Home emergencies could happen at any time. Are you prepared?

September is National Preparedness Month and Service Line Warranties of America would like to encourage you to be prepared for an emergency by keeping an emergency kit at home and in the car.

Last winter we saw a record amount of snowfall and weather-related events throughout the world. As a result, people were stranded without power or in their vehicles for days. Every home should be equipped with a proper emergency kit for each family member to sustain life for at least two to three days. Emergency kits should include items such as:

• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
• Non-perishable food
• Infant formula and diapers
• Battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Non-electric can opener
• Plastic cups, plates, bowls and silverware
• Paper towels
• Fire extinguisher
• Disinfectant
• Matches and candles

Of course, home emergencies aren’t the only type of emergency you should be prepared for – what if you’re stranded in your car? Keep an emergency kit with the following in your car:

• Extra warm blanket (especially if you live in a snow-prone area) or sleeping bag
• Jacket or coat, long pants, long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes
• Hats and gloves
• Non-perishable food and bottled water
• Cash
• Paper Towels
• Fire extinguisher
• Compass
• Matches in water proof container
• Signal flare or whistle to signal for help
• Paper and pencil
• Disinfectant
• Emergency contact information and identification

While we can’t predict emergencies, being prepared will ease the situation. For more information on National Preparedness Month, visit http://www.ready.gov/.