Storing water is so important in case of a disaster, but it also helps in other situations. I have always stored 72 hours worth of water in 2 liter soda bottles in case of emergency. Once, while living in an apartment, I was notified that my water would need to be shut off for an unknown amount of time. It ended up being shut off for 2 days! Have you ever tried to flush a toilet without water in it? Let me just say that I was so grateful for the water that I had stored in advance. True, I could’ve run to the store to purchase water, but with a brand new baby at home, it was so nice not to have to. And if it was a disaster situation I was involved in, water on the shelves at the local stores would surely be the first thing to go!

We all know that water is an essential need to our survival, but how much water do we need to have in case of emergency? Emergency officials have said that we all should be able to be self sufficient for 72 hours following a disaster. When we plan out our 72 hour kits, how much water should we be storing for ourselves and our families?

Everyone’s needs may be different, depending upon their age, physical condition, diet, and the climate you are in, but a good rule of thumb for water storage in a 72 hour kit is one gallon per day per person. Hot environments can double the amount needed, and children, nursing women, and ill people will need more as well. Keep in mind, one gallon per day is strictly what is needed for drinking water. If you would like to plan for cooking and basic hygiene needs, 2-3 gallons per day per person would be more adequate. Don’t forget water for your pets. Allow 1 quart per day for each dog or cat.

MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, are military issued food rations developed to replace the commonly used C-rations for combat troops.  Unlike the previously used C-rations that came in cans and needed to be opened with a can opener, the MREs came in easy to open bags.  MREs were first tested in 1975 and went through at least 8 different changes to accommodate taste and durability.  The latest change was made in 1998 and they have remained virtually the same ever since.

The available options of MREs have grown from twelve choices to twenty four.  Each one contains an entree, a side dish (rice, corn, fruit, or mashed potatoes), crackers or bread, spread (peanut butter, jelly, or cheese spread), dessert (cookies or pound cake), candy (M&Ms, Skittles, or Tootsie Rolls), beverages (Gatorade-like drink mix, cocoa, coffee, or tea), hot sauce (depending on the meal), a flameless ration heater, and accessories.  If you consume all that is included in an MRE you would be eating roughly 1,250 calories.  Troops would use 3 MREs a day, which would provide all the nutrients and vitamins they need.  And although a heater is included in each pack, the meals can be eaten as is, as their name implies.  They are made to last up to 3 years but they have been known to retain their use for up to fifteen years.

What was once a product designed to provide combat troops with durable, easy to use meals, is now available for anyone to use.  Civilian companies are now making MREs with a 5 year shelf life.  They are a great way to keep a store of emergency food supplies.  If you are lucky enough to not have the need to use them within the 5 years, they also work great for camping trips or any other outdoor activities.  You can also purchase entrees, desserts, drinks, and snacks individually if you do not want the whole meal.  With all the varieties of food now available for the MREs, you will gladly use them instead of washing dishes at a camp site.

It is very easy to take our household water supply for granted, but when safe drinking water isn’t available, it can become an emergency very quickly. Every household should have an emergency supply of water to meet its member’s needs during a disaster or other emergency. So, how and where should you store your water supply?

It is very important to always store your water supply in food grade plastic or glass containers with tight fitting caps. A great example of these containers would be: 2 liter soda bottles and other juice or punch containers. Do not use plastic milk jugs, as the protein and fat in milk is extremely hard to remove, which might allow bacteria to grow in the container during storage. When planning for long-term water storage, remember to rotate your supply, as the chemicals in the plastic containers may start to break down over time.  Containers that are not labeled as being food or beverage containers could release harmful chemicals into your water supply. NEVER use a container that has previously been used to store toxic substances! You may also purchase new plastic storage containers from retailers. There are many different sizes and types available, including “water pouches“, which are easier to put into kits that you might have to carry for awhile in an emergency.

You should always store your water supply in a cool, dry place. Try to avoid storing plastic containers of water on your garage or basement floor. The chemicals that are in the cement could seep up through the plastic and contaminate the water. Water weighs over 8 pounds per gallon, so make sure that the shelving you are storing it on is sturdy enough to hold the weight. Don’t forget, the average amount of water needed in an emergency is one gallon per person per day. More is needed for cooking and basic hygiene.

While watching the news back in October 2007, a woman was being interviewed after being evacuated from her home due to the wild fires that were burning up Southern California.  Although she was obviously concerned about what damage might be happening to her home, her concern at the moment was that she had left all of her medication in her home and did not know where to get more.  With over 500,000 people displaced by these fires, imagine the time and money you would need to spend just to obtain what you already had.

With the possibility of a fire, tornado, earthquake, or any other disaster happening at any time, it is important to add a few extra items to your 72 hour kits.  In the case of the woman from California, she would have greatly benefited from having copies of the prescriptions that she needs.  Every prescription that is filled comes with the information that is needed for a refill printed on a sheet of paper.  Once you fill your prescription just take that paper and put it in your kit.  This way you will have the name of the medication, the prescription number, the dose, the pharmacy phone number, and your doctor’s name.

