Preparedness Kits Key To Success In The Face Of Emergency

Non-perishable foods, clothing, and medications among things people should pack in an emergency kit.

That’s according to Overton-Pickett Emergency Communication Department Director Chris Masiongale. September is National Preparedness Month, and Masiongale said that it’s important to have everything you could need at the drop of a hat.

“Go through one day in your life, and what do you use,” Masiongale said. “You have water, you have food, you charge your phone up on a daily basis. So things like that are important to have in there.”

Masiongale said that most people will pack a kit in a duffle bag, and should be easily movable should you need to go somewhere. He said some items people tend to overlook are pet foods and dried goods.

“Sometimes people will put things in there that are ready and easy to eat like a can of soup or snacks, things of that nature, things that are quick energy,” Masiongale said. “A lot of times if you can, dried goods. Things like beef jerky that will give you some meat that you can take with you. Things that are prepared to last a long time.”

Masiongale said it’s a good idea that if you have a large family, to pack enough bags to keep your whole family covered for several days. He said to ensure success in the face of an emergency, practice your emergency exit with your family and your emergency kit.