Security Tip Saturday

In case you didn't already know, September is Emergency Preparedness Month.  The Red Cross, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and other organizations are promoting emergency preparedness. They recommend 3 days worth of  food, water and supplies.

TWIT gave you the lists of items to buy to complete your family's emergency kit last year, and you can find the lists in the TWIT archives.  But in case you are new or don't want to bother with looking back, here's the basics for you:

Water - in gallon or 2 liter bottles; as long as the bottles are clean, it doesn't matter.  What matters is that you need water more than you need food to survive in an emergency.  The recommended dose is one gallon per day per person.  

Food - make sure the food is preferably something you don't have to heat up.  Granted, it might not taste all that good, but we can all eat a can of beanie weenies or some Spam or even a can of soup unheated.  Get some soups, fruits, veggies and anything already cooked in easy-to-open cans.  Or get some protein bars.  They might not be as tasty as a slab of steak or other meat, but they will give you protein and energy in an emergency.   And go to Wal-Mart and look in their camping section or go online  - you can get an inexpensive stove to heat up the food.  Or you can always find MRE's on eBay if you want to order some. 

Meds - if you are on prescription meds or daily recommended OTC meds, make sure you have at least a 3 day supply set aside in your emergency kit.  Also have Aspirin or Tylenol, Imodium AD, anti-acid pills, allergy meds, or any other supplements you take.

Lighting - make sure you have flashlights with fresh batteries, candles, matches, extra batteries and light sticks.  I buy light sticks at the dollar stores for a quarter.  They will work just fine in an emergency.

Blankets - we're in September and not dealing with freezing temps, but you still need a blanket for every person in your family.  

Radio - it's old school, but every family needs a battery-powered radio.  You can get them at the grocery store, department stores or online.  Preferably, one that is battery-powered and also hand-cranked.  You need to have a radio that will get the NOAA weather channel and also local channels for news.  

There's a ton of other things I could list, but these are the basics you need.