Stock up on batteries, flashlights and more at Interstate All Battery Center.

Preparedness Isn’t Just for Scouts

You can expect one thing in life: At some point, you’ll have to deal with the unexpected. (You can probably expect other things, too, like lists of things you can expect.) From thunderstorms to natural disasters and from fires to floods, it pays to be prepared.

Seasonal Storms

Rough weather often knocks out power for hours or even days. Don’t be caught in the dark, fumbling around for a flashlight. Instead, put a lights-out kit in an easy-to-find location like your hall closet. Make sure it contains a battery-operated weather radio, flashlights and batteries, bottled water and nonperishable food. And don’t forget the can opener: Nothing frustrates a hungry person more than a can with no opener.

Natural Disasters and Fires

Sometimes disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes force you to evacuate your home. Be ready with a kit you can easily take with you. It should include your lights-out kit, blankets and pillows, toys and games (to keep the boredom at bay) and anything else you cannot function without.

Food and Water

How much food and water do you need? Experts recommend you keep at least one gallon of water per person per day, and your kit should have enough water and food for three to seven days. Stick with nonperishable packaged or canned food and snacks. If you haven’t updated your stash since the Y2K scare, now would be a good time.

Often Overlooked

When putting your supplies together, don’t forget your family members with special needs. Infants and the
elderly may need special foods and toiletries. And if you have pets, keep them in mind, too. Pack a plastic
bag of food for your four-legged friend.

Document Storage

After any disaster, you’ll have to deal with insurance companies, banks and others. Make things easier by
keeping your important documents safe, dry and easily accessible. Keep them in a waterproof container and take
them with you should you need to evacuate your home.

No matter the situation, always know where you keep your keys, cellphone, wallet and medicine so you can find them quickly. In emergencies, seconds count.

Your Ready List

Think you’re ready for anything? Make sure you have the following essentials in your home emergency kit:

• Bottled water
• Nonperishable food
• Manual can opener
• Cooking tools and fuel
• Paper plates and plastic utensils
• Toiletries and hygiene items
• First-aid kit and prescribed medicine
• Blankets and pillows
• Battery-operated weather radio
• Flashlights
• Backup batteries
• Tools
• Pet care items, including food, water, medicine, collars and leashes
• Important documents in a safe, secure location
• Tarps, plastic sheeting and bags
• Camera or camcorder

Want more emergency preparedness ideas or help assembling your own lights-out kit? Visit your local Interstate All Battery Center® today.

This post is modified ever-so-slightly from an Interstate All Battery Center emergency preparedness brochure. See it here:

Power Your Home Emergency Plan

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