Happy New Year! Are you still looking for a resolution that is both achievable and meaningful? Your friends at Assisting Hands are here to help!

With the weather being as unpredictable as ever here in Colorado (witness the -4F I mentioned a couple of weeks ago), it’s critical that every family have an Emergency Kit. Ideally, we like to see one in the house and one in each car. This is something we instruct our caregivers on to make sure they are well prepared for any emergency that may happen at a client’s home or on the way to and from.

Here are some suggestions of items that should be in a well-stocked Emergency Kit.

Home Kit:
• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days, plus enough for pets)
• Food (at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Can opener (that canned food is no good unless you can get it open!)
• Medications
• Pet food
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Portable battery operated or hand crank radio (and batteries!)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Basic tool kit
• Blankets/sleeping bags

Auto Kit:
• Shovel
• Blankets
• Portable battery/charger and cords for devices
• Portable battery operated or hand crank radio (and batteries!)
• Jumper cables
• Bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins, and peanut butter
• Flares
• Fire extinguisher

There are more great ideas for Emergency Kits at http://ready.gov/kit. Please check there for all the current best practices.

Have a safe and PREPARED 2023!