Build your own Survival kit online
You’ve probably heard it time and time again: It’s not a matter of if a natural disaster is going to happen, it’s a matter of when. So it’s important to prepare your family for emergencies by learning how to organize and build your own survival kit — for when danger knocks at your door without an invitation.
Summer is tornado, wildfire, hurricane, and even flood season depending on where you are in the country. But once the bad news hits the TV or radio, it can be too late to plan.
“You don’t really think about preparedness or (getting) kits together until it’s too late, ” said Rob Glenn, director of the private sector division of the .
To inspire you to plan ahead for the worst, we talked to experts like Glenn for tips to make your own survival kit, and store it, so your home can stay organized while you stay prepared.
Pack Essentials When You Build Your Own Survival Kit
It’s important to have enough supplies to last you at least three days, said Glenn of FEMA, who suggests asking an important question as you’re deciding on essentials: “If you were to go on a camping trip, what would you bring with you?”
Water is the most important supply, and you should make sure to store enough, Glenn said. Pack a gallon per day, per family member. Also consider purchasing a water filter straw, just in case you need to drink from a natural source like a river or lake.
Misty Marsh, who provides expert emergency preparedness tips on her website, said you should consider five important things, besides food and water, when you set aside essentials for emergencies: shelter, first aid (including medications), lights, tools, documents and individual needs (religion, kids, pets, etc.).
On her, she suggests collecting items like waterproof matches, antibiotic ointment and a can opener. Although that’s just a few of the items on her very thorough lists. Marsh also recommends picking lightweight, high–calorie foods like trail mix and granola bars that do not need to be cooked. And don’t forget pet food for your four–legged family members.
Glenn suggests planning to lighten your load when you are on the run from disaster by digitizing important documents and saving them to a USB drive—which you can even store on your key ring—or an online storage system accessed remotely.
Make sure to check your supplies every six months to make sure they haven’t expired. Marsh sets an alarm on her cellphone to remind her to check her kits.
Download from for a more in–depth look at needed supplies, Glenn said.
How to Organize Your Survival Kit
Glenn has different emergency kits in multiple rooms of his house, to distribute the necessities among his wife and kids.