The following questions will help you brainstorm extra items that you will need for your family during a natural disaster or an emergency.

Are there any children under 2 years old in your home?

Let’s be honest, most emergency kit food is not created with children in mind. During a disaster or an emergency, if you are prepared with the things that will make your child happy and comfortable it will make the experience that much better for the whole family. Make sure that you put into your emergency kit: diapers, baby food, Enfamil, comfort items like a soft blanket or a fun toy, and other baby supplies.

Does anyone in your family take any essential medications?

Make sure to have all of your family’s essential medications in your emergency kit. Many people have medications that they need to take especially if there are elderly persons in your home. During a natural disaster it is very easy for medications to get lost or become unreachable.

Are there any elderly persons in your home?

What items would be critical for your family to have?

Is there anything that your family could not be without for a minimum of a week.

Consider putting some comfort items in your 72 hour kit:

Small things like card games, books, and coloring pads.

Bring something that will make your family laugh. Laughter can and will do wonders to help lighten the mood.

Malcolm Felt - Owner of http://www.lifeprepared.com and a specialist in emergency preparedness.