Preparation for emergencies will provide you with some peace of mind. Here are some suggestions for preparing you emergency kit.

You will need a larger plastic bin or tote to house the emergency items. This should be kept in a place that is easily accessible the case you have to leave your home in a hurry.

Assemble the items and place in the bin:

• Flashlight with extra batteries (rotate batteries frequently to ensure freshness)
• Radio
• Can Opener
• Bottled Water
• Snacks
• Toilettries in sample or small sizes: (deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, make up, medications etc.
• If you require prescription medications, have a few small doses of these and the prescription information written and placed in your emergency kit. Shelters normally supply only food and water so you will need to have your medications with you until you can access your home or pharmacy. Remember to keep these in childproof bottles and store in a small locked box or other storage device that can be locked.
• Deck of cards, small travel sized games, coloring book with crayons, drawing paper, to help keep children occupied
• For families with infants: diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, blankets, and all necessary baby items
• One change of clothing for each member of the family.
• Flip flops for each member of the family
• Blankets
• First Aid Kit
• Plastic rain ponchos
• Canned or dehydrated packaged food
• Instant beverages
• Whistle
• Money: coins and dollars
• A list of Important Numbers: insurance and policy numbers; relatives; doctor; pharmacy
• A copy of all important documents and an extra set of keys to vehicles and your home

Assemble all these items and rotate perishables frequently (twice a year when the time changes).

Fire Escape Plan:

You will need to develop a fire escape plan for your family. This will need to be drawn out on a small posterboard or paper and laminated. You should include two exits for each room. If you have a multilevel house, you will need to have an emergency ladder to allow family members to exit from a window. Each room should have a small fire extinguisher as well as a smoke detector. On your fire escape plan, indicate where these are located in each room. You will need to include a family meeting place outside so everyone knows where to meet and in the case of a fire, everyone can be accounted for quickly.

Once you have developed your plan, execute a fire drill so that everyone is aware of the location of the appropriate exit. Ensure that everyone understands how to locate and utilize the ladders and fire extinguishers. You can practice this drill twice a year when the time changes (change the batteries in your smoke detector too).  GO OVER THIS PLAN WITH ANY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS IN YOUR HOME!