How to Prep a 3-Day Emergency Kit for Floods

What are the unfortunate but normal kinds of home disasters that your family and property  can face, floods are definitely high on that list. Property floods can create serious damage and are very dangerous to a family that experiences it, and they often happen unexpectedly.

Because of their unpredictability, it is most important for your family to be prepared for the possibility of torrential rain causing a flooding incident. Is your household ready for a disaster right now? If not, it’s crucial that you prepare now so you can keep your loved ones safe and comfortable if our community experiences a flood.

Read on to learn how to prepare a 3-day emergency kit for floods so you can be prepared and can stay calm in the face of chaos.

Core Essentials For Your Emergency Kit

According to FEMA and the Red Cross, you should have prepared an emergency kit that will keep your family safe and comfortable for at least three days in case of floods. When a disaster strikes, first responding teams and emergency services get into action and they try to locate the affected population as soon as possible with the aim to complete their mission within 72 hours.

While you are waiting to be rescued, you must have the bare essentials. This time period is known as a critical window for survival after a major disaster, so make sure you have the right tools you need to stay safe and this will help you if basic services like light, phones, electricity are cut off in your home during this time.

The core essentials you must have  for your emergency kit include:

• Water: You should prepare one gallon of water per person, per day. This includes drinking and sanitation needs, such as for washing  your hands. Store your water in containers of pre-packed bottles. Just be sure to keep changing any plastic bottles out periodically, as treated water does expire eventually.
• Food: While it is necessary for everyone to eat after a disaster, you aren’t planning three-course meals! Pack non-perishable, ready-to-eat items like energy bars or canned food. These items are easy to store and have a long shelf life. You can also pack a few candies if you have kids in your family to keep them smiling. You will be surprised how important comfort foods are when experiencing a disaster.
• Medications: If you are on any crucial medications, make sure you have a stock in your emergency kit. Even if you  have a full prescription somewhere in your house, if your home floods, it may be impossible to reach them without putting yourself in danger and that would not be smart. So if you have contact lenses or glasses, be sure to have an extra pair in your kit as well. Because if you can’t see you can’t do anything! 

Emergency Tools and Supplies For Your Emergency Kit

If you packed any canned goods, don’t forget the can opener and eating utensils such as knives and forks. You should also make sure you store safety supplies so you can navigate your home. Pack a flashlight for each person in your household, and include extra batteries. Include a whistle to communicate with any nearby emergency response teams, in addition you might want to research and purchase a hand-crank radio.

Hand-crank radios work without electricity, so you can use them even if the power is out for hours or even days. Having access to local radio stations can keep you informed of rescue efforts and any incoming weather.

Even if you are not very handy, pack a basic tool kit or multi-tool as well. Having a screwdriver, hammer, or pocket knife will  make a huge difference when the unexpected happens and you need to pull, push, bend, break something to get out.

First Aid and Personal Hygiene Products

When disaster strikes, injuries are a common occurrence. During a flood you can slip, or fall which causes injuries to happen. Floodwater moves fast, and it is very unpredictable. Sometimes the water power can carry sharp objects that can cut you or cause you further injury.

This is why having a basic first aid kit is needed. First responders will be on their way to help, but they might not get there for some time and in the meanwhile you need help. Make sure your kit has bandages, antiseptic, gloves, pain relievers, such as paracetamol  and gauze. If you can stabilize minor to moderate injuries, you can help keep your family spirit up and help them until help arrives.

If you have room in your kit, consider adding a few hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste, it’s never not a good time for a brush  as well as soap. These simple additions can help you feel cleaner and more comfortable.

Adding Important Documents and Cash to Your Emergency Kit

Normally you won’t be expecting a flood and most likely won’t have much time to run around your house to gather important items. Keep copies of important documents like IDs, medical cards, and bank account records in a waterproof case.

Also keep a small amount of cash handy for purchases once you are rescued.

Clothing and Comfort Items

Finally, be sure your family is comfortable by storing one or two sets of warm, waterproof clothing and shoes in your kit. Add an emergency blanket or sleeping bag for everyone.

What To Do After the Flood

If you suffer from a flood, you will be grateful that you have a well prepared emergency kit to keep you safe while you wait for the threat to pass. Unfortunately, floods create endless damage and you will need help in your flood restoration process.

Always rely on a professional flood restoration team to help you recover! Flood water gets deep into the bones of your home, and it needs extensive water extraction and cleaning to make a full recovery. DIY attempts at flood restoration will result in adding  structural instability problems as well as lingering moisture and mold issues. So it’s time to call in the professionals!!

Don’t leave your home to chance after a flood! Now that you know how to prepare a 3-day emergency kit for floods, you should know that Exit mold  is here to handle your flood restoration.

Suffered damage after a flood? Exit Mold is here to help. Call us today at (516) 512-7877  for a quick and thorough flood restoration.