During emergencies, as they are almost always and expected, we usually panic and a lot of us don’t know what to do. Whether it’s an earthquake, an accident, a fire, losing electricity for a couple of days, or a hurricane, it’s important to have emergency supplies readily available to you should you ever find yourself amidst an emergency situation.
Keeping and stocking up on essential emergency kits can be difficult if you don’t have a list of the things you must include. you can create a personalized home emergency kit by grabbing a large container and filling it with essentials like water, a first aid kit, medical supplies, flashlight, and non-perishable food that can cater to you, your family, and your pet’s (if any) needs. You can even put them in multiple containers and arrange them based on the supplies you put inside.
It is highly suggested to create two kits: one that’s for home use if ever you are required to stay where you are, and another is an on-the-go emergency kit that must be brought to evacuate and get away from somewhere.
It’s up to you to decide what items to put in your emergency kit, but we’ve made a list of the must-have essentials and the basic items you can include.
Solar-powered or hand-crank radio and charging device
Having a radio and charging device is a must-have emergency kit essential. It will be wise to buy a multi-use radio so that you may benefit from a lot of things on just one item. No matter what situation you’re in, it’s important to receive news and updates about what’s happening. A charging device is great for charging your radio and other devices to keep track of emergency broadcasts and updates about the situation you are in.
Flashlight
Flashlights should never be missing from your emergency kits. They will be your source of light when you are covered in darkness. They’re safer than candles that might burn down once left unattended. Usually, during emergencies, the power might be out for hours or days, and having a flashlight included in your emergency essentials can significantly help increase your chance of survival. Flashlights are also great notifiers during search and rescue operations.
Try investing in flashlights that don’t need batteries, such as solar-powered or hand-crank flashlights.
Weather-resistant blankets
Weather-resistant blankets are great for retaining your body heat and can be converted into tents if needed. Your safe emergency blankets should also be windproof, moisture-proof, waterproof, and lightweight so that they will be of great help when you go mobile.
First aid kit
Every emergency kit requires a first aid kit. They may come and compact carrying bags or square containers that give quick and easy access to several supplies, including bandages, gloves, sponges, sterilization wipes, and other medical supplies. First aid kits reduce infection risk and treat injuries like burns, sprains, cuts, and scrapes.
Multi-tool army knife
Storing a multi-tool army knife inside your emergency kit can help you with a lot of things. A tool with more than one function and can be easily carried is a must-have essential. Multi-tool army knives can include but are not limited to bottle openers, scissors, pliers, blades, and scissors.
Two-way radio
Cell towers may not function in the event of an emergency, which is why including a two-way radio in your emergency kit is a must. Two-way radios allow you to receive radio communication up to 36 miles of range. In the case of your devices running out of power, two-way radios are your best tools for communication.
Batteries
It is most likely that the power will go out during disasters, which is why you need to prepare a supply of batteries that will power your electronic devices such as radios, cell phone chargers, and flashlights. It’s best to store several battery sets with a 10-year shelf life and avoid buying those without any expiration dates printed on them.
N95 respirator masks
These disposable masks are your best choice for your emergency preparedness kit. They effectively filter out the most hazardous substances since they filter at least 95% of microparticles. These masks are also easy to wear and cheap to buy.
Emergency food kit
Keeping an emergency food kit containing non-perishables such as canned food is important for a lot of reasons. These foods should not require cooking and are easily stocked and opened. An emergency food kit is important to ensure your survival until help arrives.
A supply of clean drinking water
Having an available supply of clean drinking water during emergencies is important to your and your family’s survival. Should a disaster strike, your existing water sources may not be accessible to you, so you must make sure to have a supply of clean drinking water stored in a safe and accessible place.