Wrong. That mentality is horribly wrong.
Just look at a small fraction of the devastation left behind in Louisiana after this summer’s prolonged rainfall…
Or see the damage that Hurricane Matthew did as it left North Carolina in its wake…
Just last year, more than a thousand families lost their homes after wildfire spread across the western United States…
It was only two years ago when Old Man Winter covered Buffalo, NY in over seven feet of snow…
The year before that, twenty-four people lost their lives after the devastation left when an EF5 (the strongest possible) tornado tore through Moore, Oklahoma…
It’s no secret that the threat of natural disasters is quite real and they have the power to turn our lives upside down in a matter of seconds. We all swear that it could never happen to us, to our families, but if the constant reminders from across the world are not just another new headline. They are real. They are horrid. They are inevitable.
The question is, are you ready?
Since purchasing our first house a few years back, I thought that we were ahead of the game by supplying ourselves with the basic necessities. Flashlights with plenty of batteries, extra canned goods stored in the back of the pantry, plenty of blankets neatly tucked away in a cedar chest, and four first-aid kits just for good measure. However, after playing the scenario over and over in my head, the thought of having to run around the house gathering all of these needed supplies (among others) while likely in a panic-stricken state of mind amid whatever disaster may have occurred, well… it’s terrifying. It is just not feasible, nor is it smart. Sure, we may be “prepared” in the loose sense of the word by having some supplies on hand but being truly prepared means arming oneself with the necessities and the ability to quickly grab and go. Let’s face it; in the event of an emergency – especially one as dire as a natural disaster – we don’t have time to gleefully stroll around our homes collecting this item or that. As parents, we’ve become masters of planning and preparation for our own day-to-day survival (school drop-off, a million and one after school activities, work, house duties, family meals, etc.) but are we really ready in the case of an emergency?
Seventy-five percent of parents agree that emergency readiness became a higher priority when they had children, yet fifty percent of parents don’t even know where to start.
Thankfully, that’s where Live Prepared comes in.
Live Prepared emergency readiness kits make it easy for parents to check preparedness off their to-do list by including everything they need to be secure, nourished, and have peace of mind in an emergency.
Recently, the company was kind enough to send my family one of their 72-Hour Emergency All-In-One Kits and I’m excited to be able to share that with all of you.
It doesn’t matter where you live, what types of natural disasters are common in your area, or what unexpected short-term emergency might come up, this kit has everything you need: instant cook-in-pouch meals, water filtration bottle, toiletries, top-notch gear, first aid, weather radio – even playing cards to help pass the time.
While the Live Prepared 72-Hour Emergency All-In-One Kit is technically geared toward covering a 72-hour long crisis for one person, I am quite confident that it would easily help to provide for our small family of four or, at the very least, hold us over until we were able to seek out further assistance.
- Heavy Duty Emergency Backpack
Tough and reliable, this brightly colored backpack features a large main compartment, a secondary compartment with an organizer, side compression straps to help with load balance, padded handle with shoulder straps, front accessory pocket, two mesh side pockets, and reflective accents for added safety. This backpack is also hydration compatible though the reservoir is sold separately. - Cook-in-Pouch Food
These easy to prepare meals are as simple as adding water, stirring, sealing, and cooking right in the pouch they come in. The kit includes various meals such as Macaroni & Cheese, Cheesy Broccoli & Rice, Stroganoff with Noodles, Creamy Chicken Rice, Pasta Alfredo, Granola with Milk & Blueberries, Oatmeal with Strawberries, Morning Moo’s Milk Alternative, Chocolate Morning Moo’s Milk Alternative, Orange Drink, and Banana Chips. Best of all, they have a shelf life of up to twenty years. Yes, 20 years! - Emergency Ponchos (2)
To provide protection from the elements, the kit includes two emergency ponchos. Lightweight and easy to fit within backpacks, these ponchos are one-size fits all. - Emergency Blankets (2) and Heavy Duty Emergency Tarp
Providing critical shelter during an emergency can be difficult but it’ll be easy to do with the included blankets and tarp. These emergency blankets reflect 90% of body heat and help to prevent hypothermia. The tarp is windproof and 100% waterproof and will surely keep you safe from the elements.
