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Get Prepared, Stay Prepared.

As average people, we shouldn’t need an end-of-the-world scenario to show us the importance of disaster preparedness. This past year reminded us how much devastation natural disasters can cause and just how frail we are as human beings. Unfortunately, for many, preparedness is of utmost importance during or after an emergency situation, not before. But for the thousands of people who have been affected by life threatening emergency situations like hurricanes, fires and earthquakes, proper disaster preparedness proved to be a lesson they’d likely never forget.

“I really think that we have a long way to go to create a true culture of preparedness within our citizenry in America. No American, no citizen, no visitor to this country is immune to disaster.” - Brock Long, Chief of FEMA

If you think the natural disasters that occurred in 2017 are unlikely to repeat in 2018, you are alarmingly mistaken. Natural disasters are unpredictable, and those who take the time to prepare before a disaster occurs will have a significant survival advantage over those who do not.

Preparing for Threats

We are thrilled to announce that our 4-Person Premium Survival Kit with 72-Hours of Emergency Preparedness and First Aid Supplies was ranked #4 in Wiki.ezvid.com's 2018 list of the 10 Best Survival Backpacks.

A representative from Ezvid Wiki explained the scope of what they do, and its impressive.

“Compiled with twenty-eight hours of research, this newly published Wiki in the outdoors category is a broad-ranging, impartial assessment of survival backpack options available to consumers in the United States.”

This is a true honor and further assurance that our mission to provide customers with the very best in the emergency preparedness industry is being achieved.

“Founded in 2011, Ezvid Wiki was the world's first video wiki, and is now among the top 3,000 websites in the United States. Our YouTube channel has 265,000 subscribers, 156 million views since founding, and we have informed over $200 million in purchasing decisions to date."

The 4 Person Premium Survival Kit Breakdown

For those who may not be aware, lets take a deeper look into our 4-Person Premium Survival Kit. Our kit is broken down into two bags and designed to address 5 unique categories in emergency preparation.

1. FIRST AID: When disaster strikes, minor injuries can quickly become major problems. Our disaster preparedness kit comes equipped with a 85-piece first aid kit, glowsticks, 5-1 emergency whistle (compass, flint, signal mirror, whistle and carrying case), leather palm work gloves and medical face masks 
2. WATER: In an emergency, one of the most important things to have on hand is clean drinking water. First My Family emergency kits are equipped with a 72-hour supply of emergency water, per person. 
3. FOOD: Time is of the essence during an emergency, and food is often forgotten. Our disaster survival kit comes with four 2400-calorie food rations packaged in easy grab-and-go bags for added convenience. Food is nut-free and produced from non-GMO ingredients for allergy sensitivities.
4. SHELTER: When displaced by an emergency, you need the right tools to keep your family safe and sheltered. Our disaster preparedness kit includes emergency ponchos, mylar blankets, a Lifeline LED flashlight and a multi-function pocket knife. 
5. WARMTH: Disasters can leave you exposed to the elements, which is why survival preparation is vital. Our emergency kit for natural disasters contains body warmers and waterproof matches to keep your family warm.

Come fire, flood, storm or quake you will have a great base of preps to assure you are ready to face these threats. We all need to pay emergency preparedness the attention it deserves. This is particularly true of those with families. 

The Importance of Personalized Emergency Preparedness

Of course, your survival kit doesn’t have to stop with the items our seasoned emergency and disaster professionals packed into it. Our team set out to create something that would carry a family of 4 through a common disaster, and the kits' contents include a broad range of base items that people from all walks of life can benefit from. 

Of course, there is no way we could have personalized our kits for each one of our customers - that is where you come in. It takes personalization and an understanding of your unique personal qualities to truly create a survival kit that meets all your needs.

To do this effectively you must look at each living creature in your home and compile a list of their needs. What does it take to keep your dog Fido healthy? Do you have a child with eczema? You must store all the items you need in quantities that will standup to a disaster. How about medicines for special conditions and vision care? 

You need to also consider entertainment. In this electronic age, must have options for when the lights go out and even when the batteries we packed drain away. Pack up your favorite books and your children’s favorite toys to keep the whole family busy until help arrives. 

Use our survival kit to create a solid base for your emergency preparedness then add your personal touches to assure you have piece of mind in a disaster. Get prepared, stay prepared! 

Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is upon us and that means many of us are headed home to spend quality time with family, friends, and loved ones. 

No matter your location, it cannot be denied that this is a beautiful time of year. However, just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean emergencies can’t occur without warning. So, it’s again tremendously important to take precautionary measures should the unexpected happen.

