to purchase the best quality items at the best prices. You can also organize them carefully so as to access them as easily as possible.

Fortunately it is possible to purchase such a kit and there are many online stores offering such items. The Red Cross recommends that enough supplies need to be included in a basic kit to meet needs for at least 72 hours. Most of those available for purchase are designed according to this recommendation.

It is important to know what such a kit should contain in order to make the best purchase. However, seeing an image online of what to expect is not enough to guarantee you will be happy with your purchase. Sometimes cheap quality items can be included that are not worth the money you have spent. One has to find out more about the reputation of the supplier. One of the ways to do this is to read any information given online as well as reviews.

Basic supplies should be contained in a sturdy bag that is comfortable to carry. You do not need to be overburdened when on the move. On the other hand, certain essentials must be included for the kit to effectively sustain life.

Food and water are the primary considerations as they are essential to survival. Foodstuffs must be non-perishable and high in energy. Human beings cannot do without water and so this also has to be part of such a kit. It is usually contained in pouches. Apart from food and water, light, warmth and shelter are also considered. Heat blankets, flashlights and tents for shelter are usually included in a basic kit.

There are other kits suitable for more than just basic survival for 72 hours and they contain items like cooking utensils, fuel, basic tools like axes and knives and first aid kits. The most comprehensive ones are designed for long term survival and may even contain solar panels and water filtration systems. The type of kit purchased depends on exactly what it is intended for.

When you purchase such an item, you will usually find that it has some room available for adding personal items too such as important documents, money and prescription medicines. It is best to keep all items added in tightly sealed, waterproof containers. Remember that no matter what kit has been purchased, all items should be regularly checked for expiry dates and replaced if necessary. Everyone should own a basic kit that can be accessed immediately in event of an emergency.




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