Along with prescriptions you should also include copies of your driver’s license or state ID, your birth certificate, and copies of your house and car keys.  A change of clothes is ideal, especially if you have to leave your home in the middle of the night.  A pair of sweat pants and a sweat shirt works great for every member of the family.  If you have a sweet tooth, you may want to include rice crispy treats, granola bars, or any other comfort foods you might want. It is also a very good idea to include at least $100.00 in cash to purchase anything else you might come in need of.

If you have infants or toddlers you should also keep handy a bag that contains diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles if needed.  For any age children you should include some form of entertainment to distract them from the situation.  For toddlers and young children a color book works well and a deck of cards can help for the older children.

Last but not least, if you have pets you need to make sure to include enough food and water for them.  you should also include vaccination records, medications, and a list of hotels in your area that will allow pets.  If you plan on taking your pet to a shelter, make sure a pet carrier is easily accessible since some shelters will not accept pets without them.

When my husband and I were first married, we took my father’s advice to purchase a 2-person 72-hour kit for our new home as well as our car.  This ensured us we’d have the essentials we needed to survive the first 72 hours of an emergency situation, if one were to arise.  We felt safe and secure knowing we had the kits to rely on.

Two and a half years later, my husband and I were both at work when a flash flood hit our city.  The flood was so severe we lost all power and couldn’t evacuate the building.  Immediately I tried calling my husband on his cell phone, but no cell service was available.  Trying to evacuate the building, one of my coworkers had been injured to the point where he needed first aid.  And of course, I kept thinking in my head…where is my 72-hour kit when I need it?  I knew my kit included essential items we desperately needed; like flashlights and candles, emergency blankets, an AM/FM radio with batteries, a first aid kit, water and food.  All things we didn’t have access to in our part of the building.

Needless to say, we were stuck in the building for almost 9 hours until we were rescued.  Yes, my coworker was fine after he finally got the medical attention he needed, however I can’t help but to think what would have happened if it had taken longer.

Less than a week later, my husband purchased 2 more 72-hour kits for both of us to bring to work.  After going through this experience, I can’t imagine not having a kit on hand in a place where I spend 8 hours of my day.  Now my husband and I promote our 72 hour kits and advise everyone we know and care about to purchase one for each member of their family, not only for at home and in the car, but for their place of work too!

Did you know that humans can survive up to 3 weeks without food, but only up to 3 days without water? With droughts occurring all over the country, how long will it be before not only outdoor watering is restricted, but the amount of water you are allowed to use in your home is restricted as well? Or what would you do if your local water supply became contaminated? The storage of water is a simple process and can be started with items that you already own.

One of the easiest ways to store water is to wash out your used 2 liter soda bottles and fill them up. you can also use old juice bottles as long as they have a tight fitting screw on top. Milk jugs are not recommended because the lids do not fasten tight enough. The filled bottles can then be stored in your home and you only need to empty and refill them at least every six months. There is no need to add bleach to the water since it does not extend the storage time and most communities use water that has already been treated locally. If by chance you get your water from an untreated well, then you should add a small amount of bleach to the water to get rid of any parasites. If you do not buy soda or juice in large bottles, you can purchase water storage containers or drums from emergency supply stores. Just make sure that whatever you use to store your water you put a date on it so that you will know when it is time to replace it.

If you would rather not have to replace the water every 6 months, you can buy water purification drops. The drops will keep your water usable for up to 5 years. It is also a good idea to keep on hand, water purification tablets. If your water supply is contaminated, the tablets can purify the water. You can also purchase water test kits that will let you know if your water contains lead, bacteria, nitrates, pesticides, or chlorine. It will also test the pH level and hardness levels of the water. Finally, if you are able, a water filter can be purchased to clean large amounts of water. The water filters are hand held devices that can filter up to 1 liter of water per minute.

By storing just a little bit of water each week, you will soon have enough to provide for your family in times of emergency. Being prepared is the best way to ensure that your family will be protected.

I was driving along the interstate with my 3 kids, pregnant with my fourth, and the 2 children of a friend.  We had just spent the day at the zoo and we were all exhausted.  I could hear 3 of the 5 kids drift off to sleep while the 2 older girls talked softly.  I had the radio on, and it was a gorgeous day with the sun warm, but not hot.  The thought suddenly struck me, “What would I do if the Big One hit now?”  What if I was pregnant with 5 kids, alone and a major earthquake hit?”  We were a fairly good distance from home and the thought of walking with all those kids and the meager supplies I had in my car was overwhelming.  I decided then that I needed to keep a fairly well-stocked kit in my car.  And I am not just talking about jumper cables-I am talking about water, food, blankets, flashlights, and a first aid kit.