Keep Everyone Warm

Everyone likes to be warm, pets included!

As the months get colder and the days get shorter, be sure to have a strong supply of winter essentials like blankets, water-proof candles, coats, and sweaters. Be sure to add them to your home and car prep kits to help you conserve heat during the harsh winter months.  

Stay Safe on the Road

Do you have an emergency preparation kit for your car? We sure hope so! For the many unexpected things that can happen while on the road, it's critical to have an up-to-date emergency prep kit at all times. 

The 4 Person Premium Disaster Preparedness Survival Kit from First My Family is a perfect option for families looking to stay safe on the road. Should an emergency situation arise while out-and-about, this survival kit comes fully-equipped with 72 hours of survival and first aid supplies.

Running out of gas? Stuck in the snow? Plan ahead and stay prepared. 

Great supplies may not be enough to stay fully prepared. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers in your vehicle should you need to call a tow truck, friend, or other emergency contacts.  

Check Holiday Lighting

One of the things that can be easily overlooked is safety when it comes to our beloved holiday decorations. Make sure each connection is secure and kept at a safe distance away from small children and pets. 

Additionally, keep an eye on the number of plugs you have from each outlet; overloading your outlets has the potential to cause a major fire emergency. 

Lastly, if you are burning candles, keep them away from flammable objects like trees, decorations and gifts. Be sure to also use items like hot-pad holders and never leave your home without out putting your candles out completely. 

Play Safe: Holiday Toy Safety

It is important to be safe when playing with toys this holiday season since there are many small, detachable parts that can be swallowed. Make sure to keep all toys away from small children and infants and/or monitor children when the toys are in use. 

Also, we all know opening packages during the holidays can be a difficult task. Toys are often packaged tightly, prompting us to use sharp objects to open them. Take extra precaution when attempting to open all packages. Keep sharp objects away from children and do not allow them to open toys without adult supervision. 

Be Prepared in Any Moment

Emergencies can occur at any time and in any moment, including the holiday season. Gather your family for a few moments to address your evacuation and safety plan for your home. Take the time now to prepare your family, and remember: there's no such thing and being too prepared! 

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holday season! 

Thanksgiving 2016: Family Communication Equals Family Safety

Thanksgiving 2016 is finally here! Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for friends, family, and loved ones to spend quality moments together and make new memories to last a lifetime. 

Unfortunately, natural disasters and emergency situations don’t take days off. Although Thanksgiving is for enjoying one another and spreading the love and cheer that encapsulates the holiday season, it is important that everyone takes advantage of the togetherness and uses this time to discuss important family safety topics.

Here are three major topics you should find time to discuss with your family this Thanksgiving.

Family Communication Plan

Do you have a family communication plan established should a natural disaster or emergency situation occur? Who will contact whom? Do you have everyone’s contact information and is the contact information you have updated, correct, and accurate? 

Your family communication plan should include what to do and where to go should an emergency occur. Determine a collective meeting place in case of an emergency, and ensure everyone is on the same page as far as next steps.

Family Contact Information 

Do you have the current contact information of family, friends, and loved ones? Do you have updated addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and so on?

It’s important to regularly update this information since such items tend to change frequently. Take a few moments now that the family is together to share everyone’s contact information so everyone has the most current information possible.

Emergency Preparation Kits

Do you have an emergency preparation kit to utilize in a potential emergency situation? Preparedness kits are of course one of the most important items for survival during an emergency situation because they have everything you need in one place and ready to go.

Don’t have a prep kit? Take a look at the First My Family 4 Person Survival Kit - Disaster Preparedness Kit today.

You and your family will benefit endlessly from having a comprehensive preparedness kit in your homes and cars throughout the holiday season and over the course of the entire year. You never know when disasters may occur or when a potential emergency situation might arise, so you’ll need to be prepared in all instances.

This Thanksgiving and holiday season, let safety be one of the things you are most thankful for. Ensure that you and your loved ones have all the resources they needed in the case of an emergency.

Wishing you a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Labor Day Safety & Preparedness

Labor Day weekend is the last weekend of summer and we’re sure you’ll want to celebrate with the entire family! Everyone is relaxed and happy to be off of work on a Monday, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for the many emergency situations that could occur at any moment. With outdoor activities like grilling, swimming, and more, it’s important that you remember a few key things for your holiday.  

