One of our main goals at RemainSafe is to provide our customers with the means to protect themselves and their families in the event of adverse weather. September is National Preparedness Month, and with a RemainSafe storm shelter, you are one step closer to being prepared for disasters and emergencies. Although RemainSafe storm shelters are FEMA compliant and some shelters include trauma kits to ensure emergency preparedness, there are other preventative measures you can take to ensure you have covered all your bases. One of the easiest ways to prepare your shelter or designated safe place is to build an emergency kit.
What is the difference between a trauma kit and an emergency kit?
The National Safety Council reported the total number of weather-related deaths increased 35% from 2017-2021. An emergency kit is a resource to make certain you are as prepared as possible in the event of a disaster to avoid becoming a statistic. In some storm shelters, a trauma kit is included. What’s the difference between a trauma kit and an emergency kit?
A trauma kit is very similar to a first aid kit. It ensures medical materials are inside the shelter in case someone is injured before they make their way into the storm shelter or safe place or for use once the storm has passed. The emergency kit differs slightly because it includes materials such as food or batteries, that may be necessary in the event of a crisis. The emergency kit serves as a survival kit.
What goes in my emergency kit?
In the event of an emergency, you may be in your sheltered area for 15-20 minutes or 1-2 hours. However, there may be instances where you must remain sheltered for an extended period. No matter how long you are in your sheltered area, water and food are at the top of the list for an emergency kit according to Ready.gov. They recommend:
- One gallon of water per person, per day, for several days.
- At least a several-day supply of non-perishable food items. It is also best to keep in mind your family’s health and dietary restrictions. If someone in your family is diabetic, it might be worthwhile to make sure there is food to regulate their blood sugar.
- FEMA also recommends building your emergency kit over time by picking up something from the grocery store every now and again, especially looking at the items on sale.
- A radio to listen to weather updates.
- Flashlights and extra batteries are all items that will optimize your level of preparedness.
- A can-opener for food, scissors, moist towelettes, garbage bags all made the list.
- A backup cell phone with chargers is also suggested.
- Of course, your trauma or first aid kit.
No matter how trivial an item may seem, you never know when it will make a world of difference during an emergency.
Additional Items to Consider
Now that basic emergency kit items have been reviewed, there are always additional items to consider based on personal preference and individual needs. Depending on how much warning you have before you enter your safe place, an extra pair of shoes could prepare you for potential debris covering the ground as you exit the storm or safe place. An extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts, prescription medication, pet food, baby formula and feminine supplies are a few items that should also be considered for an emergency kit. Other miscellaneous items such as cash, blankets or sleeping bags, paper, pencils, books and puzzles may also help in the event of an emergency. For a more detailed list of what goes into an emergency kit visit Ready.gov.
It is better to be overprepared rather than underprepared. Even if you don’t have a storm shelter, an emergency kit is a crucial resource used to ensure your safety. During National Preparedness Month, our goal is to provide you and your family with the best resources so you are prepared when you least expect a disaster. If you have any questions about how to prepare your storm shelter or safe place, watch this RemainSafe video or visit our contact page.
References
Protect the Life You’ve Built, Get Started as National Preparedness Month Kicks Off Tomorrow