Every house has a first aid kit. That is basic knowledge. But do you have an emergency kit that will help keep you alive just in case you experience a natural disaster? At this point, many families in the Philippines are creating their own disaster emergency kits, if they haven’t got one already. Some may think that it is taking caution to the extreme, but if you experienced what the Filipino people experienced in the past week, you will understand that it can make the difference between life and death.

Here’s what you need to prepare your own disaster emergency kit. Remember, you never know when you might need it.

1. Pack about 2,000 calories worth of food per person per day. Also pack drinking water. There are plenty of preserved and ready to eat food products in the market today. Just make sure that you replace your stock regularly based on the expiration dates.
2. Throw in some warm bedding. Fleece or wool blankets should be the priority as wool acts as a fire retardant. Both materials will keep you warm even if they get wet.
3. A first aid kit should also be included. Pack gauze, medical tape, painkillers, disinfectant, burn and wound cream, petroleum jelly, and blood coagulant.
4. Standard rescue items are a must: a flashlight, matches or a lighter, a whistle, some rope, a Swiss knife, and so on. It’s a good idea to invest in a flashlight and a radio that does not need electric power – there are plenty of options these days.
5. Get a good bag to pack your stuff in. A dry bag (backpack style) is the best option as it is tough and waterproof.

Bottom line: pack only the things that you will need to survive.

Going back to the situation in the Philippines, there are still a lot of people who need aid in terms of food, clothing, and medication. Contact the nearest Red Cross chapter or the Philippine embassy if you want to offer your help. Even better, donate directly to the Philippine Red Cross by clicking below.