Costco Recall Alert: What You Need to Know and How to Get Help Costco has issued urgent recall notices on several essential products — including tires, air conditioners, and portable power banks — due to safety concerns. These recalls impact items that many families rely on during summer travel, home cooling, and power outage preparedness. The recall, emphasizes potential hazards such as overheating, equipment failure, or product defects that could pose serious risks in emergency situations. If you're an emergency manager, a household relying on backup power, or someone who recently purchased these products from Costco, it’s critical to check whether your items are affected. What to Do if You Purchased a Recalled Item Check Your Purchase: Visit Costco’s recall center or the NHTSA recall site for tire-related products. Use your receipt or Costco membership to look up recent purchases. Stop Using the Product: Immediately discontinue use of the recalled item, especia...
Essential Items for a 72-Hour Survival Kit
In light of increasing natural disasters and emergencies, government agencies stress the importance of preparing a 72-hour survival kit. These kits are vital for ensuring that individuals and families have enough resources to sustain themselves in case of unexpected events.
Your survival kit should include enough food and water for three days, along with essential items like medications, flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit. Additionally, items such as sanitation supplies and important documents are also recommended.
The goal is to be self-sufficient while waiting for assistance. Such preparedness not only enhances personal safety but also aids local emergency management efforts by minimizing immediate demand on limited resources.
A well-stocked survival kit can protect your household, ease stress during crises, and reduce strain on first responders. Here are five key tips to help you build a reliable 72-hour emergency supply kit.
1. Stockpile Core Life-Sustaining Resources: Water & Food
Water: Store one gallon of water per person per day, totaling three gallons for the 72-hour period. This includes water for drinking and minimal hygiene.
Food: Choose non-perishable, calorie-dense items such as canned beans, peanut butter, protein bars, and freeze-dried meals. Avoid salty snacks that may increase thirst.
💡 Pro tip: Include manual can openers and basic utensils if your food isn’t ready-to-eat.
2. Pack Essential Medications and Health Supplies
Your kit should include:
- A first aid kit with antiseptics, bandages, tweezers, and gloves.
- Prescription medications (a 3-day supply minimum).
- Over-the-counter essentials like ibuprofen, antihistamines, electrolyte packets, and anti-diarrheals.
- Glasses or contact lens solution if needed.
If you or a family member has specific medical conditions, personalize your kit accordingly. This step is often overlooked and can be life-saving.
3. Include Critical Tools and Lighting Equipment
Communication and visibility are vital during a blackout or evacuation:- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries for all electronic devices
- Portable phone charger or solar charger
- Whistle to signal for help
- Multipurpose tool or Swiss Army knife
- Also consider a battery-operated NOAA weather radio to stay informed about evolving emergency alerts.
4. Don’t Forget Hygiene and Important Documents
Cleanliness helps prevent the spread of illness when sanitation systems fail. Include:
- Moist towelettes
- Toilet paper
- Feminine hygiene products
- Trash bags and plastic ties
- Just as critical: Store copies of key documents (in waterproof pouches or digitally on a flash drive):
- ID cards
- Insurance policies
- Medical records
- Emergency contacts
5. Customize for Your Household and Stay Updated
No two households are the same. Consider adding:
- Supplies for infants (diapers, formula)
- Pet food and leashes
- Comfort items for kids (toys, games, books)
- Seasonal gear (blankets in winter, sunscreen in summer)
Finally, review and refresh your kit every 6 months. Check expiration dates, rotate out old supplies, and update based on family changes.
Learn more by visiting The Red Cross emergency preparedness website- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html.
At Youdle, we're committed to enhancing community preparedness by providing real-time visibility on available supplies at local stores. Our platform assists individuals and emergency managers in effectively coordinating essential resources during crises.
By leveraging platforms like Youdle, communities can ensure they are better equipped to face emergencies confidently and efficiently.
