As National Preparedness Month winds down, there’s still time to take advantage of a program at the Commissary designed to help people build their preparedness kits.

“During September, National Preparedness Month, Commissary shoppers can purchase the items needed for their survival kits and save nearly 25% at checkout, whether that emergency is manmade or by Mother Nature,” Commissary Officer Sam Somerville said.

Somerville suggests adding items like “beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes” to a preparedness kit.

According to Ready.gov, the group behind National Preparedness Month, being ready for an emergency starts with making a plan.

Families should answer five questions in order to ensure they’ve covered all the bases.

How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

What is my shelter plan?

What is my evacuation route?

What is my household communication plan?

Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

In addition to Somerville’s suggestions, Ready.gov lists other items that should be included in a kit. Those are: water, at least a gallon per person, per day; nonperishable food, such as dried fruit, peanut butter, or energy bars; a first aid kit; cash; prescription medicines; extra batteries or an alternative power source; matches, in a waterproof container; toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste and soap; items to eat with like paper plates, plastic cups and utensils and paper towels; a way to get information like a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio; sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; flashlights; a whistle to signal for help; can opener, manual; local maps; pet and service animal supplies; baby supplies, formula, diapers, etc.; and an extra pair of eyeglasses.

For more information visit Ready.gov.

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