Having an emergency preparedness kit is essential, but what should it include?

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — It’s important to have a go-kit ready in your home and car in the case of an emergency.

During the winter season, many problems can arise. Having a bag ready to go is essential for tough situations. Hardin County EMA Director Larae Smiley-Sliger urges the public to always have an emergency preparedness kit. She suggests packing enough supplies to sustain you and your loved ones for three days.

So what do you need in that kit?

“Medications. If you take medications, have those. Copies of important documents in your go-kit, whether it’s a bag or a tote or something like that, water, nonperishable food, blankets, but also make sure you have maybe some hygiene wipes, so you can wash off — things like that. If you have pets, make sure to have extra pet food stored. If you have infants in the home, make sure you have some formula and medications, diapers, and those kinds of things,” said Smiley-Sliger.

It is always important to have a plan in place for emergencies. When a natural disaster occurs, where will you go?

“Also if you have a fire in your home, make sure and have that plan with your family on where you’re gonna meet when you get out of that home. Have a meeting spot,” said Smiley-Sliger.

Sometimes communication signals will be down and you need a plan in place to let your loved ones know that you’re okay. It’s important to think about that ahead of time.

Also, practice it with your family, make it a fun game night on what you’re going to do if you have a disaster.

“Just be prepared to kind of sustain your household for the first few days in the case of a disaster or emergency,” said Smiley-Sliger.

For more information on how to build an emergency preparedness kit, click here.

For more Hardin County news, click here.