• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin

Customer Login

InsuranceHub
Call Us Today(770) 497-1200
TRUSTED FOR30+ YEARS
MENU
  • PERSONAL
    • AUTO
      • Car Insurance
      • Boat Insurance
      • RV Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
    • HOME
      • Homeowners
      • Condominium
      • Flood
      • Renters
      • Rental Property
      • Umbrella
    • HEALTH
      • Group Health
    • LIFE
    • Close
  • BUSINESS
      • Commercial Property
      • Commercial Auto
      • Commercial Umbrella
      • Surety & Fidelity Bonds
      • Directors and Officers
      • Special Events
      • Employee Dishonesty
      • Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
      • Business Owner’s Policy
      • Cyber Liability
      • General Liability
      • Professional Liability
      • Liquor Liability
      • Product Liability
      • Spoilage Insurance
      • Equipment Breakdown
      • Workers Compensation
      • Group Benefits for Employees and Independent Contractors
      • Employer Services
      • Errors And Omissions
      • Crime Insurance
      • Inland Marine
      • Business Interruption
    • Close
  • INDUSTRIES
      • Auto Body Shop
      • Auto Services
      • Accountant / Auditor
      • Apartment Owners/ Habitational
      • Architecture/ Engineering
      • Carpet Cleaning & Janitorial
      • Chiropractic Office
      • Contractors
      • Dance School
      • Daycare
      • Employment Agency
      • Financial Planner 
      • Food Store
      • Home-Based Business
      • Garage Keepers
      • Landscaping Services
      • Lawn Irrigation
      • Liquor Store
      • Machine Shop
      • Manufacturing
      • Mortgage Broker
      • Nonprofit
      • Personal Care Services
      • Pet Care
      • Photography/ Videography
      • Portrait Studio
      • Printing & Copying Services
      • Professional Organizer
      • PR Firm
      • Real Estate Agent
      • Religious Institution
      • Restaurant
      • Retail
      • Electronics Store
      • Furniture Store
      • Gift Shop
      • Salon
      • Security System Contractor
      • Sheet Metal Fabrication
      • Technology
      • Theatrical Agency
      • Tow Trucks
      • Wholesale Distribution
      • Women’s Accessory Store
    • Close
  • RESOURCES
    • Pay Your Bill/ Report A Claim
    • FAQs
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Close
  • BLOG
    • Home Insurance
    • Auto Insurance
    • Business Insurance
    • Transportation
    • Close
  • ABOUT
    • Leadership Team
    • Careers
    • Contact
    • Corporate Responsibility
    • Review Us
    • Stay Connected on Social Media
    • Close
GET QUOTE

Tips for preparing your family’s disaster kit

Home | Home Insurance | Insurance | Tips | Tips for preparing your family’s disaster kit

25 Apr
2017

Tips for preparing your family’s disaster kit

by Katelyn Betts | in Home Insurance, Insurance, Tips
Tips for preparing your family’s disaster kit

No one wants to think about what would happen if a disaster or hurricane were to hit their home, but being prepared is everything. To help your family get through a disaster, there are a few things you need to do, including preparing an evacuation plan and packing up a disaster kit. If you’re wondering where to start when preparing your disaster kit, we’ve got some things for you to keep in mind as you assemble it.

1. Have the basics.

There are some fundamentals that your family will need if you have to weather a disaster. Below are the basic supplies that you should pack in your kit. Keep in mind that you need to consider your family’s specific needs and add supplies as necessary.

  • Water
    • 1 gallon per day per person.
    • Have enough for at least a three-day supply, if not longer.
    • Consider that children, nursing mothers, and people who are ill might need more water.
    • Medical emergencies can also necessitate a larger water supply.
    • The weather can also play a part in how much water you need.
  • Food
    • 3-day supply of nonperishable food (If you’re doing canned food don’t forget the handheld can opener)
  • Battery-powered or crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio – don’t forget the extra batteries!
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Whistle to make it easier for rescue crews to locate you
  • Dust masks, plastic tarps, and duct tape to shelter if you need to
  • Sanitary supplies
    • Wipes
    • Garbage bags
    • Plastic ties for garbage bags
    • Feminine products
  • Tools to shut off the utilities
  • Maps of the area (remember that your phone might not work)
  • Emergency cell phone and charger
  • Any prescription medications (The Red Cross recommends a 7-day supply)
  • Pet supplies (if needed)
  • Baby supplies (if needed)

 

2. Know what extra supplies you’ll need.

As we mentioned, it’s important to consider what your family members are going to need and provide accordingly. Some additional supplies you might want to include in your disaster kit are:

