National Preparedness Month Week 3 - #buildakit

Hey everyone -

Due to some technical difficulties, our blog posts have been backlogged. We will be posting them over the next few days. But for now, let's talk about-

Building an emergency kit!

Building a kit is extremely important, because you never know when you may only have a few minutes to grab what you need before the need to evacuate. It's easy to fall into the "I know where everything is in my house and I'll grab it all when (IF) I need to...." trap, but the reality is that taking just a few minutes now to throw some key things that you need on a day to day basis into a backpack or storage bin can make all the difference between thriving or just barely surviving a disaster or large emergency situation. And no, you don't need to go all "I'm preparing for the zombie apocalypse in my underground nuclear bunker..." either.

Got any water tucked away? I'm soooo thirsty

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(Although if you like zombies, or running, or fun for that matter, you may want to check out the Pebble Beach Community Service District's 1st annual Zombie Run 2k/5k race on October 18th)

Ever run out of toilet paper? I know, I know, you thought they were going to pick it up from the store. Just grab one of your emergency rolls.

Or forget your wallet at home and need to get gas? No sweat, just reach into that backpack and pull out a $20.

How to store money in a chapstick tube, via Shameless Traveler

Building a kit can help you in everyday situations as well, just REMEMBER to put it back if you take it out.

 The biggest thing is to think about your own custom needs. 

Do you take medications? Talk to your doctor about writing a few extra pills into your prescription to stash away. Have kids? Re-check sizes of clothes often and add fun things to do (like cards, books, and games) or you are going to be doing a lot of entertaining. Need coffee to function? Better add those instant packets (or a French Press if you want to get fancy!). Other than a few basics (like food and water), there is no one right way to put your supply list and kit together. There is a wrong way though, and that's to not think about it now, before you need it. Don't get stuck without something important.

For tips on how to put together an awesome kit, check out our Twitter (@MontereyCoOES ; follow the hashtag #Buildakit) and Ready.gov

Have a great day!