Preparing for an Emergency 21 "Must Haves" for Your Survival Box by Nancy Harvey Steorts Looking forward to the new millennium and the beginning of a new century? We all hope for happiness and good health for the next millenium. Even though we can not always avoid those things which can cause injury, we can take some very important precautions. Injuries often occur from very minor problems that have been overlooked. It is essential that we develop a few new rules in the millennium that will help us not to fall victim of our own carelessness. There are things, such as acts of nature, that we can not control. A snowstorm, tornado, earthquake, hurricane or even the change to the new millennium may cause us to be without the life essentials of water, food or heat. What can we do to avoid such a disaster? We can not stop the storm or act of nature that causes our home to be without heat, electricity, food and water. We can plan ahead to be ready should such an occurrence take place. First, we need to have a family consultation so everyone knows the plan of action if disaster hits. It is important for each home to have some survival essentials put together in one place that each member of the family can reach. What should be in this Survival Box? Here are 21 must haves for your family. Flashlights with fresh batteries Candles with candle holders Bottled water for several days Canned food with a portable can opener Dried food, such as cereals, dried fruits, crackers or peanut butter A first aid kit Battery-powered radio A mobile phone with backup battery pack Emergency phone numbers Smoke detector with batteries A quality fire extinguisher A carbon monoxide detector with batteries Prescription drugs for family members Paper logs or wood logs Matches Toilet paper and wipes Diapers (if there are babies) Blankets Portable heater if it is new A good book and some games for the children Copy of the book, "Safety and You" With the possibility of an emergency happening to any of us, the above information will help you survive in a more comfortable manner. Nothing is easy, but being prepared is essential! May I take this opportunity to wish you a very happy and safe Year 2000! Nancy Harvey Steorts Author, "Safety and You" Former Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check out our message boards in Peer Perspectives. Back to Experts' Advice Legal Stuff You Should Know