Thursday, November 20, 2014

Be Prepared With Proper Emergency Supplies Storage

By Eric Holm


Purchasing the right emergency equipment is the just the beginning when it comes to being fully prepared for a natural disaster or some other crisis. All those supplies are no good to you if you toss them in a closet and forget where you put them. After you have gone to all the trouble of assembling a disaster kit, it is time to think about proper organization and various emergency supplies storage options. Extra sleeping bags and a solar blanket will come in handy on a cold winter night when the power goes out, but if you cannot remember when you stored these items, they are useless. Keeping all your survival gear neatly organized and stored in an easy to reach location will make a huge difference if a real crisis occurs. You want to be able to get what you need at a moment's notice and not have to fumble around in the chaotic aftermath of a disaster. Make sure you have a portable disaster kit that you can grab and go if you are forced to evacuate your home. Emergency supplies storage is an issue that deserves careful consideration.

Every disaster kit should include the basic first aid supplies needed to treat minor injuries. It is also necessary to address all the basic human needs like food, water and sleep. Take the time to review the contents of the kit and learn how to use each item to provide fundamental first aid for minor injuries. This confidence will help when you are under a great amount of stress to perform. Take these simple steps for the proper handling of emergency storage.

Emergency gear storage begins with preparing a basic first aid kit. Store these items in a backpack or waterproof container to keep them protected from the elements. This kit should include an assortment of bandages, splints, antibiotic cream and anything else useful in treating minor injuries like bug bites, burns, scrapes and cuts. If you are assembling a kit from scratch, make sure your container is large enough to fit everything on your list. A plastic case or durable camping backpack is a suitable container for first aid equipment and other emergency storage items. Clearly label everything in the kit to eliminate any type of confusion while the situation is chaotic. Several disaster kits can be stored inside a durable rubber garbage tote. Choose one with wheels so it can be easily moved from one location to another. A bin that holds 55 gallons will be big enough to store first aid kits and sleeping gear. At the same time, it can be used for emergency food storage. It does not hurt to have a family disaster drill to make sure everyone knows where to gather in an emergency situation.

Paying special attention to emergency storage will ensure that the items you need will be in good condition at all times. A disaster kit should include all the items that meet basic human needs. Clean water is essential to life. If you have enough room, set aside a supply of water in a 50-gallon drum. Purchase a water treatment kit and store that in a safe place. One tablespoon of bleach will protect one gallon of water from any water borne disease. Water stored in a heater can be used as long as it is filtered first. Bottled water is another option if space is limited. Store a decent supply of nonperishable food items like power bars, military rations and other products that will last a long time and provide nourishment if no fresh food is available. Basic first aid equipment and a medical manual will allow you to deal with any minor injuries or illnesses. Check the expiration date on any medication and restock when necessary.

Everyone should invest some time in coming up with preparedness storage solutions. Easy access to these items can mean the different between a total disaster and a positive outcome when disaster strikes.




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