Stock up on over-the-counter remedies for headaches, colds, scrapes or cuts, and insect bites and stings. Buy a home medical kit that includes essentials, such as bandages, which can be augmented as required. If someone in your family has a chronic condition, such as asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, ensure that there is sufficient prescription medication in the house to see him or her through the emergency and beyond. Sanitary napkins and disposable diapers may be essential to your preparedness plan, too. Boredom can sometimes lead to baby-making, so unless you're planning to increase the size of your family, ensure you have enough contraceptives on hand.
Determine what other emergency items you require.
At the very minimum, you should keep on hand the following: matches, candles, a flashlight, a portable radio and batteries. A thermal blanket might be useful, too, as would a book on survival techniques. Other useful items include a rope ladder, an axe and a shovel. Having a selection of games, books and toys is a good idea in case of a longer confinement. And don't forget to keep some cash on hand; at least enough to allow you to replace goods you've used.
Keep emergency stores safe.
Select a dry space with a stable temperature that is safe from insects, rodents and foraging pets. Place your emergency supplies in large plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Clearly mark the contents. Check canned and packaged foodstuffs every six months for expiry dates and damaged containers. Replace bottled water every six months. Use all medications before they expire. If they have expired, safely discard and replace them.
Page 2 of 2 -- On page 1, find out what kind of food to keep on hand in case of an emergency.
