Extreme Weather in Texas Is a Reminder That We All Need an Emergency Kit; Here Is How to Build One

You don’t need to be a doomsday prepper but you should have what you need in the event of a natural disaster and emergencies; here's how to build one.

I live in Maine, where at least twice a year, we lose power for multiple days. October now brings us giant wet storms that drench the soil while high, gale force winds tear down trees, ripping the roots from the soggy ground. The last time this happened, my house lost power for a week. We lose power in the winter when the snow gets too heavy and falls too fast, pulling down lines and even breaking roofs.

Last night in Texas, my niece lost all of her possessions because of extreme weather. Arctic air has battered the south for days, and in her case, the pipes in her apartment building burst. Her place flooded, and in a panic, while she tried to escape, she grabbed random things but managed to get out with her boyfriend and their cat. Luckily, they are safe, and they have a place to stay.

Her story got me thinking about the ways that I prepare for extreme weather. I live in a place that knows the deep cold intimately. My friends in the south understand how to live in extreme heat and humidity. The way we build our houses and live our lives are very different because of those climate facts. But there is something we both have in common; we still need…