Grilling Safety

Barbequing is a tasty and memorable way to spend the holiday; after all, it’s not summer without some of our favorite summer foods. But, we must still keep in mind that the grill can be very dangerous. When cooking, make sure you to keep family members a safe distance away from the fire and keep a fire extinguisher near your side. Also, do not grill underneath an awning or covering, as it may be easy to catch on fire. Lastly, if you’re using propane, ensure that both the tank and grill are working properly before using. Keep in mind that barbeques are a major cause of house fires, especially in the summer months. Don’t let this fact stop you from grilling, but for the well-being of the entire family, practice safe grilling and enjoy your labor day feast.

See more burn first aid tips here. 

Burn Supplies

Even the safest of families have accidents from time to time. Consider this scenario: You’re flipping burgers on the barbeque during holiday relaxation mode, then suddenly burn your hand on the grill...whoops! Time to bring out your first aid kit. First, identify how severe the burn is; If you believe it’s severe seek medical treatment immediately.  If the burn is minor, run room temperature water (not cold water or ice) over the burn and dab dry with a towel or cloth. Follow-up with burn cream or aloe vera serum on the minor burn and keep the wound open while it breathes and cools down.  

Sunscreen

When you’re out in the sun all day it’s really easy to get a sunburned or even severe skin damage. To prevent this you’ll want to use a high SPF sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.  If swimming in the pool or at the beach you’ll want to get a water resistant version so it won’t wash away once you step in the water. Without sunscreen, you can pave the way for major skin issues like heat rashes and burns, so come prepared and reapply.  After you come indoors at the end of the day, we suggest rubbing lotion or aloe on your skin to help rehydrate any sun exposeded areas.  

Water

Get out your TWDZPAK and keep it filled with water throughout the entire weekend. The TWDZPAK is the perfect water bottle to carry your favorite thirst-quenchers in; safe by the pool or near the grill, and even has an easy-to-carry carabiner. Are you drinking enough water? Don’t forget keep several water bottles full throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid over-heating. It is very easy to forget how important hydration is on a hot day, but the TWDZPAK can serve as a friendly reminder to keep drinking water.

Back-To-School Preparedness

Back-to-school season is here! You’ve enjoyed a long summer of relaxation, camping, and quality time with the family- now it’s time to put on those thinking caps and get back to studying.  We’re prepared at home and on the road, but have you thought about emergency preparedness at school? Schools are usually equipped with supplies, but making sure you’re prepared with your own supplies is very important.  Stay prepared by assembling a mini locker, desk, or backpack prep kit. Check out our suggestions on what to pack!

The Walking Dead TWDZPAK

Don’t know where to start? Our TWDZPAK has the perfect combination of items for emergency prep and everyday use; the custom water bottle comes with a light stick, emergency whistle, space blanket, poncho, and bandages.  You can use these products as a great starting point in building your school emergency kit and use the water bottle for everyday use! The custom water bottle is perfect for all day hydration and It even comes with a custom carabiner to attach the bottle to any backpacks or bags your kids might use for school.  

Emergency Drinking Water

Just in case an emergency situation results in a water shortage, and the water in your TWDZPAK has been consumed, it’s important to also have extra emergency drinking water in preparedness kits.  Although schools usually have a water reserve, when it comes to preparedness, one must never rely on others.  Adding drinking water to mini prep kits is a must.

Emergency Food

You never know how long an emergency situation will take to get resolved. It’s important to include food items like energy bars and rations in school prep kits in order to promote alertness and energy until help can arrive. Also, be make sure to keep an eye on product expiration dates to ensure freshness of the food items.

Emergency Contact Info

Including a card or sheet with all up to date emergency contact info is extremely important.  While schools have family contact information on file, in the event of an emergency, they might not have the time to access that critical information. Having that information ready in their prep packs could help speed up the rescue process.

Build you prep kit and stay prepared this back-to-school season!

Stay Prepared While Traveling

The summer months are a perfect time to travel - the kids are out of school, the weather is great, and it’s a great way to spend some quality time with your family.  We know you’re prepared at home for a disaster or emergency, but are you prepared while traveling? Whether you’re flying, road tripping, or going somewhere close to home, it’s important to always stay prepared for the unexpected, check out some tips below.

Always Carry a First Aid Kit
Wherever you’re traveling, be sure to carry a small first aid kit with you with items like band aids, over-the-counter remedies, and any other common items you feel you might need. Sure you may get the help you need if a problem arises, but take as much action as you can by being prepared. Afterall, at the very least it can help you feel much more comfortable and at-ease when traveling. Did you know our TWDZPAK includes several emergency and first aid supplies and doubles as a water bottle? Check it out here.

