How To Build a Household Emergency Kit

Stuff happens. Whether it’s a minor fire in the kitchen or a full-blown disaster in your community, you need to be ready to react to danger and either tackle it yourself or prepare for the worst. Here's how to build a household emergency kit containing items that can help make the bad times a little easier to handle.

Water Supply

We take water for granted, expecting it to pour out whenever we turn a handle. But what if it wasn’t that easy? Droughts, tornadoes, and other disasters can stem the water supply or make it undrinkable. Just in case, store a three-day supply of water somewhere in your home that’s cool and dry. Food-grade containers, in 55-gallon drums and other sizes, are the best because they don’t transfer toxic materials to the water. You’ll need a gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. You shouldn’t store tap water for more than six months before changing it.

Food Supply

Put aside a three-day supply of non-perishable food including canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, canned chili, peanut butter, jellies and jams, dry or canned soup, fruit and protein bars, granola and cereals, and baby food (if necessary). Avoid foods that can spoil or cause thirst. Check cans for damage or corrosion and replace them. Also, if you must leave your home, canned goods provide their own “pots” for cooking over a fire.

First Aid Kit

Always an indispensable tool—from minor cuts to greater injuries—as long as you remember to keep it stocked. Also, a portable kit with a shoulder strap is easier to grab and go than a slick plastic box with no handle. You could make your own kit, but premade ones are available at reasonable prices. The Red Cross sells one containing necessities like aspirin, disinfecting wipes and antibiotic ointments, gauze pads, tape, an emergency blanket, a CPR kit, bandages in all shapes and sizes, and vinyl gloves, among other equipment.

Basic Tools and Comforts

A 10-in-1 multipurpose tool is an invaluable and portable way to be ready for anything. Small battery-operated radios will keep you updated on the news while flashlights keep you safe in the dark (bring extra batteries for both). Paper maps beat apps when the power goes out and you need to find a safe place to stay. Wet wipes are good for everyone’s basic sanitation and hygiene, but don’t forget to pack for specific individuals with certain needs (medication, syringes, eyeglasses, and so on).

Get the Car Ready To Go

When learning how to build a household emergency kit, don’t forget your car. In an emergency, your car won’t just be your transportation; it may serve as your temporary home/headquarters. Ensure it gets regular checkups, keep it filled with gas and topped off with fluids, and pack a car emergency kit along with an empty gas can, water container, and any other tools you might need on the road.

Apartment Safety Measures For Renters And Landlords

Security in your unit or home should be a top priority. When it comes to safety in an apartment building or complex, a combination of residential and commercial security is vital to better ensure everyone is protected. Each individual renter should take responsibility for keeping his or her place of residence locked and secure from unwanted visitors. Additionally, property managers and landlords must make certain that the rental grounds, outdoor spaces and common areas are safe. 

Here are some suggestions to make your home or rental property more secure. 

One straightforward way renters can increase their apartment security is by adding more locks to their front door. Most apartments come with a combination of locks, such as a deadbolt and locking doorknob. However, if tenants are looking for more advanced security measures, they should consider updating their locks or adding new ones. For example, a renter may want to add a swing, chain or portable fastener — or upgrade his or her current deadbolt to a smart lock. 

Door jammers are also useful security solutions for apartment dwellers. This handy gadget prevents a door from being kicked in and essentially acts like a heavy-duty doorstop. Most are portable, so you can take them with you when moving or traveling. Door jammers also add protection to sliding doors on a balcony.

Despite all the safety precautions renters may take, unfortunate events could still happen. For this reason, it may be a good idea to purchase renters insurance. This type of insurance covers personal belongings — such as electronics and furniture — that could be lost in a disaster or burglary. Many renters insurance policies also cover theft if your car is broken into, as long as the vehicle was parked at the rental property. The average cost of renters insurance is around $15 a month. 

Tenants rely on their landlords to keep the property as safe as possible. For increased security, landlords should consider installing security cameras at the front and back entrances of the property — as well as in stairwells, hallways and parking lots. Make sure to install sufficient interior and exterior lighting in these areas so that renters feel safe.

Property managers may also want to consider hiring security personnel to monitor the premises. This could be a part-time guard working on a staggered and unpredictable schedule; an off-duty law enforcement officer who offers security services; or a standing guard service that provides protection around-the-clock. Hiring security personnel is ideal for landlords who have a large complex of properties. 

For more ways to secure your apartment or rental property, see the accompanying resource. 

Infographic created by KEYper Systems, an apartment key control provider

Home Health Hazards 101: What to Watch Out For

COVID-19 has left many individuals feeling stuck within their homes. While a home is designed to make a family feel comfortable and safe, unknown toxins and hazards may potentially be lurking in unsuspected areas. As Americans continue to stay in place and spend more time at home than ever, it's important to be mindful of the hazards that exist. 

