The other day I received an email from a Mrs. Jacqueline who, like many of us, is concerned about where the economy is taking us and how to be prepared. “Where do I start?” was her main question. Remember, you can survive only 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food, so shelter, water and food are your priorities. Here are the top 5 things seniors should consider when building emergency supplies.

1. Grab-n-Go Supplies: In case you need to evacuate, be sure to have the right supplies. These should be light weight, convenient, small, and self-contained. You should have your basic needs covered for at least 72 hours, this is generally the time it takes for outside help to arrive. I recommend our 72 hr kits, which will provide you with everything you need in a grab-n-go situation.

1. Shelter-in-Place: If it is safe to stay in your home during emergency, this provides you with the best shelter and a lot more resources. You should have a supply of shelf-stable food, which will last 20 years or more. Freeze-dried food is best, with a 30+ year shelf life and requires only hot water to prepare. You may not have electricity or heat, so be sure to have an emergency stove and alternative light sources, like our 115 hour Ready-Candle, light sticks, and crank-powered flashlights.

1. Clean Water: You should have 1 gallon of water per person a day for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and hygiene. Store water in 5-gallon stackable containers for ease of use and use water preserver, which will give it a 5 year storage life. Water pouches are best for grab-n-go supplies, like your 72 hour kit. I recommend having a portable water filter, such as our MSR MiniWorks Micro Filter. It is our easiest filter to use, and filters 2000 liters at a liter a minute.

1. Medical: Be sure to have a hearty supply of all your medications. In an emergency, you may not be able to get a refill on medications that are vital. Our friend Mrs. Jacqueline gets her medication in a 3 month supply. If you aren’t already doing this, check with your doctor and pharmacy to see if it is possible. If you have diabetes, and other special needs, be sure to have a long term supply of the necessary items. Also, don’t forget to have a first aid kit handy.

1. Special Equipment: If you are on oxygen, a respirator, or any other device, I recommend investing in a generator to keep these running in an emergency, and extra portable oxygen tanks, as these are very important. Also, an emergency radio with weather band is recommended to stay updated during emergency on weather conditions and to hear instruction from local officials.

This should cover your most basic of needs in an emergency, I hope this list helps. For more information or questions on how to get prepared, please contact us either by phone or email.