72 hour kit change your batteries

 For the month of June, half the year gone and another half to go. This months Idea for your 72 hour kit is to change and rotate the batteries you have in your 72 hour kit, packs and supplies. Change the batteries in your flashlights, radios, and anything else.

It is easy to forget to change and rotate out the batteries. You should also check your radios, and flashlights see if they still work.

Here is a link for the do and do not about batteries. from Energizer

http://www.energizer.com/learning-center/battery-care/Pages/dos-and-donts.aspx

Here is another link for Durracell

http://www.duracell.com/en-US/faqs.jspx?faqCategoryId=storage-disposal

72 hour kit idea for May

This months 72 hour kit is maintaining your 72 hour kit and supplies. 

Just as important as it is putting together your supplies you need to maintain them as well so they are safe to use when needed. Here are a few tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition.

Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.

Store boxed food in tightly closed cover plastic or metal containers to protect from pests.

Throw out any canned goods that become swollen, dented, or corroded.

Use foods before they go bad, replace them with fresh supplies on a regular basis.

Change stored food and water supplies in your kits every six months. Write the date on your containers.

You should re think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs and situations change. For example do you have a new baby, older relative living with you, a new dog, growing children, new medical needs, less people in the house.

Keep items in air tight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy to carry containers.

Check your bags, back packs and containers for damage. Check the straps, buckles, zippers, etc.

Check for spillage of water, and other liquids.

Check and protect your bags for rodents and other pests. You do not want to have to throw everything out due to mice.  

Keep your 72 hour kit in an easy to get to place, front closet of the home, garage, etc. You do not want to hide your kit in the back of a closet or up in the attic. Keep it where you can get to it in the event of an emergency.

September is national preparedness month

September is national preparedness month. This is the month many people prepare, go through their kits, go over their emergency plans.

With summer over and the seasons changing time to get ready for fall and winter. Time to finish up harvesting the garden, canning, jelly and jam making, dehydrating fruits and vegetables.

Time to go through clothes, put away summer items, and break out the fall and winter items.

Hurricane season will be at its peak, get your 72 hour kits ready. With the changing of weather more severe thunderstorms, and possible tornados time to be sure you have things ready.

Have a fire drill for your home. Go over your meeting place at home. Where will you meet if you can not get back home? Does everyone know where to meet?

Get you car ready for fall and winter. Go through your car emergency kit. Change out the water, food, clothes and supplies. Check batteries. Give your car a once over, check tire pressure, check the spare tire too. Check all fluids.

Go through the first aid kit. Did the kids use up all the bandages? How about the bug sting meds. Check for expiration dates, replace.

This is the time of year to go through kits. See what you need to replace. Take the time to do it. Because you never know when you will need it!