Carbon Monoxide 

According to the CDC, at least 430 people die in the US each year from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. CO is an invisible and odorless gas that is usually formed when fuels aren’t able to fully combust; however, carbon monoxide gas has also been found from running cars and cigarette smoke. When people inhale carbon monoxide gas, the CO molecules displace oxygen within their bodies which can lead to poisoning and/or other harmful side effects similar to those of food poisoning and the flu. Eventually, an individual may even lose consciousness. Long term exposure to carbon monoxide has also been known to cause serious health issues such as brain damage and heart problems.

Many homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages are still likely to have CO issues. Since it is odorless, tasteless, and cannot otherwise be detected by other human senses, dangerous concentrations of this toxin can build up indoors without any notice. Therefore, it is imperative to regularly service any appliances that could be leaking the gas. Sources of carbon monoxide within your home may include appliances such as water heaters, clothes dryers, furnaces, stoves and ovens, grills, and fireplaces. Just be certain to have a professional test these appliances for the sake of avoiding any potential harm.

Asbestos

Asbestos, once deemed a “miracle mineral,” was widely used in building products throughout the mid to late 1900’s. Various cement, roofing, flooring, and insulation/fireproofing products can be found to be containing asbestos. While there is relatively no danger when the fibers remain undisturbed, these asbestos containing products and materials eventually degrade over time. This causes the fibers within the material to break down and be released into the air. When abating asbestos within a home, it is crucial that only professionals handle, remove, and dispose of the asbestos. Improperly handling the material can lead to inhalation of the material which can be quite hazardous.

Once these fibers are inhaled, they then become stuck within internal organs such as the lung, abdomen, and heart. Over time, inflammation and scarring can arise due to these fibers, eventually leading to possible tumors. Asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis generally have long latency periods, taking years before symptoms start showing. Symptoms from exposure to asbestos include a number of ailments such as abdominal/chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing/wheezing, fever, and fatigue. Due to the commonality of these indicators, these diseases can often be misdiagnosed as other more common conditions which can hinder the quality of care an individual receives. 
Radon

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas, and it is currently the second largest cause of lung cancer in the United States, after cigarette smoking. It’s formed when radioactive metals such as uranium, radium, and thorium break down within soil, rocks, and groundwater. The Surgeon General’s office estimates that radon currently accounts for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. alone. 

The EPA recommends that those who are buying or selling a home should always have it tested for radon. At the very least, it is imperative to question those selling the house about their radon testing standards and protocol. Much like CO, radon cannot be seen, smelt, or tasted, but can still be commonly found in many homes across the country. Radon typically comes up through the ground it was broken down into, where it then moves through holes or cracks in the foundation, exposing the individuals inside. Well water has also been noted to contain radon, so it may be sensible to test there as well. Steps should be taken to abate the problem if radon levels of 4 picocuries per liter (4 pCi/L) or higher are found. As with the other toxins, this would include hiring a professional radon mitigation contractor.

Mold

Mold occurs in many different forms, both indoors and outdoors. Mold spores are present in almost all indoor environments, even places mold itself cannot grow. In addition, there is essentially zero way to prevent these spores. When these spores come into contact with something warm and damp, they begin to grow. This can include surfaces such as wood, plastic, glass, and fabric and carpeting. While it isn’t the most dangerous hazard on this list, mold can pose a more serious risk to those with existing respiratory problems, allergies, or weakened immune systems. As the mold grows, it can release fragments, unstable organic compounds, and even more spores into the air. Symptoms to watch for that are indicative of mold exposure include skin/eye irritation, fatigue, fever, headache, and wheezing.

Mold spores can enter through open doors, windows and vents, or even attached to people, pets and objects. Although the spores are invisible, once mold starts growing it is usually noticeable, and can sometimes even cause foul-smelling odors. Mold growth in homes can often be found in areas where leaks or floods have previously occurred, areas with heavy condensation, and places with bad air circulation such as the back of a drawer or cabinet. If you suspect you have mold and plan on remediating it, a properly rated face mask and eye protection is required to avoid the risk of any particulates coming into contact with your eyes or mouth/nose.

Home safety is imperative to everyone, not just those who are at higher risk. You can keep yourself and those in your home safe by routinely testing for hazards that may be hiding in plain sight. If hazards are found, be sure to hire a certified professional to minimize the risk to everyone involved.

Guest Post - What to Put in Your Emergency Binder: Home Edition

If there’s anything the pandemic has taught us, it’s that it pays to be prepared. It’s important to take steps to ensure that you do everything you can to get ready for an unexpected emergency. If there’s a fire, earthquake, or another natural disaster, you don’t want to be wandering around your home, trying to figure out what documents to bring with you.

An emergency binder is one of the best ways to organize and maintain vital information in the event of an emergency. If the worst-case scenario were to happen, an emergency binder delivers peace-of-mind. You can put all of your important documents in one place rather than having to scramble at the last minute to figure out where your kids’ birth certificates went.

