From natural disasters to large-scale power outages, emergencies can happen at any time, without warning. While many of these situations might not cause any harm or will be easy to wait out, others may create a bit more havoc. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare for anything by having an emergency preparedness kit handy. This kit should include all of the supplies you might need in case of an emergency. This blog post will discuss what items you should have in your emergency kit!
First Aid Kit
One of the most critical items to have in your emergency preparedness kit is a first aid kit. A first aid kit will come in handy for any minor injuries you might sustain during an emergency. Make sure to include supplies like bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, and pain relief medication. If you have any allergies or are taking any medications, be sure to include an epi-pen or other allergy medication. If you have young children, it’s important to include supplies like adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, calamine lotion, and fever reducers.
Hand Crank Radio
Another essential item for your emergency preparedness kit is a hand-crank radio. A radio will allow you to stay up to date on any news or weather reports that might be broadcasting during an emergency. Hand crank radios are also great because they don’t require batteries, so you don’t have to worry about them running out of power. You should make sure to get a hand-crank radio that has an NOAA weather band so that you can stay up to date on the latest weather conditions. If you can find one that includes the weather band, at the very least, get one with both FM and AM. That way, you have better odds at picking up vital information when you need it.
Contents
Non-Perishable Food
If you have to evacuate your home or are without power for an extended period, having non-perishable food on hand is key to survival. This might be the most essential item in your kit. Canned goods, dry cereal, peanut butter, and crackers are all great options for non-perishable foods. You can also find pre-packaged food items that don’t require cooking, such as MREs (meals ready to eat). Remember, if there are any special dietary needs or allergies in your family, be sure to include food that will accommodate those needs.
Water
Water is crucial for your survival in any situation. You cannot stress this one enough. You should have at least one gallon of water per person per day. That means if you’re with four people, you would want to have four gallons of water on hand. If you don’t think that’s possible, consider this: each person can live up to 2 weeks without food, but only three days without water. That’s why it is so important to have water in your emergency preparedness kit. There are a few ways to store water for emergencies: bottled water, jugs of water, and canteens or hydration packs. It’s also a good idea to have a way to purify water, like water purification tablets or a portable water filter, if you run out of clean water.
Flashlight
A flashlight will come in handy for any time you need light, such as during a power outage or if you have to evacuate your home in the middle of the night. Make sure to get a flashlight with an LED light, which lasts longer and uses less battery power than a traditional bulb. It would be best to get a rechargeable flashlight, so you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries. And finally, make sure to get a waterproof flashlight, just in case you find yourself in an emergency where you need light and might get wet.
Multi-Tool
A multi-tool is a must-have for your emergency preparedness kit. You can use it for various tasks, from cutting through seatbelts to opening cans of food. Make sure the multi-tool you choose has a knife, pliers, screwdriver, and scissors. These are the most commonly needed tools in an emergency. If you’re not sure which multi-tool to choose, ask a salesperson at your local hardware store for help. They should recommend a good quality tool that will suit your needs.
Local Map
When creating your emergency preparedness kit, it is essential to include a local map. This will help you if you need to evacuate and need to know where to go. A local map can also help you find alternate routes if there are any road closures. Make sure the map is up-to-date and includes all of the roads in your area. If you live in a rural area, make sure the map consists of all of the streets in your surrounding counties. It is also important to have a GPS in your emergency preparedness kit. A GPS can make it easier to find alternate routes. It can also help you find shelter and food if you are stranded. Although a GPS may not work in some cases, it is still good to have just in case
Fire Starters
One of the most important things to have in your emergency preparedness kit is a fire starter. You can use fire starters to help you light a fire to cook food, keep warm, or signal for help. There are many different fire starters, so it is vital to choose one that will work best for your needs. Typical fire starters include matches, lighters, magnesium blocks, and flint and steel. Matches are the most common type of fire starter, but they can be easily damaged if wet. Lighters are an excellent option because they are windproof. Flint and steel are old-fashioned but one of the most reliable firestarters. No matter what type of fire starter you choose, it is essential to keep it in a safe place where it will be easy to find in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
So, what should you put in your emergency preparedness kit? The answer may vary depending on where you live and the types of emergencies that are most common in your area. However, these are some basic items that everyone should have on hand. These are all essential for surviving an emergency. If you can build your kit around these basics, you’ll be well equipped to handle almost any emergency!