Be prepared. Make sure you have these essential emergency kit items on hand!
Natural disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. Earthquakes, hurricanes, other natural disasters, and emergencies can leave us helpless. Emergencies can also happen when you least expect them. In the face of distress, it’s always best to stay calm and practice mindfulness so you can make the right steps to safety.
Keeping an emergency kit could make a huge difference during those unexpected events. By taking some time to prepare an emergency kit, you’re ensuring your and your family’s safety and survival for days when disasters happen.
A well-prepared emergency kit should include essentials, first-aid needs, and items to call for help. Here are some of the important pieces you need to have in your emergency kit:
Water and Food Supply
Foods and water are the most vital parts of your emergency kit. Keep a supply of non-perishable foods and a manual can opener. Choose food items that your family usually eats and fit their dietary needs. Here are some examples of food you can stock up on:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, vegetables, and fruits
- Dry cereals like a granola bar, corn flakes, raisin bran, or bran flakes
- Protein or fruit bars
- Whole-grain crackers or cereals
- High-energy foods like nuts or sweet potatoes
- Non-perishable pasteurized milk
- Dried fruits
In keeping an emergency water supply, it is suggested that you keep at least one gallon of water per day per person to be used for drinking and sanitation.
First-Aid Kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you treat common injuries when you’re at home. You can easily buy first-aid kits from stores or assemble one on your own. You want to tailor-fit your first-aid kit based on your needs. Some basic supplies and medication may include:
- Adhesive tapes and bandages
- Rubber tourniquet
- Thermometer
- Instant cold packs
- Petroleum jelly or other lubricants
- Sterile saline
- Antibiotic ointment and antiseptic solution
- Antacids
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antihistamine
- Aloe vera gel
- Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil)
Flashlight and Fresh Batteries
Since power outages can happen during disasters, having a battery-operated flashlight will help you see through the dark. While you can easily pull out your phone to use as a flashlight, you might want to save your phone’s battery so you can call or reach out for help. Remember to keep a fresh batch of batteries too.
Whistle
Keeping a whistle is handy when you need to signal for help. When you’re stuck or stranded, a whistle’s call can easily be heard by the search and rescue team.
Toiletries
Even during natural disasters and emergencies, you shouldn’t take personal hygiene for granted. Hygiene supplies may not take up much room in your kit but will make a huge difference in keeping you feeling fresh and clean during stressful times. Here are some toiletries you want to keep:
- Deodorant
- Bar of soap or body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial wipes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Washcloths
Battery-Powered or Hand-Cranked Radio
Radios can provide you with important updates and information such as weather alerts, location, and distribution schedule of water and relief goods. It can also provide other announcements that could affect your safety. Keeping a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio is sustainable and will be useful even during power outages.
Portable Multi-Tool
A multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife is a portable device that combines several individual tools in one handy power tool. With just one handy device, you can open canned goods, cut through clothing and ropes, loosen and tighten screws, open bottles, and more. It’s a perfect small tool to keep during unexpected times.
Blankets
Blankets are useful items during emergencies because they may serve many purposes. It can cover injured victims and line the inside of a sleeping bag to make you comfortable. It can also work as a shade or shelter against the sun during hot weather conditions. It can keep you warm and may prevent hypothermia by reducing heat loss from your body during extremely cold conditions.
Choose a lightweight, portable, heavy-duty emergency blanket. Space blankets or emergency blankets have highly reflective insulators that may help prevent a sudden drop in your body temperature.
Waterproof Bag
Keep important documents, cellphones, and cash in a waterproof bag when exposed to rain or flood. An airtight container or case will also work to keep your essentials secure from water, sand, or debris. Even better, you can use a durable waterproof bag for your entire emergency kit.
This article was written by Ruth Riley, an educator and writer. She teaches linguistics to college students and also conducts studies about CBD. She believes CBD is one of the best natural alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs and that it is worth more in-depth research and understanding.