I can’t tell you how many times I have used my car kit.  Parched kids after soccer practice have greedily scavenged for water bottles, cold kids in the winter have searched for a blanket and even some hand warmers.  I have used my first aid kit too many times to count.  As a stay-at-home mom, I often don’t stay home.  I am in my car shuttling kids to soccer and Girl Scouts, picking up kids for a carpool, running to the grocery store, running to get a costume for a school project, or heading out to take care of some project for work.  It is probably just as likely that I would be in my car when a disaster hit than that I would be in my home.

I keep a duffle bag in the back of my car stocked with bottled water, snacks for my kids, blankets, Shake ready flashlights, a fully stocked first aid kit, and distractions for my kids like card games, bubbles, and a travel game.  This is a kit you could use whether you are stuck in traffic, involved in a car accident, or just going about your everyday routine.  By taking a few minutes to put some basic supplies in your car, you can rest assured that you have essential items when the time comes.

My sister sent me an e-mail saying that she woke up and smelled smoke.  She felt the door to her apartment and it was cool, so she knew the fire wasn’t in her hallway.  She sat awake thinking about what she would grab if she had to leave.  Luckily, the fire was a block over, but it led to the death of one and the evacuation of 40 others.

We never think that it will happen to us.  Survivors of floods, wildfires, and earthquakes are sad, but we rarely take the time to think, “What would I do if that was me?”  One of the most common things that happens in a fire is that people get out and realize someone is missing.  Maybe their escape route was blocked and they had to go out a different way.  This is why having a family meeting spot is so essential.  Recently a mother and her adult son escaped a house fire, but they couldn’t find the father.  Fearing for his father’s life, the son went back into the fire to get him out.  What they didn’t know was that the father had gotten out another way and the son died in the fire, trying to rescue his father.

Talk about where to meet and practice fire drills so that if there is any miscommunication, it is during a drill and not during the real thing.  We all need to be prepared and we all need to take steps to ensure our safety and the safety of our loved ones.

If you lived in Colorado last year or in Eastern Washington this year, then you know what a good idea it is to be prepared and have a year supply of food and essential materials. Most recently the small town of Pullman, Washington has had snow storm after snow storm. They are experiencing the most snow that the town has seen in over two decades. Washington State University actually closed for the first time in over twenty years. It has gotten to the point where semi trucks are unable to bring in food supplies to the stores and the selections of bread and milk are pretty slim. So you can see where a year supply of food would save you a lot of stress and give you the assurance that your family would not go hungry.

Starting to build a year supply can seem overwhelming, but as with any other project, you just need to start with one thing at a time. Just like putting a little money in savings each week, over time it will build up. Even spending as little as $10.00 each week will help prepare you in times of disaster, unemployment, or economic depression. It is very important that you buy food that you will eat. It wouldn’t make much sense to store a large supply of Spam if you can’t stand the taste. It would be great if you never had the need to use your food supply, but you will still need to rotate out the food so that it does not spoil. So make sure you’ll eat what you buy.

Most canned foods only have a two to three year shelf life. A good long-term food storage alternative to canned foods is freeze dried food. If stored in a cool dry area (Normal house temperatures) freeze dried food offers a thirty year shelf life.

In addition to food supplies it is a good idea to keep a supply of non-food items that you will need. Some of these items are toilet paper, first aid supplies, a camping stove with fuel, candles, diapers, hygiene supplies, flashlight and batteries, blankets and clothing, money in a waterproof container, a shovel, an ax, a can opener, utensils, and cookware.

Overall, if you are willing to spend a little time and money each week, you will be able to prepare your family for any situation that may arise that may prevent you from going to the store. You will be self sufficient and need not fear that you and your children will go hungry.

A few months ago, my husband and I were heading to a football game at a local university.  A couple miles away from the exit, we noticed one lane of the interstate was completely stopped by all the football traffic while the other 3 lanes of the interstate had slowed considerably, presumably to gawk at the stopped traffic on the interstate.  As we were sitting in the traffic, I realized that while about 65,000 people were headed to the football game, we had passed several cities whose populations greatly surpassed the number of people headed to the game.  What if there had been a local emergency and several cities were forced to evacuate?  If a football game could cause such traffic congestion, how would we fare in a mass evacuation?

Part of preparation is educating yourself.  You need to know the area you live in well.  Know the back roads, shortcuts, and other options.  We have friends who live in Texas who were part of the mass evacuation from Hurricane Rita.  Because people had so recently seen the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, people were frantic to get out.  Many cars ran out of gas sitting on interstate roads, waiting for traffic to move.  Our friends spent 5 hours in their car, only getting 3 miles before they decided to turn back and wait out the storm at home, rather than being stuck in their car.

Know what options you have for evacuating.  Contact your city, county, and state officials to find out what the evacuation routes are and what assistance may be provided by law enforcement or state department of transportation.  Ask questions now so that you will be ready with the right information should you need it.