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American Red Cross Asks: ‘So What’s In Your Kit?’
Written by
Amanda Mark
, Special to RedCross.org
Friday, December 17, 2004 — This time of the year is more likely to conjure thoughts of gift-wrapping than emergency preparedness kit packing. However, according to the American Red Cross, the season of togetherness provides no better time for family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to gather, ask, and answer the question: “What’s in your emergency preparedness kit?”
The Red Cross hopes revelers will use the quirky question as an amusing way to not only fill awkward silence and cut insipid small talk, but to bring attention to the lifesaving issue of disaster preparedness.
With the blustery, snow-filled winter ahead, Red Cross preparedness experts remind that disasters don’t break for the holiday season — striking anywhere at anytime. Emergency responders may not be able to reach impacted individuals immediately so the Red Cross encourages families to build an emergency preparedness kit enabling them to shelter-in-place or evacuate. While the essentials of an emergency preparedness kit include water, a first aid kit and food, comfort items are also recommended to help families and individuals ride out a disaster.
“From hurricanes to snowstorms, families and individuals should remember that they could be preparing for upwards of three days in isolation. Things like games, snacks and gadgets could ease the stress,” said Scott Conner, Vice President of Preparedness. “It can be an incredibly difficult time – you don’t want to double the tension by forgetting your one-year-old’s favorite toy.”
To raise awareness about the importance of building and personalizing a kit, the Red Cross developed public service announcements featuring some of country music’s hottest stars, including Brad Cotter, Sarah Evans and Blake Shelton, answering the question: “What’s in your emergency preparedness kit?” Inspired by quirky personal “musts” like sunflower seeds, peanut butter crackers and, of course, country music, the Red Cross turned to www.redcross.org visitors with the same question.
According to the informal survey, anything from insulin for the cat to gossip magazines would be added. The possible strain and stress of extended close-quarters with loved ones provided some of the more colorful responses. One inspired responder said that a camera was necessary because “there will be some stories to tell.” Another said that “lots of patience” would be necessary. A mom joked that she would be sure to include “a big brown box to put my kids in for a ‘time-out.’ ”
Dependence and devotion to pop culture favorites were reflected as well. “I’m a Survivor and Lost fanatic so I’m set,” said Angela, a marketer in Minneapolis who believes her favorite shows have left her more than prepared for the unknown. “I’d pack my CD player and all of my Celine Dion CDs.”
Velvet, a communicator in Washington , D.C. , said her TiVo Ò would definitely go. “Whew, that is the ultimate survival item!" she laughed.
The www.redcross.org survey said…
 “I would NEED ____________ to survive a disaster.”
- Antacids
- Bible
- Cheetos ™
- Chocolate-covered gummy bears – “If there is
a disaster, I’d better have my favorite treat.”
- The Da Vinci Code – “Maybe I’d actually read
the whole book.”
- Dog food
- Earplugs
- HGTV
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- Knitting project
- LOTS of Hershey KISSES ® w/almonds
- Maps
- Monopoly ®
- Morning facial regimen
- My best girlfriends
- Painting kit
- Picture of family – “In case something happened.”
- Spare reading glasses
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Other essential extras…
More than half of respondents said they would include snacks and drinks in their kit – something beyond the much-needed, but not-so-tasty energy bars.
Tech savvy respondents—or about 25 percent of survey-takers—said they couldn’t be without battery-powered gadgets like cell phones, PDAs or music players.
The bookworms in the group—or 30 percent of respondents—said reading materials like the latest thriller or their favorite magazine were musts.
Hoping to forget their troubles with a round of “Go Fish,” more than 35 percent of survey-takers would include games or cards in their kit.
In addition to a complete list of emergency preparedness kit basics, emergency kits ready to customize are also available for purchase at www.redcross.org. With the goal of preparing more families and individuals for the unexpected, the Red Cross online store will feature free shipping on purchases over $99 until December 31, 2004 .
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