It’s always a proud moment when your baby achieves a milestone, and that was true again last week when got to see the new Ice-Qube Baby Emergency Kit on the floor at buybuy Baby. The bright orange box visually jumped off the shelf in the Safety section and at the register. Now to figure how how to make them to jump into the carts. This cool new gift is a must have for the expecting mother, grandparent and caregiver and helps to easily meet guidelines for proper baby emergency preparedness, and as Ina would say “how cool is that.”
We have discussed, Food, Water, Lighting, Radio and First-Aid, the basics of proper emergency preparedness and now its time to add those extra tools and supplies to your emergency kit that pays big dividends in an emergency.
Here is a list our favorite tools and supplies to have on hand in case of emergency or just in case
-Face Shields
-Mylar blankets
-Rain ponchos -
-Plastic Sheeting or Tarp
-Duct Tape
-Whistle
-Multi tool
-Work Gloves
-Garbage Bags
-Hygiene Products
-Fire extinguisher
-Scissors
-Can Opener
-Marker
-Paper and pens
-Bleach
For proper emergency preparedness these supplies should be dedicated to your emergency kit and stored with the your water, food, lighting and first-aid. It is the collection of products that creates a treasure in case of emergency.
In an emergency you or a family member can be burned, cut or suffer other injuries. With basic first aid supplies you can tend many non life threatening injuries that may not require immediate medical attention. With simple first aid supplies you can stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.
First aid supplies you should have on hand:
- Latex or other sterile gloves
- Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
- Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- Burn ointment to prevent infections
- Bandages in a variety of sizes
- Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as a general decontaminant.
- Thermometer
- Instant Ice Pack
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Don’t forget prescription medications – three days of medicines like insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers or other daily meds and prescribed medical supplies, like blood pressure or glucose monitoring equipment.
In case of an emergency, you may be confined to your home in which case your pantry becomes your back up, but if you are required to leave your home or shelter inside of one room, the options for accessing your food become more limited. Storing at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person is recommended. For a family of four, that means stockpiling provisions for a minimum of 36 meals. Choose foods that will offer familiarity, calories and comfort. A difficult moment is the wrong time to be introducing new foods if possible. You know your family preferences. Be sensitive to allergies.
Choose from all sorts of ready-to-eat meals from basic military style MRE’s to more upscale self heating meals with offerings like pancakes with blueberry syrup and Hungarian Goulash but if your flock is as tender as mine, I back up with the same foods we eat every day, just choosing the non perishables and switching them out every year on my birthday.
Here is a list of our favorite emergency kit foods -
-High energy food bars
-Canned or pouched meat, fish, fruits and vegetables
-Peanut Butter
-Dried Fruit
-Crackers
-Nuts
-Protein or Fruit bars
-Juices
-Candy… we like Lifesavers!
-Condiments like ketchup, mayo and salt and pepper.
-Paper plates, cup & plastic utensils
-can opener
Don’t forget to add baby food and formula, as needed.
Pet food and treats too.
Keep this dedicated food supply in bags with your emergency kit and water supply. With this emergency food supply your family can be assured of being nourished and self reliant in any emergency situation.
