The Four Pillars

In a world where the unexpected has become the norm, readiness is no longer optional—it's crucial. Spring cleaning transcends mere organization; it's about stepping up your emergency preparedness game.

At Uncharted, we emphasize the importance of being equipped for anything—not just with the right gear, but with the knowledge to use it effectively. This guide is your essential checklist to ensure your emergency kits and supplies are comprehensive, updated, and ready to handle whatever comes your way.

1. Smoke Detector Maintenance

• Check and replace batteries: Ensure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning by replacing their batteries.
• Test detectors: Press the test button on each alarm to confirm they're working correctly.

2. Emergency Food Supplies

• Inspect canned foods: Dispose of any that are expired or damaged to prevent food-borne illnesses.
• Stock up on emergency food: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of non-perishable food items that can sustain you for at least 72 hours.

3. Emergency Supplies

• Fuel Storage: Keep an extra gas can filled and safely stored; it's crucial in a power outage or if evacuation is needed.
• Emergency Water Supply: Ensure you have at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days.
• Emergency Lighting: Stock up on candles, matches/lighters, and batteries to maintain ample lighting during power outages.
• Survival Blankets: Check your emergency blankets for damage, making sure you have enough for everyone.
• Emergency Power Solutions: A reliable power source is key in emergencies. Consider portable chargers and backup generators to keep essential devices running.

4. First Aid

• Inventory: Review your first aid kit, restocking any items that are low or expired.
• Emergency Medications: Check the expiration dates on all medications and replace as needed. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of prescription medications for at least a week.

5. Build an Emergency Go Bag

• Go Bag Essentials: Ensure your go bag is stocked with essentials like water, food, clothing, and personal items. Remember to include important documents in a waterproof container.
• Seasonal clothing and sturdy shoes: Update your go bag with seasonal clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Personal Care Items: Refresh any personal items such as glasses, contact lenses and solution, and hygiene products.

Additional Considerations

• Review Emergency Plans: Update your emergency contact list and family emergency plan with any new phone numbers, addresses, and meeting points.
• Emergency Vehicle Kit: Ensure your vehicle is serviced and includes an emergency car kit with jumper cables, flares, a tire pump, and blankets.
• Pet Emergency Kit: Don't forget about your furry friends! Make sure you have an emergency pet kit with food, water, and other supplies for them as well.
• Digital Document Storage: Create digital copies of important documents and store them securely in the cloud or on a USB drive in your go bag.
• CPR and First Aid Training: Consider taking a CPR and first aid course. Knowledge in these areas can be life-saving in an emergency.