How to Make a Natural Disaster Preparedness Kit…for Under 20 Bucks!
Each family member should have his or her own kit. Kits should be stored in a large, sturdy bag — e.g., a durable shopping bag or backpack for portability — that can easily be picked up and taken out.
Water and Non-Perishable Food
According to Ready for Wildfire, you should have three days’ worth of drinking water (about three gallons per family member). Stock up! Gallon jugs of water can be purchased for less than a dollar. Additionally, you should have some non-perishable food items in your kit. Pouches of food (e.g. tuna) and dry, re-sealable foods (e.g., nuts) are great options.
First Aid Kit
You can make your own first aid kit with supplies you already have in your home. Fill a re-sealable bag with bandages, antibacterial ointments, pain medication, tweezers and any prescription medication that family members might need. Prices for pre-made first aid kits start as low as $5.00.
Sanitation
Running water might not be an option in the event of an emergency, so take care to include sanitation supplies such as hand sanitizer, wipes, extra diapers and diaper-changing supplies in your kit — each can be purchased for less than $3.00.
Flashlight
You should always have a flashlight handy in case the power goes out. Many phones come equipped with one and small flashlights can be purchased for $3.00 or less.
Optional/Miscellaneous
Include a change of clothes in each kit. Consider investing in a few extra phone/computer chargers, as well.
*Nearly all of the items mentioned above are affordably priced at 99 Cents Only Stores, Dollar King, Target, Walmart or Amazon.
