Tropical Depression Bonnie weakens
July 29th, 2010 | 
Author: All watches and warnings associated with Tropical Depression Bonnie have been canceled for the Mississippi Gulf Coast as …
Published Jul 24, 2010.
Read more: The Natchez Democrat
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Making Your Emergency Kit Top Priority in 2009
Many people dismiss the time honored-tradition of making personal resolutions this time of year. That tradition has gone along the wayside for most – the idea of adding pressure to our hectic lives seems daunting in this day and age. While I am not one to encourage people to make personal resolutions around New Years, I am one who likes to see people make practical changes to the way they act and live in order to improve safety and give a little peace of mind.
One of the easiest things families can commit to doing this year is to create an emergency kit for their home. Unforeseen disaster and complications can hit us at any time. Preparation for these things can increase safety and give you peace-of-mind.
What You Need to Know
I break emergency kits into two types: Home and Travel. A kit stored at home will usually contain more supplies because of the added room and the potential to be stuck in the home for long spans of time during a disaster. However, during many disasters, evacuation is necessary. In these cases an emergency kit that can be easily picked up and taken with you is needed, something like a large waterproof backpack or easy to carry duffel bag work well here.
Packing Your Emergency Kit
There are a lot of items that should be included in a good emergency kit. Below is the list of the most common items recommended for kit, categorized by essential, important, and nice-to-have. Each family will need to evaluate the list and put together the items they believe will be the most crucial for them in a time of crisis.
Essential Kit Items
* LED flashlight: These reliable torches are a must. The new technology is far superior to battery-draining incandescent bulbs and provides a brighter, more visible light than any other light source available. Remember to include two LED torches and extra batteries.
* First-Aid kit: Stock a complete kit with basic medical items like bandages, disinfectant, basic pharmaceuticals, etc. If your family members require daily medication, make sure to store extras in the kit as well.
* Multi-tool or pocketknife: A sturdy multi-tool provides you with basic tools in an easy to carry package. A good multi-tool will have screwdrivers and knife blades in various sizes for a number of different applications.
* Non-perishable food: Include food that doesn’t need to be cooked in your kit supplies. Pack enough for at least a 72-hour (3-day) period. Nuts, granola bars, dried foods, and peanut butter are all excellent choices. Canned food has a good shelf-life too. Just be sure to include a can opener (or make sure your multi-tool has one)!
* Bottled water: Pack one gallon of water per person per day. This not only serves as your drinking water (which your body desperately needs) but will provide enough to use for sanitation purposes.
* Warm blankets: For your home, any warm, dry blankets will suffice, preferably made of wool. Space blankets for your travel pack will conserve space and lighten the load.
* Waterproof matches/lighter: It is important to have fire-starting tools in the event that extra warmth is needed.
Important Kit Items
* AM/FM radio: Important information is often broadcast across radio waves in the event of an emergency. Keep extra batteries in your kit for the radio if you choose to include one in your kit.
* Extra clothing: If inclement weather is involved, the value of warm, dry clothes increases dramatically. Put extra clothes in a waterproof bag.
* Dust mask: Natural disasters can produce a big mess, stirring up dust and other harmful particles.
* Bleach: This common household cleaner serves a number of purposes, the most important being purifying drinking water. Sixteen drops per gallon will provide you safe, drinkable water.
* Cash (and change): ATMs and credit card machines don’t work when the power is out. Keep extra cash in a safe place within your kit in case you need to buy supplies during an emergency.
* Whistle: Often overlooked, do not underestimate the importance of a good whistle. These little wonders are simple to use, safe to carry, and easy for emergency personnel to hear.
Nice-To-Have Kit Items
* Moist Towelletes: For cleaning and sanitation
* Plastic garbage bags: For cleaning and sanitation
* Tarps / Plastic Sheeting: Window and Wall Repair
* Feminine Hygiene Products
* Baby Diapers / Formula
* Extra Glasses, contacts, etc.
* Duct Tape
Originally published here.
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Discount Lights and Knives. Get what you need for your home emergency kit including waterproof LED flashlights and multipurpose knives on the DLK recreation and tactical light website.
AAA 65-Piece Winter Severe Weather Travel Kit
The AAA 65 Piece Winter Severe Weather Road Assistance Kit is specially designed to deal with cold-weather emergencies. This economical kit has all the basics to keep you warm and assist you with fighting ice and snow. It comes with the following items: 1 AAA single-sided carrying bag, 1 AAA emergency care guide, 1 AAA membership brochure, 1 plastic flashlight with batteries, 1 three-piece fleece set (cap, gloves, and scarf), 1 folding shovel with sheath, 1 ice scraper, 1 LED safety strobe light, 1 emergency survival blanket, 3 emergency candles, 2 hand warmer packets, 1 emergency whistle, and a 46 piece first-aid kit.
You never know where the road may lead or what may happen, so don’t be caught unprepared. LifeLine First Aid–a leader in the field of first-aid and disaster readiness products–has teamed up with AAA to bring you a line of high quality Road Assistance Kits. Featuring both first-aid and automotive emergency items, these practical all-in-one kits can help protect you in the event of an automobile breakdown or personal injury.
 AAA Assistance Kits help you stay safe on the open road. View Larger |
Equipment That Keeps You Safe and Comfortable
If an accident or personal injury were to occur during your trip, would you be ready to deal with it? Being unprepared for a situation requiring first-aid can turn an inconvenience into something much more serious. Nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road, but the AAA Adventurer Road Assistance Kit will help keep you safe, warm, and comfortable while you are waiting for help. It contains a folding shovel, strobe light, and emergency whistle–three items that can minimize the amount of time you are stranded. All AAA Assistance Kits come with LifeLine’s 46-piece first-aid supply pouch. It contains a variety of medical supplies that can address a wide range of minor injuries.
What’s in the Kit?
The AAA 65 Piece Winter Severe Weather Road Assistance Kit is specially designed to deal with cold-weather emergencies. This economical kit has all the basics to keep you warm and assist you with fighting ice and snow. It comes with the following items: 1 AAA single-sided carrying bag, 1 AAA emergency care guide, 1 AAA membership brochure, 1 plastic flashlight with batteries, 1 three-piece fleece set (cap, gloves, and scarf), 1 folding shovel with sheath, 1 ice scraper, 1 LED safety strobe light, 1 emergency survival blanket, 3 emergency candles, 2 hand warmer packets, 1 emergency whistle, and a 46 piece first-aid kit.
Quality That You Can Depend On
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