The Essentials of Your Flood Emergency Kit

Climate change is not only inevitable, it is already here and can be felt everywhere in one way or another.

One of the most apparent effects of climate change in the US is flooding. The National Geographic estimates that more than 670 coastal communities in the US will face repeated flooding by the end of this century. And while mitigating climate change involves a series of difficult conversations, preparing for its effects should not be neglected.

If you’re worried about flooding in your community, know that there are a few things that you can do now to lessen the risk and give you more peace of mind.

Preparing a flood emergency kit is one of the most responsible courses you can take for the safety of your household. Here are some tips to help you.

The Essentials

Water

Allot a minimum of two liters of water per person per day. Store them in containers that are both accessible and portable.

Food

No-cook food that won’t go bad is the best choice for emergencies. Energy bars and dried food are among the easiest picks.

First Aid Kit

Include items that can dress wounds and trauma. Basic medicine for stomach and head aches should also be added. If members of your family need specialized medication like inhalers, don’t forget to include at least a week’s worth in your kit as well.

Flashlight

A wind-up flashlight is ideal, since battery-operated ones are limited by the amount of batteries you prepare as well.

Radio

Similar to flashlights, try to get a hold of wind-up radios since you won’t know just how long you’ll need it for.

Toiletries

Hygiene is one of the things you may not readily think about when emergencies happen. However, having toiletries available to you may help prevent infection and disease, particularly during longer periods.

Money

Keep some spending cash and change in your kit in case the flood affects electronic payment methods. A checkbook may also come in handy.

Keys

During emergencies, you may end up misplacing important items like your house and car keys. Make sure you keep copies in your kit so you’ll always have access to them.

Documents

Keep copies of your important documents like bank statements, insurance policies, ID cards, and house deeds. You may also want to save copies of your priceless family pictures. You can also save space by scanning paper documents and saving them in a flash drive.

Emergency Plan

Along with your kit, your family needs to have an emergency plan. Discuss it with everyone in your household and make sure you are all on board. Assign duties for everyone and have backup plans for when you get separated. To keep track of the plan, keep a copy in your kit as well. This should include the contact information of authorities and emergency family contacts.

Extras

Clothes

If your kit can accommodate it, include a couple of days’ worth of clothes for everyone in your family.

Tools

Some basic household tools may come in handy in emergencies. Some damaged items may need a quick fix before they can be of use again.

Satellite phone

Take mobile phones to the next level with a satellite radio device. In cases of nearby cellular breakdown, a sat phone may just be the difference between inconvenience and disaster.

Another essential thing to bring with you during emergencies is your calmness. Panicking will worsen any situation. Build your emergency kit well with this guide and feel a little more at ease when the floods do come.

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Libby Austin

Libby Austin, the creative force behind alltheragefaces.com, is a dynamic and versatile writer known for her engaging and informative articles across various genres. With a flair for captivating storytelling, Libby's work resonates with a diverse audience, blending expertise with a relatable voice.
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