by Lee Flynn

If you have kids, it has probably crossed your mind how well your family would fare in an emergency. Fortunately, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring that your family is safe in an emergency and will not only survive the emergency itself but also the aftermath. There are a few things you can do on your daily shopping trips that will help keep your family safe, regardless of how many kids you have or whether you’re single or married.

Food

One easy way to stay prepared is to make small incremental changes when shopping for food. For example, when planning out your grocery list, be sure to pick up a few extra cans of food or shrink-wrapped cookies or crackers. Adding small amounts of canned and dry goods to your daily or weekly shopping list, essentially grabbing a few extra items on each trip, can keep your pantry full of emergency supplies.

Don’t forget to keep a can opener near your stash of can goods so you can access them. Keep an eye out for buy one, get one deals, freebies, and bulk non-perishable products so you save money at the same time.

Water

Having enough water on hand in an emergency can help keep your family safe. Be sure you are aware of your water source, whether it’s municipal or well water, and how to handle any shortages. Every so often, buy a sealed jug or large container of water to have on hand. The recommended amount is one gallon per person per day, so having a constant supply on hand for emergencies is vital.

Weapons

You have to protect your children. Safe gun handling and storage is crucial to helping your family survive. A single gun safety course can make a big difference between misuse and protection. If you keep weapons in the home, make sure they are locked safely away from little fingers, and have a store of ammo locked away from the weapons. Keeping your ammo in a dry, cool spot will help it last a very long time, if not indefinitely. Keep your eyes peeled for bulk ammo sales.

Supplies

Supplies like medical or first aid gear, extra epi-pens for allergic children, prescription drugs, insulin, and inhalers are always essential to keep in your emergency kit, especially if a family member has health needs. These medications can expire, so check the dates regularly and rotate your stock so you always have fresh supplies in an emergency. Keep antibacterial ointment, burn cream, butterfly bandages, and clean gauze in your emergency kit, and keep them free of contaminants. You’ll also need a supply of candles, flashlights, and batteries if the power goes out. Keep the batteries in a cool, dry place, and replace them when they expire. Warm blankets are also a must in an emergency.

Attitude

Keeping calm in an emergency can make all the difference to your little ones. They will be afraid if you show fear or panic, and it’s best if everyone stays calm. If your kids are old enough, they can help out. For younger kids, try to make a game out of the situation, within limits; a power outage can be a good time for some camping fun, or an evacuation can seem like an adventure. Make sure they know, however, to stay close and not take any unnecessary risks. Above all, don’t panic, because when you do, they will too.

Moms always have to protect their families. And moms who care prepare. Your local area may suffer from particular threats, like drought, earthquakes, wildfires, or hurricanes, so plan and prepare accordingly. Hopefully, you will never have to use a firearm against another person, but on the chance that you do, it’s important that you stay prepared, know how to operate it safely and effectively, and have enough ammunition to get you through the crisis.