- Premium Solar & Crank Radio, Light, and Charger
The 11 band AM/FM radio will help to keep you in constant contact with news and weather outlets by not only providing you with radio access but with the inclusion of shortwave and weather alerts. You won’t have to worry about it not working because with the hand-crank charging system, you can power it right there on your own. Additionally, if you find yourself with some sunshine, the adjustable solar panel will capture energy from the sun to further power the radio and its features. Once powered, it includes a five LED flashlight, small reading lamp, SOS emergency light, and a micro-cable and built-in USB ports to help you power your electronic devices such as cell phones. It comes with a water resistant rubberized body and a built-in rubberized carry strap. - Hygiene Kit
Although personal hygiene may not be at the forefront of your mind when you find yourself in the midst of an emergency, it is imperative that you keep up with it as best as your can in order to keep yourself healthy. This kit provides you with the bare essentials needed to maintain proper hygiene, keep clean and fresh, and to help prevent the spread of disease and/or infection. You’ll have quick access to rinse-free shampoo and body wash, hand sanitizer, stick deodorant, toothpaste, and a toothbrush.
- 8-in-1 Flashlight Tool
With a flashlight being one of the first thought of items one would need during an emergency, this particular flashlight goes above and beyond with its inclusion of seven additional tools. Along with the flashlight itself, it includes a signal mirror, whistle, magnifying glass, matches, thermometer, compass, and a convenient carrying string. - 10-in-1 Multi-Tool
You would be surprised at how important it is to have access to tools during an emergency. This 10-in-1 Multi Tool is sure to be put to use quite often due to its ability to be utilized in so many different ways. Its multiple functions include a knife, nail file, bottle opener, can opener, screwdriver, saw, and pliers. Compact, tough, and lightweight, it’s a tool that easily fits in pockets or backpacks. - Duct Tape
It has been said that there’s a solution to everything so long as you have Duct Tape handy. This kit includes 60-yards of 2-inch wide Duct Tape for you to use as you see fit. - Utility Cord
Within the kit, you’ll also find one hundred feet of paracord utility cord that has been strength tested to 500 pounds! The uses for paracord are seemingly limitless and, in the event of an emergency, it will most certainly come in handy in one form or another.
- Complete Cooking Kit
When you’re able to find access to a heat source so that you can cook a meal, this Cooking Kit ensures that you’ll have the necessary supplies to do just that. Including a 2-quart pot with lid and removable handle, a folding stove, fuel tablets, 6-in-1 utensil tool (knife, fork, spoon, can opener, cork screw, awl), and waterproof matches.
- Advanced Water Filtration Bottle
Reiterating the importance of hydration, many people don’t realize that dirty and contaminated water can actually be more harmful than lack of water. Because of that, the kit includes the Advanced Water Filtration Bottle that will remove up to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria from water (up to 100 gallons) as well as taste, odor, chemicals, salt, sand, or sediment. The BPA free bottle also features a convenient carrying strap and comfortable neoprene sleeve for improved grip. - Stainless Steel Cup
Proper hydration is critical and with the inclusion of the Stainless Steel Cup, checking that off of your worry-list is easy. The steel cup holds up to eight liquid ounces and can be used as a drinking cup, scooper, cooking pan, or small bowl. - 50-Hour Candles
Did you know that liquid paraffin wax candles burn clean and without odor or smoke? This pair of candles will provide you up to 100 hours of total burn time or a steady flame for more than four days. Because of the candle’s lack of odor and smoke, it is safe to burn indoors so long as it’s used in a well-ventilated area.
- Premium 121-Piece First Aid Kit
When emergencies happen, especially natural disasters, you cannot always count on being able to receive medical attention quickly. We should all be able to provide basic first aid to our families and, with this comprehensive emergency first aid kit, you can do just that. Featuring everything you need from bandages, gauze, and sterile pads to scissors and vinyl gloves all stored within a sturdy, hard-shell foam case, you’ll be able to easily treat anything from bruises to burns.
