A locksmith devotes his or her entire career to making sure people are kept safe and are prepared for the unexpected, such as a home burglary. Safety and security are the hallmarks of our industry. Since you never know when a disaster may strike — from tornados to excessive rains causing flooding and getting locked out on top of it — it is good to be prepared. Having a well-stocked and well-thought-out emergency/disaster preparedness kit can literally be a lifesaver in the event that you need to use it.
A locksmith has seen it all when it comes to emergencies, so here a few tips.
1. A Container for your Items
The first thing you will need is several containers to hold all your emergency preparedness items. Large backpacks, duffle bags or rolling suitcases are the recommended containers, but any container that you can easily grab and carry in an emergency will work.
2. Emergency Food and Water
Ideally you should have a gallon of fresh water and non-perishable food for each person for at least three days.1 You can get nutritious, lightweight food in disaster-resistant packaging that lasts for years from a variety of sources online. The foods you choose should require no cooking, water or heat. Make sure to bring a can opener, plastic utensils, paper towels and anything else you will need to eat and drink.
3. Emergency Cash
Make sure you have an adequate amount of emergency cash or travelers checks on hand because banks and ATM machines may not be available for days after a disaster and there may be no electricity to process credit card transactions. Some experts peg the amount you should have on hand in the $1,000 to $2,0002 range and other experts recommend several hundred for two people3. The emergency will pay for lodging, medication, gasoline, water and other items which may cost more in an emergency.
4. Essential Paperwork
In your emergency bag you should have copies of essential paperwork. This includes copies of insurance policies, personal identification (including passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses, Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid cards, marriage, adoption and naturalization certificates), Covid -19 vaccination proof, title or lease documents, bank account records and credit and debit card information. You should also have a listing of current medications with dosages; medication allergies; and a brief medical history including medical conditions, surgeries, vaccination history, family medical history, and primary care and specialty physicians’ names with contact information. You should store all paperwork in a waterproof container. A map of your area or state is also a good item to have in case you have to evacuate the area.
5. Communication / Survival Electronic Devices
In times of natural disasters, like floods and high winds, cellular service may be down for a period of time. Make sure you have your cellular phone and charger in spite of this. A hand cranked AM/FM radio has been known to be the most reliable form of communication in these situations. If you have a battery operated radio, make sure you have extra batteries. The American Red Cross sells an emergency hand-cranked radio with a built-in LED flashlight4 as having a lantern or flashlight is also essential. Some solar hand-cranked radios also have a USB charging port.
6. Essential Health and First-Aid Items
You can purchase a well-equipped first-aid kit online or in most stores. Stash it in your bag along with prescription medications (which you should pack when a disaster is predicted). Matches in a waterproof container and a whistle to signal for help are also recommended as are masks, disposable gloves, moist wipes, disinfectant or bleach, and feminine hygiene products. Plastic sheeting, duct tape and scissors are needed to shelter in place, as are sleeping bags and emergency blankets. Boots, work gloves, rain ponchos and extra clothing are also recommended. When selecting clothing, aim for items that can be washed and dried quickly. Garbage bags with ties are also recommended by FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for sanitation purposes.5
7. Essential Items for Infants, Pets, and Medical Conditions
If you have an infant you will need formula, bottles, diapers, diaper rash cream and additional clothing. If you have pets you will need food, water, leashes and some way for the pet to be contained such as a portable cage. If you have medical issues requiring you to use oxygen, a CPAP machine or other devices, make sure you have a portable version of any necessary equipment and adequate batteries.
These are the basics for emergency preparedness. While it may seem daunting to gather all of these items, rest assured that in an emergency you will be glad you did the advance preparation. And if it happens you get “locked out” of your home, business or vehicle in the midst of everything else going on, rest assured a mobile locksmith will be there to help.
At Action Locksmith, keeping our clients safe and secure goes beyond doors and locks. Although it is wise to be prepared, having locks that function properly, are up to date and easy to access is critical to overall safety. As a family owned and operated locksmith business in Michigan for more than 30 years, we have the knowledge and expertise to make sure your locks, doors and security systems are serving their ultimate purpose to keep you and your family safe.
Questions on door repair and installation, access control systems, keyless entry or more? Call and speak to a licensed locksmith today!