What should a person with arthritis keep in an emergency kit?

Keep an emergency kit ready to grab and go. In a small, easy-to-reach shoulder bag or backpack, include the following:

• flashlight with extra batteries
• battery-operated radio with extra batteries (To avoid corrosion, store batteries outside of the device or place a piece of cardboard between the batteries and the battery contacts.)
• extra set of keys for your house and car
• extra pair of glasses
• cash, phone card or change and a duplicate credit card
• bottled water (replace every six months)
• nonperishable, high-energy food (dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, peanut butter and crackers)
• duplicate driver’s license or identity card and health insurance medical card
• copies of your current prescriptions or a complete list of prescription drugs, with name, dosage, doctor’s name, prescription number and pharmacy name, address and phone number
• your list of contacts, including names and phone numbers of family members, healthcare providers, support network members and key service providers, such as your local emergency management agency, ambulance service, telephone and utility repair, plumber and building manager or landlord
• list of names and model numbers of any medical devices

Be sure to store your emergency kit in an easily accessible place near the door, so it is easy to grab as you leave the house.