With the start of the New Year, it doesn’t hurt to get back to basics and review some of the essential items that you should have in your house and as a part of your preparedness plan.

One of the most important pieces you should maintain is a basic emergency supply kit. Your kit could include the following recommended items:

– One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation;

– Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food;

– Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both;

– Flashlight and extra batteries;

– First aid kit;

– Whistle to signal for help;

– Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place;

– Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation;

– Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities;

– Manual can opener for food;

– Local maps; and

– Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Visit www.Ready.gov for more information about how to build your basic emergency supply kit.