Today is a solemn day that brings back difficult memories for many people. Whether you witnessed the events firsthand, like Sherry did, or watched from a distance and worried about loved ones in New York or Washington, the anniversary still resonates. Our thoughts remain with everyone who lost someone that day.
We decided to use this date not only to remember, but also to take practical steps for the future. Work projects have had me thinking about emergency preparedness a lot lately, and I’ve learned that many people don’t take time to prepare their homes for emergencies. With that in mind, I audited our own Emergency Supply Kit to see how prepared we really are.
The checklist we used came from MakeAPlan.org. The first item is water — three gallons per person. I thought we were covered because we bought a big case of bottled water a couple of years ago and keep it stored in the kitchen for situations when our tap water isn’t safe. We’ve used a few bottles but still have a solid supply, so we’ll give ourselves a B+ for water.
Next on the list is food. A three-day supply of nonperishables is recommended. Realistically, we don’t always have a full three-day supply unless it’s shortly after a grocery run, so our canned goods could use bolstering. At least we own a manual can opener — that earns us a C in the food category.
We get an A+ for pet food. We keep at least five days of Burger’s kibble on hand because his food isn’t sold nearby and we stock up when we visit the store. Since he’s a small dog, that food doesn’t take up much space and gives us confidence that we can care for him during a short disruption.
I almost docked ourselves in the radio category when I found out the batteries in our guest-room radio had died, leaving us dependent on the AC cord. But then I remembered our battery-powered shower radio. That saved the day, and with a few spare batteries tucked away in a kitchen drawer, we’re back to an A for a battery-powered radio.
Our flashlight situation is weaker. We do have a flashlight ready, but no backup batteries specifically for it, so that area merits a B- until we add spares.
We also keep a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit at home. While our kit started life as a pet-first-aid set, it contains most basic items humans would need in a minor injury situation. It’s a little small for full household use, so we rate it a B- and plan to expand it with bandages, antiseptic, and other essentials.
Overall, our basic Emergency Supply Kit earns about a B. We’ve covered several important items but still have room for improvement — especially with nonperishable food, flashlight batteries, and a more complete first aid kit. How does your kit measure up? Have you made a plan or assembled supplies for emergencies? Share any tips you’ve found useful.
For official guidance, check resources like Ready.gov and MakeAPlan.org for recommended items and planning advice. Preparing now helps protect you and your loved ones, though we all hope never to need these supplies in an actual emergency.
PS: If you’re in the Washington DC area, Capitalert.gov sends free emergency alerts by text or email from local government — it’s the project I’ve been working on and a helpful way to stay informed.