The recent earthquake in Napa brings to light the importance of having a disaster preparedness kit for your home. You need to make sure you have the proper supplies in an easy to reach place. Keep the supplies in an easy-to-carry kit (like a backpack). Here’s what the American Red Cross suggests you include in your kit:
At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:
- Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit – Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add appropriate supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:
- Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Games and activities for children
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Two-way radios
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Manual can opener
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:
- Whistle
- N95 or surgical masks
- Matches
- Rain gear
- Towels
- Work gloves
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Household liquid bleach
- Entertainment items
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Every homeowner should create a disaster preparedness kit for their home. It’s better to be prepared, just in case.
Are you preparing to sell your home in Santa Barbara, Montecito or Hope Ranch, and beginning the search for a new one? If so, please give me a call at 805.886.9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. With more than 25 years in the industry, consistently rated in the top 1% of Sotheby’s International Realty nationwide, I have the experience to guide both sellers and buyers in their luxury home needs.