🧰 Build an Emergency Kit: Be Ready Before You Need It

Emergencies can happen anytime - severe weather, power outages, house fires, winter storms, or other unexpected events. While we can’t always predict when something will happen, we can prepare for it. One of the easiest and most important steps you can take to protect your family is building an emergency kit.

Being prepared helps reduce stress, keeps your household safe, and allows first responders to focus on those in immediate danger.

Why You Need an Emergency Kit

During an emergency, you may need to leave your home quickly or shelter in place for several hours - or even days. Stores may be closed. Roads may be blocked. Power could be out.

Having essential supplies ready ahead of time ensures you have what you need when it matters most.

Preparedness isn’t about panic - it’s about peace of mind.

What to Include in Your Emergency Kit

Start with the basics and build from there. Your kit should include:

💧 Water

• One gallon of water per person per day
• Plan for at least three days

🥫 Non-Perishable Food

• Canned goods
• Protein bars
• Dry goods
• Baby food or special dietary items, if needed
• Manual can opener

💊 Medications & Medical Supplies

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Basic first aid kit

🔦 Light & Power

• Flashlights (one per person if possible)
• Extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers or power banks

📄 Important Documents

Keep copies in a waterproof container:

• Identification
• Insurance information
• Emergency contacts
• Medical information

Don’t Forget These Helpful Extras

• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
• Blankets
• Hygiene supplies
• Change of clothes
• Pet food and supplies
• Multi-tool or basic tools

Where to Store Your Kit

Keep your emergency kit in a place that is:

• Easy to access
• Known to everyone in your household
• Portable in case you need to leave quickly

Check your supplies every six months. Replace expired food, batteries, and medications as needed.

Make a Plan, Too

An emergency kit is only one part of preparedness. Make sure your family also has:

• A home fire escape plan
• A designated meeting place
• Emergency contact numbers saved and written down

Prepared families respond faster and stay safer.

Prepared Today. Protected Tomorrow.

Taking a little time now to build an emergency kit can make a big difference when seconds count. Start small if needed - add a few items each week until your kit is complete.

The Statesville Fire Department encourages every household to be prepared before an emergency happens.

For more safety information and community resources, visit: fire.statesvillenc.net