Being prepared can keep a small emergency from turning into a big one. Whether at home, the office or in the car, it's a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand to help when help is needed. Good emergency kits not only include medical supplies, but also tools and most especially a flashlight. Not many people consider keeping a flashlight in an emergency kit, but it should be one of the top proprieties.



Emergency kits are more than just medical kits. They should include a variety of things to help their owners through a number of different circumstances. From power outs and storms, to cuts and burns and beyond, a good emergency kit covers a lot of bases.

Emergency management officials all over the world repeatedly tell residents to keep good emergency kits on hand at all times and to have plans in place for what they'd do if tragedy struck. Sadly, few heed these warnings, and sometimes all that's necessary to keep a bad situation from turning tragic is a good plan and the right equipment to survive.

For those living in hurricane regions, the following things should be included in a good emergency package:

* Several long life flashlights and extra batteries. Since power can go out for days on end, sometimes even weeks, it's a good idea to have a flashlight for every member of the family along with extra batteries. Flashlight lanterns are a much safer choice than candles for common areas in a home. Get these and extra batteries and keep them stored in a place where they're easy to find when needed.

* Several days' worth of food, water and medicine. Be certain to have food that's nonperishable on hand along with items that don't require electricity to cook. If possible, also have an alternative means of cooking, such as an outdoor grill. Do not cook outside during the height of the storm and do not bring the grill indoors.

* First aid kit. Make sure medical supplies are where they can be had quickly. A good kit will include the following things: band aids, peroxide, gauze, burn cream, insect cream and so on. Aspirin and other minor medicines are also a smart idea to include.

* Small hand tools. If kept in a separate compartment of an emergency kit, there's never a question of where that screwdriver or wrench went.

* Important papers packaged together in a fire/water safe holder. Since you never know when you might have to leave in a hurry, important papers such as insurance contracts, licenses, birth certificates and so on, should be kept safe and ready for transport.

Surviving a storm or other natural or manmade disaster often comes down to a question of preparation. Those who get ready in advance, plan for the unexpected and do what they can to make sure they have everything on hand they might need tend to fare better after disasters strike. No one wants to face a hurricane or tornado or something worse, but sometimes they happen.

A good emergency kit and an emergency plan are vital for survival. Flashlights are an important part of any kit as they can give light when no other source is available in a manner that's much safer than exposed candles. After a storm or other disaster strikes, power might be out for hours or even days. Emergency officials will be too busy dealing with critical issues to ensure every home gets online right away. Be prepared by having a kit, flashlights and batteries ready to go.