We’re told that we should have an emergency kit ‘just in case’ and suggest that to ensure you and your loved ones are truly prepared when disaster strikes, your kit should be thoughtfully stocked with essential items that address basic needs for at least 72 hours, including
- Water
- Non-perishable food and manual can opener
- First aid kit and medications
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Multi-tool or basic toolkit
- Whistle
- Personal hygiene items and dust masks.
- Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
- Extra clothing
- Copies of important documents
- Cash
- Cell phone and charger
- Local maps
Customizing your emergency kit according to your household’s needs will help you feel confident and prepared—not just for National Disaster Preparedness Month, but throughout the year. We are advised to check your kit at least once a year to replenish expired items and update it as your family’s needs change.
I remember asking year 9 students to list what they would include in a bag if they were fleeing as refugees – make up, hairdryers and computer games topped the list.
What would our essentials be? We need to have our physical needs met – water, food, warmth, first aid and ability to communicate and get information is reflected here – phone, radio, whistle, maps. Then things that prove our identity and allow us to purchase – looking to the future – documents and money.
What about when disasters strike in our spiritual lives? Jesus is an essential requirement – He is our living water and bread, His Spirit is our warmth and comfort. We communicate with God through prayer and get information and guidance through His written Word, the Bible. God gives us our identity in Him and the ability to have a Hope and a future.
So, when you do your annual survival kit check – make sure you have all you need in your Spiritual Disaster Preparedness pack!