Regardless of where you live, there always seems to be some kind of natural disaster looming over your at some time of the year, often more than once. When these threats are imminent, you begin to realize how woefully unprepared you really are, and you think to yourself "I really should have an emergency bag already packed". After several hours the danger passes and you go on about your daily business, and you moment of clarity is dismissed.

Unfortunately, for too many victims of natural disasters go through this thought process, and it really should be acted upon. This is especially important if you have children. You may not be in a position to protect your family and children after a disaster. By having a your emergency supplies already packed and ready to go, you could be saving your children's lives. The good news is that it is easier than you think. The first thing you need to procure is good list. Again good news, several emergency response experts have put together lists for you. Several of the items are common sense, and you probably don't need anyone to tell you that water should be part of any emergency kit. Other items, although obvious, may not occur to you. A short list of items you should have are

• Radio with batteries
• Flashlight battery operated, and non-battery operated
• Sleeping bags
• Flint
• Signal Mirror
• Emergency whistle
• Water purification tablets
• High Calorie food bars
• Dust masks
• Anti-bacterial wipes, or gel
• First aid supplies
• Toilet tissue

This of course, is not an exhaustive list. Most experts agree that the first 72 hours after an emergency or disaster are the most important. If you able to survive and enable your family to survive for 72 hours, it is very likely emergency first response providers will rescue you. Simply having a 72 hour supply of these emergency items is enough to deal with almost any contingency. Even so, the cost of these supplies can begin to pile up quickly, especially when creating multiple packs, one for each of your family members. Some items such as water purification tablets may be difficult to find.

Luckily, many companies specializing in emergency preparation kits have developed pre packed kits of different sizes at costs that are usually much lower than what you would spend buying each item individually.

Next time there is a imminent threat from a natural disaster, be prepared and have a 72 hour survival kit ready for each member of the family and ensure they know where it is.

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