Reading the news some days can be pretty depressing: earthquakes, floods, oil spills, tropical storms and other disasters are devastating. There’s not much you can do to prevent some of these events from occurring, but you can minimize their impact on your home and your family by assembling the things you’re likely to need in the event of an emergency.
© Grafixar / morgueFile
- Drivers License, Cash, and Credit cards
- Insurance documents
- Mobile phone and charger
- Will
- Passport
- Stock Certificates
- Investment Information
- Bank account numbers
- Pictures of the contents of your home and office
- Prescriptions
- Personal phone book
- Light sticks
- Crank flashlight/radio
- Giant Ziploc baggies
- Keys to your home(s), safe deposit box, office, and car(s)
The contents of the pack will vary, depending on the type of emergency. I recommend ordering a waterproof container like an AquaPac from www.waterproofcases.net and placing the items inside, along with a printed list of the contents. When packing the AquaPac, remember to be realistic about what you can carry and what is really necessary.
In addition, you’ll need vacuum-sealed envelopes of food and bottled water for your family, as well as an emergency plan for your pets.
Once you have put your emergency pack together, you’ll feel a great sense of relief knowing that you are better prepared.
About Geralin ThomasI'm an organizing consultant located in the Raleigh area. "Metrozing" (my company's nickname) specializes in helping chronically disorganized clients. If you, or someone you care about, needs help organizing an office, home, time or life, we can help! Or, if you're interested in becoming a professional organizer, please explore the many ways I can help you build a better professional organizing business that is sustainable and sensible via phone-coaching sessions. We can socialize on: Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter [@Metrozing] and LinkedIn. Or leave a message on my office phone: 919 380-7718 Looking for resources? Click the "SHOP" button located in the upper right corner of my website.
This is a great idea for an emergency pack.I live in an area where we don’t have evacuation issues due to hurricanes or earthquakes although you never know when you may have to pack up the family and head to a safe place Thanks for the idea. I’ll be packing my emergency kit this weekend (just in case.)
Thank you Marcia. I’m happy these tips are useful to you.