Before The Rain...

Years ago, President Kennedy gave us great advice.  Be prepared before you need to be. On the 13th anniversary of September 11, I have at ask are you prepared for another crisis? 

Watching 9/11 and Katrina happen up close and personal after moving to Texas I can say without fear of contradiction, most of us are still under-prepared in the event of  an emergency.

Are you ready, do you have your emergency kit ready to go and ready for transport if you were forced to evacuate suddenly?  This year I am providing a list of essential equipment every home should have.  This does not include the gallon of water per person per day requirement either so start collecting and get to it.

These buckets are not hard to do by yourself and should disaster strike could give you the ability to take care of yourself until emergency responders can.  Help us, help you...fix the roof before the rain.

General - This list contains items that can routinely be found at your local hardware store such as Lowes or Home Depot.

• glow sticks
• flashlight
• liquid candle
• matchbooks
• mylar thermal blanket
• hand warmers
• AM/FM radio
• whistle and lanyard
• sewing kit
• blank notebook
• pencils
• extra batteries (for flashlight and radio)
• zip ties
• P-38 can opener
• trash bags
• N95 dust masks
• duct tape
• small tarp
• paracord
• safety goggles
• split leather gloves

First Aid - these are mostly available at any CVS or Walgreens.  In addition to these kits, I encourage you to consider personal radiation dosimeters and potassium iodide.  If you live near an area that could have a niclear/radiologic emergency these can be helpful as well.

• basic first-aid guide
• moist towelettes
• antiseptic towelettes
• latex gloves
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• ibuprofen (Advil)
• aspirin
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• loperamide (Imodium A-D)
• burn cream
• sting relief towelettes
• hydrocortisone cream
• triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
• cough drops
• earplugs
• instant ice pack
• tweezers
• nail clippers
• scissors
• digital thermometer
• cotton balls
• waterproof adhesive tape
• gauze rolls
• gauze pads
• moleskin
• band-aids
• butterfly bandages
• ace bandage
• triangular bandage
• hand sanitizer
• Q-tips
• petroleum jelly

Hygiene - everything on this list can be found at either CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart.

• bar soap
• kleenex
• floss
• baby shampoo
• hand lotion
• sunscreen
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• feminine hygiene pads
• comb
• toilet paper
• washcloths