  • Cash
  • Copies of your family’s important documents (make sure to store these in a waterproof container of some sort)
  • Sleeping bags
  • Change of clothing for everyone
    • Long-sleeved shirt
    • Long pants
    • Good shoes
  • Household bleach (NOT scented or color-safe varieties, or any type that has extra cleaners) and eyedropper
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Eating utensils
  • Paper and pen or pencil
  • Books and games for children
  • Towels
  • Work gloves
  • Scissors

insurancehub get insurance quote

3. Consider where you live.

Not every area has the same risk for the same disasters. You should know what disasters you’re most likely to face and what you’d need to respond to them. Somewhere along the coast, for instance, is obviously more likely to be affected by a hurricane than somewhere inland, which might have a higher risk of being hit by a tornado. The kit should be stocked accordingly.

When you’re packing supplies into your disaster kit, you’ll also want to think about the climate in which you live. For instance, if you live in a place that gets extremely hot in the summer (or is generally warmer year-round) you might want to have extra water. If your climate gets tends to be cooler, you’ll need to have extra blankets, clothing, and warm things for your family.

 

4. Know the goal of the kit.

Remember that electricity, gas, water, sewage, and phones might not work if you’ve been hit with a disaster. The intent of the kit is to make sure that your family can be as comfortable and safe as possible in those conditions. Pack your kit to get your entire family through a minimum of three days.

5. Update the kit.

You should check the expiration dates of your food and water and change them out every six months as needed. If you’ve set aside medications, know when they expire so that you can change them out with an updated supply and use them before they do. Also, consider any changes your family has gone through that might impact the supplies in the kit. Your needs might have changed over the course of the year.

6. Think about where you’re going to stash your kit.

You should keep your items in airtight plastic bags. Pack the bags into an easy to manage container, like a duffel bag or unused trash bin. Store your kit in a cool, dry place in your home and make sure that everyone knows where it is—and that it’s only to be used for emergencies.

 

7. Think about making a portable kit for the car.

While you’re prepping your home disaster kit, why not pack a mobile kit for your car? Think about what you would want to have if you were stranded in your car or if you got stuck somewhere, or if you had to drive away suddenly without the chance to go home first.

8. Know your insurance.

While you’re getting your disaster preparedness kit together, you might want to think about what will happen after you get through the storm. Make sure that you’re familiar with your insurance policy and that you know what it covers. Keep your policy up-to-date and inform your insurance agent about any significant changes you’ve made to your home.

 

insurancehub get insurance quote

We hope that you never have to go through a natural disaster, but there’s always the chance that it could happen. You should be prepared for anything, and one of the best ways to do that is to prepare your disaster kit ahead of time. Think about what you’ll need and get that kit together sooner rather than later—you’ll be thanking yourself if nature throws something your way.

Need insurance? Want a free quote? We can help! We’d love to talk to you about what coverage you need for your home, so give us a call today. We’re here for you.

Sources:

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready/get-a-kit

https://www.ready.gov/kit

Share this article...
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
Tagged disaster preparation, preparing a disaster kit

About Katelyn Betts

Kate is a copywriter and licensed insurance agent for InsuranceHub. She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in writing. Kate has lived in Georgia for most of her life, and she enjoys reading, writing, and playing with her family's cats.

Post navigation

CoverYou is now part of InsuranceHub!
How to make your business fireproof

Related Post

Keep Toasty With A Great Winter Soup

Keep Toasty With A Great Winter Soup

10 Tips for Enjoying the Gemini Meteor Shower

10 Tips for Enjoying the Gemini Meteor Shower

National Safe Toys & Gifts Month

National Safe Toys & Gifts Month

CALL FOR A QUOTE!

(770) 497-1200

Speak with an insurance agent who can deliver transparent insurance options and competitive rates. Shop across all our carriers and get a fast & free quote!


Online Quote Form

Recent Articles

  • Buying the Right Amount of Insurance for High-Value Homes February 24, 2021
  • Tax Benefits of Registering an Exotic Car in Montana February 17, 2021
  • Transportation Company Insurance – So Much More than Trucking Insurance February 10, 2021
  • Homeowners Insurance Does Not Protect Your Home-Based Business February 3, 2021
  • 8 Habits of Successful Towing Businesses in 2021 January 25, 2021