Keep Emergency Cash and Back Up Cards

When you’re traveling it’s important to have back up cash and credit cards in case your belongings get lost or stolen. Remember the unexpected happens at the worst times, prepare yourself from as many situations as you can. Stay prepared and make sure you have the means to get your family home.  

Have Travel Insurance

A great preparedness step you can take is to get yourself and your family travel insurance.  Travel insurance will cover you in case you or a family member gets injured, your belongings get stolen, in many cases of emergencies, if you have to head home early, or if there are any unforeseen cancellations in your itinerary.  If you can, try to get a high coverage limit on your policy that also covers emergency evacuations or care if you happen to be hiking in the woods.    

Mosquito Protection and ZIKA Awareness   
Mosquitos are everywhere in the Summer, but areas near water are their favorite place to hang out.  If you’re traveling to an area you believe might have some sort of mosquito population, it’s important to wear bug spray repellent and to wear long pants and shirts in order to protect your skin from bites.  Usually, you’ll just get an uncomfortable lump that can itch, but will go away in a few days.  Right now however, there is an outbreak of Zika Virus that you have to be very careful about if you’re traveling anywhere in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and The Pacific Islands.  There also have been cases in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, Florida. It is often advised that pregnant women should NOT travel to those places - the most common effect of the Zika Virus is severe birth defects of unborn children. If you are traveling to these places use powerful bug spray, and again, wear long pants and shirts, sleep with the air conditioning on and make sure there are screens on every window.  Zika is extremely dangerous and should be avoided as much as possible.

Have fun and stay safe for the remaining of the summer!   

Survival Lessons from Season 6 of The Walking Dead

Season 6 of the Walking Dead was a rollercoaster of emotions for all zombie-loving fans from across the nation. During these long months we witnessed some of our favorite characters face and overcome unimaginable survival odds leaving us to ask: “What would we do in this situation?”

It’s likely that you’ve uttered the same sentence with a friend, family member or loved one while watching the show, after all, the show’s characters are ordinary citizens of the world prior to the zombie outbreak.

As emergency and disaster preparedness pro’s and TWD fanatics, we took some survival notes on Season 6 of The Walking Dead to help you strengthen your skills in emergency prep, and increase your odds of survival. Take a look and stay safe:

Learn Key Skills

Learning skills in carpentry, masonry, gardening, and farming can prove to be extremely useful when building a survival shelter and living in remote areas for extended periods.

Learning CPR & First Aid can mean the difference between life and death; these skills can be used to help yourself and others during and after a disaster.

Learning to make your own ammunition may be put on the back-burner for some, but you may want to consider learning the skill now. After all, ammunition during a survival situation is key for protection.

• Helpful resources on CPR & First Aid from The American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr
• Helpful resources on ammunition from Off The Grid News: http://www.offthegridnews.com/self-defense/what-will-i-need-to-make-my-own-ammo/

Food & Water

Drinkable water is often hard to find and can be quite heavy to carry. Consider investing in a Lifestraw water filter so you’re able to filter filthy water into clean, safe drinking water (Lifestraw water filters take out more that 99% of bacteria).

Stockpile high-calorie, long-lasting foods and seeds for planting, we can think of more than a few moments during Season 6 where they were concerned about the food they stockpiled.

• Stockpiling tips from Skilled Survival: http://www.skilledsurvival.com/stockpiling-food-might-be-your-best-investment/  

Customize Your Prep Kits

Every Emergency Prep kit should be customized to accommodate every member of your household. Special medications and supplies should be included in your kits (don’t forget: all of our FMF kits have enough room for extra survival supplies). Make sure to always include more than enough emergency medication that you know is critical to you and your entire family.

Emergency situations and natural disasters happen without warning, prepare accordingly to increase survival for you and your loved ones. From our family to yours, stay safe! 

Stay Safe This Christmas Day

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from First My Family! Here are some safety tips for the entire family on this very special holiday- stay safe!

1.   Holiday Lighting

If you’re like many families in the U.S., you have holiday lighting in and outside your home. Be sure to unplug those lights when you leave your home or go to bed.

2.  Outdoors

It’s great to play outdoors on Christmas Day. But whether you live in a snowy place or not, make sure you and your kids are dressed appropriately- sweaters and scarfs are a must if it’s chilly!

3.   Toy Safety

Many little ones’ toys may contain tiny and or sharp particles. To avoid choking or other toy-related injuries, keep an eye on children every time they are playing, and take the time to explain to them how to properly (and safely) play.