Emergency Kit Supplies

Marengo County Emergency Communications District

Remember!

After creating your kit, be sure to regularly check and update your supplies. Replace expired food and medications, update contact information, and ensure that all items are in good working condition. Also consider that your family situation will change over time, which may affect the amount of supplies needed, important documents, medications, pet needs, and other considerations.

Building an emergency kit is a responsible and proactive step in safeguarding your family's well-being during challenging times. Remember to customize your kit to meet your specific needs and regularly review and update it. Being prepared is not about expecting the worst; it's about ensuring your readiness to face whatever challenges may arise.

KIT STORAGE LOCATIONS

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

For a printable list of what to include in your emergency kit click below

Emergency Supplies

Why Is An Emergency Kit Important?

Immediate needs: During an emergency, it may take some time for help to arrive or for normal services to be restored. An emergency kit can address immediate needs, especially in a medical emergency where first aid may be necessary.
Self-reliance: Having an emergency kit empowers you to be self-reliant. You won’t have to scramble for supplies in the event that stores are closed or inaccessible, or even before foreseeable emergencies such as major storms where stores may quickly run out of important items.
Peace of mind: Knowing that you have an emergency kit prepared can reduce anxiety during stressful situations. It will be one more sure thing during a time where many other factors may be unpredictable, allowing you to focus on the safety and well-being of your family.

What to include in your emergency kit.

Water and food: Store multiple days’ worth of water--at least three gallons per person. Consider that you may need water for more than just drinking, including for sanitary purposes. Multiple days’ worth of canned food, bars, and other non-perishable food items will be the most reliable.
First aid and medication: Assemble a comprehensive first-aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Store at least several days’ worth of prescription medication as well.
Important documents and cash: Make copies of essential documents like identification, insurance policies, medical records, and place them in a waterproof container. Store cash in case credit cards and ATMs are unusable or inaccessible.
Light and communication: Include flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and battery-powered charger (with cords) for your cell phone.
Clothing and bedding: Pack warm clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and sturdy shoes. Remember to consider the climate in your area and the seasons – in Alabama, a battery-powered fan may be a nice addition to your kit.
Personal hygiene: Include personal hygiene items like soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, and feminine products.
Tools and supplies: A multi-tool, duct tape, matches in a waterproof container, a whistle, and garbage bags for waste disposal can be invaluable.
Special considerations: If you have infants, elderly family members, or pets, remember to pack supplies and items tailored to their needs. If you have children, toys and games can be invaluable to keep them (and adults) entertained during an extended shelter-in-place.
After creating your kit, be sure to regularly check and update your supplies. Replace expired food and medications, update contact information, and ensure that all items are in good working condition. Also consider that your family situation will change over time, which may affect the amount of supplies needed, important documents, medications, pet needs, and other considerations.
Building an emergency kit is a responsible and proactive step in safeguarding your family's well-being during challenging times. Remember to customize your kit to meet your specific needs and regularly review and update it. Being prepared is not about expecting the worst; it's about ensuring your readiness to face whatever challenges may arise.

Marengo County E-911 would like to assist the Citizens in being prepared for any type of severe weather that may threaten our area. Severe weather can include hazardous conditions produced by thunderstorms, including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding, hurricanes and winter storms associated with freezing rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds. Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. One essential tool in your preparedness arsenal is an emergency kit. This kit contains essential supplies and items that can sustain you during power outages, natural disasters, or other unexpected events. For those that may need to evacuate their homes should consider a creating a go-bag.

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Those that may need to evacuate should consider preparing a go-bag

The best thing everyone can do is prepare now for severe weather in our area by having an emergency kit (go-bag). An emergency kit (go-bag) is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. When you have an emergency or must evacuate your home, you can grab your bag and ---- GO! When you have just minutes to evacuate, you won’t have time to think about what you should pack to survive the days to come, so the time to prepare for your family’s safety is now!

The actual bag can be anything that will carry what you will need. The type of bag that you use isn’t as important as the items inside the bag. As long as the bag can be carried and be durable then what it looks like or made of doesn’t matter. When packing a go bag there are some things that need to be considered:

Will each member of the household need their own go bag?

What are the most important things that you will need to have in your go bag?

Where will you keep the bag for easy access?

Those that live in mobile homes should always be ready to leave their homes during severe weather. If you live in a mobile home or RV for more information.