Disasters can strike at any time, and survival usually depends on your preparation. Every home needs an emergency response plan that includes disaster shelters and supplies. Arkansas sees it’s fair share of tornados, floods, and natural disasters throughout the year, so you’ll want to be prepared for these situations. If you already have an emergency disaster shelter but don’t know what to put in it, here’s what your emergency disaster shelter should have.

Food Items & Water

This is a rather obvious addition to your emergency disaster shelter. However, most people get it wrong. In a disaster, you need specific types of food, like non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare.

We highly recommend canned foods because they can last for years. Pre-cooked canned foods are ideal for obvious reasons. However, you should balance the food with a mixture of canned protein, carbs, and vitamins. Also, don’t forget to have enough clean drinking water to last you for weeks to months. Start storing survival food now to ensure you are ready for anything.

Survival Kit

The shelter also needs a kit with supplies that will save your life in an emergency. These supplies include, but aren’t limited to, matches, a whistle, a knife, surgical masks, towels, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags, scissors, duct tape, and extra clothing. A survival kit should also include a first aid kit to treat common injuries and health problems.

Other items include a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, batteries, and sanitation/hygiene supplies. These hygenie supplies include toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. It also helps to have a map of your area, some emergency cash, and emergency contact information. In addition, you should include device chargers and copies of your personal documents, like your birth certificates, passports, proof of address, and important medical information. Lastly, don’t forget to have a multipurpose tool with blades, pliers, screwdrivers, openers, etc.

Family Supplies

If you have a family, you’ll need additional family supplies. You will need the supplies that are essential for you and all your family members. For example, if you have a baby or a toddler you will need formula, diapers, baby wipes and things of that nature. You should also consider games and activities to keep your children occupied during an emergency.

If you have one or more pets, you’ll need to include pet food, a bowl, and a collar in the family supplies. Radios are also crucial for communicating with other family members if the emergency takes out cell phone signals.

Now that you know what your emergency disaster shelter should have, you can begin collecting items today.