One of the ideas of CrossFit is for you to be ready for any thing at any time. This could mean your job, your sport, or an emergency situation. While CrossFit can get you physically fit to handle any situation, are you prepared with the proper supplies in the case of an emergency? Do you have an emergency kit put together? What will you have at hand if there is an earthquake or some other type of disaster?

I have two emergency kits and keep both very accessible. One is behind the front seat of my car and one is in my coat closet in my apartment. Both are backpacks filled with supplies and therefore very easy to grab and transport. If you don't have a kit in your car and in your home, you should seriously consider putting it at the top of your "to do" list. If you have relatives or loved ones who don't have a kit, consider putting one together for them as a gift.

So what do you put in a kit? Let me tell you what's in my home kit:

-Waterproof matches
-Water purification tablets
-Packets of "Gu" or other types of energy gels
-Whistle
-Wrench (for gas valve shut off)
-Can opener
-Pen, pencil, sharpie
-Dust masks
-Duct tape
-Ziplock bags
-Garbage bags
-Emergency thermal blanket
-Nylon rope or 550 cord
-Burner and fuel canisters
-Emergency radio (hand crank and battery powered)
-Batteries
-First Aid kit
-Babywipes
-Copies of all important paperwork
-List of emergency contact information
-Cash
-Spare keys to home, car, safe deposit box, etc.

For your home you should also keep a supply of water and food on hand.

For your car emergency kit, you'll want to consider some different items. Your home kit assumes that you're home and have access to certain things like a good flashlight and a sturdy utility knife (if you don't have these at home, please get them!). Your car kit should prepare you for being in the middle of nowhere. Items to have in your car kit, in addition to what I listed above:

-Tinder (laundry lint is great for this)
-Eating utensils
-Flashlight
-Multitool (Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman)
-Compass
-Personal toiletry items
-Medical prescriptions
-Hand sanitizer
-Work gloves
-Contact lens supplies

It's also a good idea to keep extra shoes and spare clothing in your car.

If you have children, the best idea is to prepare a bag for each of you - make them back pack style and personalized for each person's needs. Make sure you have identification and emergency contact information in each bag in case you get split up.

Also, don't forget the pets! If you have animals at home have a carrier on hand in case you need to evacuate! Be sure to have food and any medical supplies needed for them packed as well!

These are just some basic ideas - you can get pretty elaborate with these kits, or keep them pretty simple. The point is - HAVE one. Have a couple! And make sure everyone in your home knows where they are!