- Dust Masks
Oftentimes, when an emergency occurs, the air quality takes a hit. Whether it’s due to smoke from a fire, debris from a natural disaster, or simply airborne germs when in close quarters with others, we need to make sure that the air we’re breathing is clean. For that, the kit includes three N-series dust masks that are 95% efficient at protecting against dust, dirt, and oil-free air. - Work Gloves
Often something that is overlooked is the inclusion of work gloves. In the event of any emergency or natural disaster, the aftermath and cleaning up of the ordeal is half the battle. Thankfully, this kit also includes a set of premium split cowhide leather palm gloves with a rubberized safety cuff to make sure that you’re not only prepared for an emergency as it happens but safe and protected during the work that follows. - Playing Cards
Last but not least, the kit includes a single pack of playing cards. At the end of the day, once you’ve provided safety and security for you and your family, it’s the family itself that matters most. One of the most difficult parts of any emergency is the time that seems to crawl by you. These playing cards will help to keep you entertained even during the darkest hour.
While I certainly don’t intend to have any such emergencies hit so close to home, it is always better to be safe than sorry. After truly taking the time to sit down and educate myself on urgent situations such as natural disasters and occurrences during which preparedness is of utmost importance, I was naïve to think that we were even remotely ready. I’ve lived through frigid snowstorms. I’ve felt the wrath of hurricane force winds and rains. I’ve played cards by candlelight during lengthy power outages. I’ve watched as a tree came crashing down on the electrical lines in our front yard. I’ve seen our neighbors navigate the streets in kayaks over chest-high water. I’ve witnessed huge trees being uprooted bringing the sidewalk a good five feet off the ground. I’ve taken in friends seeking refuge. I’ve fundraised for a family that lost their home and pets in a fire. I’ve helped organize donation drives for folks suffering through natural disasters.
I was never blind to the reality of it all but, much like the masses, I found comfort under the “never me” guise. We never want to believe that these horrid things can occur but the fact is – they do; all of the time, every day. So bringing things back full circle…
Do you Live Prepared?
When an unexpected emergency hits, you need the right gear and gadgets to get you through it securely. Live Prepared’s Emergency Gear Kits are equipped with must-have tools to keep your family safe and sound. From water filters and flashlights to hand powered radios and first aid, everything you need is right at the ready.
I am thrilled and quite thankful to be able to say that my family and I do, truly, Live Prepared. We’ve tucked away our 72-Hour Emergency All-In-One Kit in a safe yet easy to access space within our home and I’m confident that, should a serious emergency occur, we will be ready for it. We will be prepared because we now Live Prepared.
Will you do the same?
Buy:
You can purchase the 72-Hour Emergency All-In-One Kit featured here as well as many other Live Prepared kits and products direct from the company’s website at www.LivePrepared.com. This particular kit currently sells for $279 but I don’t believe that you could ever put a price tag on your family’s safety.
Connect:
Be sure to keep up with Live Prepared on their social media channels so that you can stay up to date on all of the latest news, new product releases, sale pricing, safety tips, and so much more!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Janet W.
There are great products in this kit. You never know when you might have an emergency so this would be nice for my family to have on hand.
Julie Wood
What a great home kit to get. I want to get this and have when there is an emergency. It would have really helped last year when my City had the works wind storm in history and knocked out all the electricity!
VICKIE L COUTURIER
very interesting and very important,,i live in tornado alley so we have to stay prepared
Cynthia R
We are pretty lucky living in the piedmont of NC, not many occurrences of tornados, fires, or earthquakes. We do once and awhile get a hurricane, sometimes a tornado. Still when we do get a hurricane we are out of power for 5 to 7 days so a kit such as this would be very helpful.
mrsshukra
Very helpful post, thank you!
Katt Lewis
Wow, I’m not this prepared, but I do try to be somewhat prepared as you should be in Florida. This looks great. I’m alwyas packing and repacking bags when a hurricane warning comes out.