Article Archives

  • February 2021 (4)
  • January 2021 (4)
  • December 2020 (5)
  • November 2020 (1)
  • October 2020 (8)
  • September 2020 (7)
  • August 2020 (4)
  • July 2020 (5)
  • June 2020 (4)
  • May 2020 (4)
  • April 2020 (6)
  • March 2020 (7)
  • February 2020 (4)
  • January 2020 (11)
  • December 2019 (11)
  • November 2019 (11)
  • October 2019 (15)
  • September 2019 (11)
  • August 2019 (13)
  • July 2019 (13)
  • June 2019 (12)
  • May 2019 (14)
  • April 2019 (13)
  • March 2019 (13)
  • February 2019 (14)
  • January 2019 (13)
  • December 2018 (13)
  • November 2018 (18)
  • October 2018 (16)
  • September 2018 (10)
  • August 2018 (10)
  • July 2018 (13)
  • June 2018 (10)
  • May 2018 (15)
  • April 2018 (10)
  • March 2018 (9)
  • February 2018 (9)
  • January 2018 (12)
  • December 2017 (9)
  • November 2017 (10)
  • October 2017 (9)
  • September 2017 (8)
  • August 2017 (9)
  • July 2017 (10)
  • June 2017 (9)
  • May 2017 (10)
  • April 2017 (10)
  • March 2017 (8)
  • February 2017 (6)
  • January 2017 (4)
  • December 2016 (5)
  • November 2016 (8)
  • October 2016 (8)
  • September 2016 (7)
  • August 2016 (9)
  • July 2016 (8)
  • June 2016 (8)
  • May 2016 (6)
  • April 2016 (9)
  • March 2016 (9)
  • February 2016 (7)
  • January 2016 (3)
  • December 2015 (4)

About Us

At InsuranceHub, it’s our mission to make insurance easy. Our goal is to be more than just an insurance agency. We want to be a partner and an advisor to our customers.

© 2020 InsuranceHub Agency, LLC. All rights reserved.

Licensing & Legal

Company Information

  • About Us
  • Leadership Team
  • Careers at InsuranceHub
  • Connect on Social Media
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Customer Login

Communications

  • Our People
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Corporate Responsibility
  • Review Us

Your Security Is Our Priority

1720 Lakes Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Phone: 877-341-5728
Phone: 770-497-1200
Fax: 770-814-7187

FEW-0630AO (11/2018)
  • Auto
  • Life
  • Health
  • Business
  • Privacy Policy
MENU
  • PERSONAL
    • AUTO
      • Car Insurance
      • Boat Insurance
      • RV Insurance
      • Motorcycle Insurance
    • HOME
      • Homeowners
      • Condominium
      • Flood
      • Renters
      • Rental Property
      • Umbrella
    • HEALTH
      • Group Health
    • LIFE
    • Close
  • BUSINESS
      • Commercial Property
      • Commercial Auto
      • Commercial Umbrella
      • Surety & Fidelity Bonds
      • Directors and Officers
      • Special Events
      • Employee Dishonesty
      • Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI)
      • Business Owner’s Policy
      • Cyber Liability
      • General Liability
      • Professional Liability
      • Liquor Liability
      • Product Liability
      • Spoilage Insurance
      • Equipment Breakdown
      • Workers Compensation
      • Group Benefits for Employees and Independent Contractors
      • Employer Services
      • Errors And Omissions
      • Crime Insurance
      • Inland Marine
      • Business Interruption
    • Close
  • INDUSTRIES
      • Auto Body Shop
      • Auto Services
      • Accountant / Auditor
      • Apartment Owners/ Habitational
      • Architecture/ Engineering
      • Carpet Cleaning & Janitorial
      • Chiropractic Office
      • Contractors
      • Dance School
      • Daycare
      • Employment Agency
      • Financial Planner 
      • Food Store
      • Home-Based Business
      • Garage Keepers
      • Landscaping Services
      • Lawn Irrigation
      • Liquor Store
      • Machine Shop
      • Manufacturing
      • Mortgage Broker
      • Nonprofit
      • Personal Care Services
      • Pet Care
      • Photography/ Videography
      • Portrait Studio
      • Printing & Copying Services
      • Professional Organizer
      • PR Firm
      • Real Estate Agent
      • Religious Institution
      • Restaurant
      • Retail
      • Electronics Store
      • Furniture Store
      • Gift Shop
      • Salon
      • Security System Contractor
      • Sheet Metal Fabrication
      • Technology
      • Theatrical Agency
      • Tow Trucks
      • Wholesale Distribution
      • Women’s Accessory Store
    • Close
  • RESOURCES
    • Pay Your Bill/ Report A Claim
    • FAQs
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Close
  • BLOG
    • Home Insurance
    • Auto Insurance
    • Business Insurance
    • Transportation
    • Close
  • ABOUT
    • Leadership Team
    • Careers
    • Contact
    • Corporate Responsibility
    • Review Us
    • Stay Connected on Social Media
    • Close