In Case of Emergency

Have you read the news lately? Animals fleeing Yellowstone due to a potential volcano eruption! It caught my attention, especially since we could be in the secondary ash zone. That, plus my affinity for dystopia and end of the world novels and television shows, has had me thinking about emergencies and my lack of preparation for one.

A few years ago I stocked up an emergency kit for my peace of mind, but we’ve since pulled it apart for various snacks and supplies. I mean, the granola bars I bought for our “emergency” were delicious! It’s time to get on it. Re-pack that emergency kit and get prepared. My mama instinct wants, no needs, an emergency kit. So, to the top of the project list it goes!

With a quick sweep of the house and a trip to Safeway I was able to fill a tote with things we might need in case of emergency. This is a pretty simple kit, similar to the ones you send to school for your kids, but enough for our whole family. I have plans to complete a second, more extensive one, but for now I have a little peace of mind.

Here’s a list of items to consider including …

• Water
• Food – I focused on protein and comfort snacks for the kids
• Can opener, or make sure your canned foods have those pop top lids
• Matches
• Foil
• Disposable kitchen products
• Plastic bags – trash and gallon Ziploc
• Towel
• Contacts/glasses
• Medications
• Basic travel hygiene set
• Feminine products
• Diapers + wipes
• Toilet paper
• Backpack
• Baby carrier
• Change of clothes
• Waterproof coats/layers
• Sturdy shoe and extra socks
• Flashlight + batteries
• Flare
• Rubber gloves + masks
• Work gloves
• Basic tool set 
• Duct tape
• Whistle
• Scissors
• Map
• Kid activities – Coloring book and crayons, books, stuffed animal
• Copies of important documentation (birth certificates, passports, socials, etc.)
• Extra keys – house and cars
• Cash and checkbook
• Contact information (name, address, phone numbers) for both local and out of state family of friends

Most of all, with young kids I tried to focus our kit on their needs – ways to keep them clean, safe and happy. Emergencies are stressful enough without losing all sense of normalcy. Hence, babywearing, a fun activity and a lovie to endure the craziness with. We usually cloth diaper, but for emergencies I know I’ll turn to disposables since water will be strictly for hydration. I recently tried out the Mom to Mom line from Safeway as our overnight diaper and was pleased with the leak protection (as in, no leaks, woohoo!), the hypoallergenic liner with vitamin E and aloe and of course, the great value. Plus, at Safeway I’ve been saving TONS lately thanks to their Just for U app (this is in addition to the normal Safeway phone number/club card) – there are often coupons for Mom to Mom products and many of the others I listed that would be necessary for an emergency kit.

Our big ol’ emergency tote is labeled and easily accessible in the garage. My prayer is that we’ll never need it.

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