How To Make Home Safety Preparations On A Budget

If you are expecting a new child or are already responsible for a large family, disaster preparedness is definitely something that you want to consider. Having the supplies you need when unexpected events occur can mean the difference between life and death. This is especially true when there are frail or vulnerable individuals in the home, such as infants and senior citizens. Even if you have a very nominal budget for these preparations, you can still effectively bolster yourself against hardship.

You can get started by designating a large storage bin for collection purposes. It is important make sure that this is airtight and waterproof. This will keep matches, candle wicks and other important items from being rendered useless by moisture. Simple plastic bins with snap-lock lids will generally suffice for this purpose. As you increase your stores you can purchase additional bins when necessary.

Try shopping at a local dollar store for many of the items you will need. Candles, batteries, boxes of matches and even antiseptic solutions and other first aid products can all be purchased at a very low price. You do not have to buy everything at once, but can gradually build-up your stores.

Stock a number of high-protein food options as these will take up less space while providing optimal energy. Nuts, cans of beans, bean soups, protein bars, granola bars and other like additions will all be helpful. Canned spinach and other canned, leafy green vegetables that are high in iron should be added as well.

Always consider the way in which you will prepare your foods. This means including a can opener and possible warming mechanisms. This will have to be accomplished in the absence of a power source. Another thing to consider is the need for certain medications. If a senior or other household member is reliant upon prescription drugs, there should be at least one week's worth of doses kept on supply. This and your food stores should be routinely checked to ensure that they have not surpassed their expiration dates.

Make sure that you have a comprehensive earthquake checklist and exit plan in your bin. Not only do you want to have the proper goods and resources nearby, but you also want everyone to have a clear understanding of how they should react to these events and where everyone should meet after exiting. Taking the time to draft a comprehensive and feasible strategy for preserving the well-being of your loved ones is a vital part of managing your household.