​​​​​​Marengo County Emergency Communications District

Remember!

After assembling your kit, review and update it regularly. Replace expired food, water, and medications; update important documents and contact information; and ensure all items remain in good working condition. As family circumstances change, adjust your supplies accordingly.

Building an emergency kit is a responsible and proactive step toward safeguarding your family’s well-being. Preparedness is not about expecting the worst—it is about being ready to respond effectively to whatever challenges may arise.

Emergency Kit Storage Locations

Because emergencies can occur at any time and in any place, it is important to prepare emergency supplies for multiple locations—including your home, workplace, and vehicle.

Home

Keep your primary emergency kit in a designated, easily accessible location. Ensure it is ready in the event you need to leave your home quickly. All household members should know where the kit is stored and understand its contents.

Work

Be prepared to shelter at your workplace for at least 24 hours if necessary. Your work kit should include food, water, essential medications, and personal necessities. Consider storing these items in a clearly labeled “grab-and-go” bag or container. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended in case evacuation on foot becomes necessary.

Vehicle

Maintain a separate emergency kit in your vehicle in case you become stranded. This kit should include basic supplies such as water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, blankets, and other essential emergency items appropriate for your area and season.
 

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

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Emergency Supplies

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​​Why Is an Emergency Kit Important?

Immediate Needs:
During an emergency, it may take time for first responders to arrive or for essential services to be restored. An emergency kit helps address immediate needs, including situations where basic first aid or critical supplies are necessary.

Self-Reliance:
Having an emergency kit promotes self-sufficiency during unexpected events. You will not need to search for essential items if stores are closed, inaccessible, or experiencing shortages—particularly before anticipated events such as major storms, when supplies may sell out quickly.

Peace of Mind:
Being prepared with an emergency kit can significantly reduce stress during uncertain situations. Knowing you have essential supplies readily available allows you to focus on the safety and well-being of your family when other factors may be unpredictable.

​What to Include in Your Emergency Kit

Preparing a well-stocked emergency kit is an essential step in ensuring your household is ready for unexpected events. Consider including the following items:

Water and Food

Store at least three gallons of water per person to last several days. Keep in mind that water may be needed not only for drinking, but also for sanitation purposes. Include several days’ worth of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, protein bars, and other shelf-stable products.

First Aid and Medications

Assemble a comprehensive first-aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, scissors, tweezers, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Maintain several days’ supply of prescription medications and any necessary medical supplies.

Important Documents and Cash

Make copies of essential documents, including identification, insurance policies, and medical records. Store these items in a waterproof container. Keep cash on hand in case electronic payment systems or ATMs are unavailable.

Light and Communication

Include flashlights with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a battery-powered phone charger with appropriate charging cords to stay informed and connected.

Clothing and Bedding

Pack weather-appropriate clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and sturdy footwear. Consider seasonal needs. In Alabama, for example, a battery-powered fan may be a useful addition during warmer months.

Personal Hygiene

Include hygiene essentials such as soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products.

Tools and Basic Supplies

A multi-tool, duct tape, waterproof matches, a whistle, and heavy-duty garbage bags for waste disposal are practical items that may prove invaluable during an emergency.

Special Considerations

Ensure your kit meets the needs of all household members, including infants, elderly individuals, and pets. Include baby supplies, pet food, and medications as needed. For children, small toys, books, or games can help provide comfort and reduce stress during extended emergencies.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Considerations

Include pen and paper for communication, hearing aids with extra batteries, contact information for interpreting services, and emergency signaling devices such as a whistle or air horn.​​​​​

 
Marengo County E-911 encourages all citizens to take proactive steps to prepare for severe weather that may impact our area.

Severe weather can include hazardous conditions associated with thunderstorms, such as damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding, and flash flooding, as well as hurricanes and winter storms that bring freezing rain, sleet, snow, and strong winds.

Emergencies can occur at any time, and advance preparation can make a significant difference in protecting you and your loved ones. One of the most important components of preparedness is having a well-stocked emergency kit. This kit should contain essential supplies needed to sustain your household during power outages, natural disasters, or other unexpected events.

Additionally, individuals and families who may need to evacuate their homes should consider preparing a “go-bag” with necessary items to ensure a safe and efficient departure if required.

Being prepared today helps ensure safety tomorrow  

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Preparing a Go-Bag for Evacuation

For households that may need to evacuate during severe weather, preparing a go-bag is an essential step in ensuring your family’s safety.

A go-bag is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. The goal is simple: grab your bag and go. When evacuation time is limited, you won’t have minutes to think about what to pack—so preparation is key.

Bag Selection

The type of bag is less important than its contents. Choose a bag that is durable and easy to carry. Whether it’s a backpack, duffel, or sturdy tote, make sure it can hold all necessary items comfortably.

Key Considerations When Packing Your Go-Bag

Individual Needs: Will each member of your household need their own go-bag?

Essential Items: Determine the most important items for survival, including food, water, medications, clothing, personal hygiene items, and important documents.

Accessibility: Store the bag in a location where it can be quickly retrieved during an emergency.

Special Consideration for Mobile Homes

Residents of mobile homes or RVs should always be prepared to evacuate during severe weather due to the higher risk these structures face. For additional guidance on mobile home safety and evacuation, [click here for more information].

Being prepared with a go-bag ensures that, no matter how little notice you have, you can leave safely and have the supplies needed to support your family during an emergency.

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