Build a Kit- National Preparedness Month Week One

The month of September marks National Preparedness Month.

It's part of the federal government's efforts to encourage families across the country to prepare for an emergency that could impact their lives at any given moment.

Whether it's a wildfire, earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood, or other disaster, you'll need to have the right tools for you and your family to navigate an emergency safely.

BUILD A KIT

Having your emergency go-kit prepared and put together ahead of time is crucial.

Whether that's during an emergency or in the days afterwards, experts say you and your family should have food, water, and other supplies to last for several days.

Experts recommend assembling your kit and storing items in airtight plastic bags. You should keep the kits in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

BASIC EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT:

• Water- One gallon per person per day for several days. Have this for drinking and sanitation
• Food- At least a several-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio. Midland Radio's ER40 Hand Crank Emergency Radio is perfect for evacuations, information/alerts in an emergency, and for use in the days after an emergency. The ER40 is equipped with NOAA Weather Radio and will keep you up to date with the latest information from the National Weather Service and emergency officials, no matter your location. 
• Flashlight- Pack a flashlight to safely navigate dark areas or dimly-lit spaces. Midland's ER40 does also have a flashlight that would be useful in instances of a power outage.
• First aid kit- Keep a first aid kit that would give you the ability to treat yourself and your family in the wake of an emergency. A few of the items that should be included in your first aid kit are bandages, antibiotic ointment packets, antiseptic wipe packets, nonlatex gloves, gauze pads, and a thermometer
• Extra batteries
• Whistle
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape- This would come in handy for sheltering in place
• Manual can opener
• Local maps
• Cellphone with chargers and walkie talkies with back up batteries

 ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES:

• Masks- Include masks for everyone ages two and above. Also, pack soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes
• Prescription medications- Emergencies and disaster can make it difficult for pharmacies to refill prescriptions 
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for pets
• Cash and/or traveler's checks
• Important family documents- Have copies of insurance policies, identification, bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container 
• Sleeping bag and/or warm blanket for each person in the household
• Complete change of clothing and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher 
• Matches
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items 
• Paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
• Toilet paper

BUILDING YOUR KIT 

There are a lot of items you should include in your emergency go kit and purchasing those items can add up quickly. Midland Radio recommends purchasing one item on the list each time you make a trip to the store. This way you can split up the cost. 

Putting together your kit can be fun and a good way to get the entire family involved. When children take part in the building of the kit, it could help ease anxiety they may have as they learn more about the plan their family has in place.

RADIOS FOR YOU EMERGENCY GO KIT

Radios, both emergency and two-way are important aspects of any emergency go kit.

EMERGENCY RADIO

In any emergency, you'll want to make sure you're receiving the latest alerts and information. The quickest way to receive alerts issued by the National Weather Service and emergency officials is through NOAA Weather Radio. Each of Midland's emergency radios are equipped with this feature. 

Every emergency go kit should have multiple chargers for your household's cellphones, but disasters can wipe out or destroy cellphone towers, making it difficult or impossible for everyone to receive emergency alerts on their phones. With an emergency radio in tow, you won't have to worry about getting important, life-saving alerts. 

Midland's ER40 Emergency Radio has multiple power sources to keep your radio charged no matter what the state of electricity is. This includes a lithium rechargeable battery, solar panel, hand crank, and a USB charging chord. 

Not to mention, emergency radios have a flashlight with SOS strobe, checking off multiple items on your emergency go kit checklist.

The ER40 will be available this month.

WALKIE TALKIES

Emergencies or a natural disasters have the potential to wreak havoc on cellphone towers and electricity, but that doesn't mean communication isn't just as important.

Walkie talkie two-way radios bring reliable, strong, and clear communication to any location. Whether it's splitting up with members of your family as you asses the damage of a storm or caravanning as part of a wildfire evacuation order, walkie talkies will keep you connected.

Midland's X-Talker T71VP3 Walkie Talkie Two-Way Radios have an impressive battery life, important during and after an emergency. These walkie talkies come loaded with extra features including battery packs, a desktop charger, AC wall adapter, boom microphone headsets, and mico-USB charging cable. The walkie talkies have Weather Alert Radio with Midland's Weather Scan Technology, giving your family another way to receive important alerts. 

SAVE DURING NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH 

You can shop 15% off Midland Radio's Emergency Prep Page beginning September 7 through the 30th.