If you are caught in a fire or flash-flood, you won’t have time to gather your food-storage and other supplies. You should have a 72-Hour Emergency Kit ready to grab and evacuate. Make sure your kit is light enough to carry and store it where it is easily accessible. Backpacks and large industrial strength plastic buckets with handles are good receptacles for your kit. Backpacks are easy to carry, and large buckets are waterproof and can also be used as stools. If carrying a heavy pack or bucket is too hard for you, rolling duffle bags and suitcases also make good receptacles for your kit. Pack at least a 3-day supply of these items:

1. Food
2. Water
3. Medical supplies
4. First Aid Manual (Consider certifying in basic first aid and CPR)
5. Medications specific to your family’s special needs
6. Extra contacts or glasses
7. Portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
8. Personal hygiene supplies
   1. Soap / Shampoo
   2. Deodorant
   3. Tampons or sanitary napkins
   4. Small towel
   5. Lotion / Chapstick
   6. Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Floss
9. Collapsable shovel and other useful tools
10. Liquid bleach to treat water
11. Cash and matches in a waterproof container
12. Blanket
13. Extra clothing
14. Manual can opener
15. Copies of important documents (passport, drivers license, insurance, medical needs, etc.)
16. Family photographs (for identification purposes)

Don’t forget to prepare for children and pets! Besides necessities, small children need comforting books, toys, or games. Babies need formula, bottles, pacifiers, diapers, wipes, creams, etc. Pets need food, water, & safe transportable shelter. Toys & treats won’t hurt. In addition to your 72-Hour Emergency Kit, you should have several A-B-C fire extinguishers around your home. Know how to use them.