Sourcing Supplies for Emergency Response

Sourcing Supplies for Emergency Response

During or after an emergency situation you may need to survive on your own for at least 72 hours or more until relief services can get to you. This means you need to have enough food, water and other supplies to last you through this time period. A disaster supply kit, sometimes called a “bug-out bag,” is a curated collection of items needed to survive for a period of time during or after a disaster.

Many people think they need to invest in high-tech prepping gear to be well prepared for an emergency. While this can be useful if preparedness is a hobby of yours or you have an increased need for certain supplies, most emergency kits can be compiled of items easily sourced from your home and the grocery store.

What a Basic Kit Should Contain

All items in your kit should be stored in airtight bags to prevent water damaged and stored in one location. Preferably you should store your kit in a backpack or duffel bag that’s easy to transport, but plastic bins will also suffice.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says a basic supply kit should include at least the following:

  • Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days
  • Food: 72 hour supply of non-perishable foods. Foods high in energy that do not need to be heated are a great choice.
  • Radio: An NOAA weather radio will alert you of dangerous weather. These can be either battery-powered or hand crank.
  • Cash
  • Flashlight: Either battery-powered or hand crank
  • Prescription Medications
  • First aid kit
  • Change of Clothing
  • Matches
  • Feminine Care Products
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Spare batteries
  • Documentation: Insurance policies, ID, bank records, family photo in case you’re separated
  • Dust mask: For cases of contaminated air
  • Duct tape and plastic sheeting: Can be used for emergency shelter
  • Wet wipes, trash bags and zip ties: For sanitation uses
  • Wrench/pliers: To switch off utilities if needed
  • Can opener
  • Maps of the local area
  • Cellphone: With charges and spare battery. You may also want to load your phone with numbers of important family and contacts

It’s recommended to spend some time thinking of alternate uses for your supplies. For example, while duct tape can be used for shelter, it can also be used to repair items.

Additional Supplies

While the basic kit is likely enough for most emergencies, your specific situation may require other supplies. After an emergency, some may want toys or coloring books to keep their children entertained. Many will seek electricity to power their utilities or necessary tools.

To create power for a limited amount of time, a diesel-fueled generator can be extremely helpful.

Allied Rental has over 24 different types of generators for a wide variety of needs. These generators are available for rent for daily, weekly or monthly periods to power any essential utilities in your home, like keeping perishable foods cold for extended periods of time.

Feel free to stop by our location or give us a call if you would like the help of one of our friendly and experienced staff members in selecting the right generator for you.