A well packed emergency kit has all the basic necessities included so that you can grab it and go if you need to evacuate your area at a moment's notice and have food and goods to sustain you for three days. As hard as it is to fathom a disaster in your area, they do happen, and the more prepared you are, the less stress the situation will be on you and your loved ones.
First, I went through my old kit and kept what was in good condition and bought some additional items at the dollar store to add to my kit. I wanted to come up with a better system so it will be easier to update in the future.
First, I got an old rolling suitcase and packed all the goods that do not need to be checked or changed out along with a large container of water that is good for several years. In the event we have to go on foot, this will hopefully be easier to transport.
Next, I packed a backpack with the emergency food that will need to be replaced annually. I made sure that everything in the kit would last at least a year. I had to be creative with packing enough food that would adequately sustain us, fit into the backpack, and would also be something the baby could eat. So I used applesauce cups, Snack Pack puddings, peanut butter, saltine crackers, peanuts, Capri Sun juice pouches and graham crackers. I also packed foods that are normally in my pantry so that before the emergency food expires I can easily swap it out and it can be consumed before expiration. I was able to fit a day's worth of food for the four of us with plastic utensils in a gallon Ziploc. I packed three of these. The jars of peanut butter didn't fit, so I packed those separately (one jar of PB each day to be spread on the crackers) and then packed the Capri Suns in 3 sets of 4.
Finally, I packed a backpack with an extra change of clothes for each family member and some basic toiletries (cleansing wipes, toothbrush/paste, comb, sunscreen, roll of toilet paper, etc) and little flashlights with extra batteries. I packed some diapers that are much larger for the baby so they will be good in the emergency kit for a long time. Also, packing extra clothes with elastic waists (esp for the kids) will account for any growth they might have in the upcoming year. I also packed long sleeves and long pants rather than shirts and shorts so that it will work for any season (clothes can be cut in the summer or kept long to protect from the sun). I also packed a little zipper pouch with several $1 bills and a copy of everyone's birth certificate and our marraige license.
The suitcase was labeled and placed in the garage as it won't be affected by temp changes. The backpacks are stored in my closet so I can easily access them every summer to update them.
Here are some of the things stored in the suitcase: ax, camp shovel, tarps, blankets, ponchos, emergency blankets, waterproof matches, lighter, emergency candle, rope, duct tape, water, canteens and iodine tablets, paper/pen, compass, wind-up flashlight, radio, Swiss Army knife, deck of cards, children's book and little toys.