Below, we’ll explore the best way to go about putting together an emergency binder, what documents to include in the binder, and how to create an emergency plan. 

What’s a family emergency binder?

A family emergency binder is a way to store and secure your family’s important information. These documents will help you should you ever need to start from scratch if everything else is lost. It should include all the important documents needed for yourself, your children, and your pets if you have any. 

Your emergency binder might contain information about your taxes, estate plan, emergency contact numbers, legal documents, and notes about any assets you have.

What should I include in my emergency binder?

We’ve divided up what you should include in your emergency binder into a few different categories. Not all the documents may apply to you, so just use this list as a guide.

Emergency contact information, phone numbers, and email addresses

• Family, friends, neighbors

• Employers, colleagues, boss

• Physician, counselors, specialists, dentists

• Vet and emergency vet address and number (if you have any pets)

• The utility company information for your home and your utility account number

• Local non-emergency numbers

Identification copies and records

• Driver’s license

• State identification

• Social Security card

• Adoption papers

• Birth certificate

• Passport 

• Visa

• Marriage certificate

• Credit card copies

• Military record

• Foster record

• Citizenship paperwork

• Death paperwork

Medical and hospital information

• Insurance card copy, insurance group number

• Your physician’s name, contact information

• Pharmacy number

• Medical history record

• Prescription list

• Immunization records

• Allergies

Insurance information

• Home inventory

• Real estate agent information

• Insurance cards

• Life insurance

• Auto policy

• Homeowner’s policy

Financial data and information

• Credit card account number, password, card copies

• Investment accounts

• Bank account number, password, pin, card copies

• Bank statements

• Safety depository info

• Tax information and tax returns 

Legal documentation

• Will

• Estate plan

• Power of attorney

• House deed

• Titles to your cars

• Lease information

Other vital information

• Evacuation checklist

• Spare keys to your car and house

• Copy of emergency plan

• USB storage device with important photos

• Maps

• Cash

How to create the emergency binder

Step 1: Get a high-quality, durable binder

To put together your emergency binder, consider investing in a high-quality view binder so you can label the spine easily. Because of the number of documents the binder will hold, it’s important to get a thicker, three-inch binder size.

Step 2: Organize your paperwork with color-coding

It’s also a good idea to use color-coded page dividers, so you can split up documents based on their category. Page protectors are another essential part of your emergency binder because it keeps paperwork safe from water and debris damage.

Step 3: Save digital copies of all documents on a USB drive

It’s a good idea to keep copies of everything you have in your emergency binder in a virtual form in a USB storage device. This way, if anything happens to the hard copies, you still have your essential documents. 

Step 4: Get a waterproof pouch

For any cash you might need in an emergency or any other small things you need safe, consider investing in a waterproof pouch. You can even get a large waterproof pouch to cover your emergency binder.

Step 5: Place your emergency binder in a fireproof safe

The best place to put your emergency paperwork is in a fireproof safe. Make sure you keep the access numbers to the safe somewhere secure. 

How do I create an emergency plan?

If your region often deals with one type of emergency, like hurricanes, for example - it’s important to have a plan for what to do if disaster strikes in addition to an emergency binder.

The first step is to put a plan together with friends and family. Start by asking yourself these questions:

1. How do I receive emergency alerts and warnings for my area or neighborhood?

2. What is my shelter plan? 

3. Do I know the evacuation route?

4. What is my plan to communicate with my family and/or household?

5. Is my emergency preparedness kit updated? 

6. Does my household have specific needs? 

   1. Does anyone in my family have medical needs? Will anyone need specific help during an emergency with transportation or mobility?

Besides coming up with a basic emergency plan, don’t forget to put together an emergency kit as well. Here are some items you might want to put in a basic emergency supply kit:

• Flashlight

• Non-perishable food (three-day supply)

• Water (one gallon per person per day)

• Battery-powered radio

• First aid kit

• Extra batteries

• Whistle

• Wrench or pliers

• Dust mask

• Duct tape

• Maps

• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

• Extra pet food

• Sleeping bag

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Fire extinguisher

• Prescription medications

• Personal hygiene items

Once you’ve assembled your kit, make sure you update it and organize it at least once a year. You should replace any expired food and re-think your needs annually. Keep your emergency kit in a safe but accessible place like a hall closet or in a kitchen cabinet.

Takeaways: Preparing for the Worst

Nobody wants to think about a natural disaster, but by taking steps beforehand to prepare, you can help ensure your family’s safety and happiness. Placing all of your essential documents in an emergency binder can give you peace-of-mind that you’ve done everything possible to prepare. 

Author Bio: Samantha Rupp

Samantha Rupp holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is the managing editor for 365businesstips.com. She lives in San Diego, California and enjoys spending time on the beach, reading up on current industry trends, and traveling.