Having enough supplies to meet your needs is one of the most important things you can do as an informed citizen of our country. Whether it’s food, medicine, gear, or both, being prepared means having the right tools to help you restore your health and get back into action after a disaster.
While some people feel that buying too much junk makes them more unprepared, I would argue the opposite- too little preparation is even worse! An empty wallet cannot put out a fire.
Sadly, we live in a society where spending money is easy. It’s easy to spend money when you don’t have much of it invested in things like food, water, and shelter. Even though this is totally normal and understandable, it isn’t very prudent.
After all, what good are these if there’s nothing to eat, drink, and sleep with? Plus, they’re pretty expensive things, which could potentially be hard to come by later. If you’ve got a bag full of barely anything, someone else will benefit from those resources!
So how about instead of stockpiling lots of useless crap, try investing in something more practical instead? Here are ten (yes, only ten) gadgets that should absolutely be part of any emergency supply collection. Read on to see why they’re essential items and why you should own at least one of each of them.
What should be included in an emergency preparedness kit?
When it comes to emergency preparedness, there are a lot of things to consider. But when it comes down to it, there are really only a few essentials that you need to have in your kit. Here’s what you should include in your emergency preparedness kit:
1. Water. You need to have at least a gallon of water per person, per day. And you need to have a way to purify it. I recommend getting a water filter and some water purification tablets.
2. Food. You need to have enough food to last you for at least three days. Non-perishable food is best, but you should also include some canned goods and other easy-to-prepare food.
3. Shelter. If you’re caught in a disaster, you need to have some way to shelter yourself from the elements. A tent is a good option, but you should also have a tarp or some other kind of waterproof material.
4. First Aid Kit. You never know when you might need some first aid, so it’s always good to have a kit on hand. Include bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and anything else you might need.
5. Flashlight. A flashlight is an essential item in any emergency situation. Make sure you have a few fresh batteries on hand.
6. Radio. A radio can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation. You can use it to stay informed about what’s going on and to get help if you need it.
7. Extra clothes. You should have a change of clothes in your kit, in case you get wet or dirty.
8. Money. In an emergency situation, cash is king. Make sure you have some on hand, just in case.
9. Important documents. If you need to evacuate, you’ll want to have your important documents with you. Keep them in a waterproof bag.
10. Survival guide. A good survival guide can be a lifesaver in an emergency situation. Make sure you have one on hand.
These are just a few of the essentials that you should include in your emergency preparedness kit. By having these items on hand, you’ll be better prepared for anything that comes your way.
Scratching post
A scratching post is an excellent way to improve your dog’s mental health. They are designed to give your pooch some needed exercise by chasing, crawling, or rolling around on it.
Studies show that dogs who are given adequate opportunity to play spend much of their time thinking about ways to fulfill their instinctual desires to chase, snarl, bark, and manipulate objects. This subconscious behavior can carry over into other areas such as socialization and self-confidence.
It also helps promote healthy grooming habits since puppies need to work out tension and needs frequent baths and nail trims.
In addition to these benefits, research shows that having a pet can help ease the stress related to life changes like moving or giving up employment. Having a friend that you look forward to spending time with every day can be very comforting when you’re feeling down or tired.
So whether your little one is already the love of your life or you’re looking to add some furry friends to your pack, consider investing in a sturdy, well-made scratch post to facilitate all those wonderful things.
A small power generator
A small power generator can be a great addition to your home. They are relatively inexpensive and can be used to power small appliances or even your whole home in a power outage.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a small power generator. The first is what you will be using it for. If you only need it for occasional use, then a small, portable generator may be all you need. However, if you are looking for a generator to power your home in the event of a power outage, then you will need a larger, more powerful generator.
The second thing to consider is how often you will be using the generator. If you only need it for occasional use, then you may not need a large generator. However, if you are planning on using it regularly, then you will want to choose a generator that is large enough to handle your needs.
The third thing to consider is the price. Small generators can be found for a reasonable price, but if you need a larger, more powerful generator, then you will likely have to pay more.
When choosing a small generator, it is important to compare the features and prices of different models. Be sure to read the reviews of each model before making your final decision.
A small power generator can be a great addition to your home. They are relatively inexpensive and can be used to power small appliances or even your whole home in a power outage. By considering what you will be using the generator for, how often you will be using it, and the price, you can find the perfect generator for your needs.
Cleaning supplies
One of the biggest things that can get lost during an emergency is cleaning products. Many people forget about these very important tools before a crisis happens!
Fortunately, you don’t have to go without them anymore! There are several ways to stay prepared by stocking your home with some basic cleaning supplies.
You should at least be sure to include items like rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquid, window cleaner, all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, preservatives, fabric softeners, laundry detergent, shampoo, hand soap, and lotion.
These will help you get through the initial cleanup stages after a disaster while helping maintain the health of those around you!
Held as “emergency goods” or “survival gear,” this category includes everything from vitamins to ice skates! While they may seem excessive, they are actually quite cost-effective and extremely helpful if you need to do some long-lasting cleanup.
First aid supplies
One of the most important things to have in your home is first aid supplies. These are essential for helping yourself or another person who has been exposed to poison, contaminated water, or burns.
You should always have at least 5 items at hand per each major body part. Some people recommend having enough for an entire first aid session along with a backup supply if all five are used.
The best way to ensure you have adequate first aid supplies is by buying them together. You can pick up basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wash, towels, and pain relievers at any large department store like Walmart or Target.
More advanced first aid supplies like splints, suction devices, and burn dressings can be found at medical supply stores or online retailers.
Rechargeable flashlight
A very useful tool to have in your home is a good-quality flashlight. These do not need a power source like batteries, but are instead powered by the sun!
These flashlights use photovoltaic (PV) cells to produce light. PV cells work when exposed to sunlight or artificial lighting. The light produced comes from the internal components of the device.
There are many uses for a decent solar flashlight. You can use it to read documents during a blackout, check your surroundings for safety, or even explore unknown areas. It is also helpful for helping you find your house after a natural disaster or evacuation.
It is important to know how to use a solar flashlight properly. Only one switch position should be used at a time. Make sure it does not burn out due to overuse. Check out this great article’s tip tips for using a solar flashlight.
Hand-dry towel
A hand dryer is an essential item to have in your home during emergencies. They usually cost around $20–$30 at most stores, and use of one will save you lots of time waiting for the bathrooms to be cleaned.
Most people already have a smartphone these days, so why not use that app to get some extra safety gear? There are many apps out there that offer water filters, alert notifications, and even catered meals!
My favorite app offers both and they are free to use! The app’s name is “Survival Box” and it has great reviews all over social media. You can add items directly from the website or through the app by scanning bar codes or taking pictures of products.
I would recommend adding at least one bottle of purified drinking water, a purification tablet such as an iodine tablet, and either a bag-mask unit or individual face masks.
Large plastic bag
A large, sturdy, waterproof bag is great to have if you are doing some beach-going or pool swimming during an emergency. These bags can be used for many things such as storing all of your belongings (phone, wallet, etc.), collecting water, and making sure everything is shielded from the rain.
They also make excellent makeshift first aid kits since they are easily accessible and don’t need to be wrapped up in special pouches that could get lost. If there’s no way to close the opening of the bag, simply tie it off using a string or piece of cloth!
Bag openings typically have easy access to tools like a blade or scissors which can help in treating minor cuts and wounds. For more serious injuries, find something that will work to produce a tight seal so patients cannot breathe effectively.
Mat or cardboard to place items on
For all of your smartphone needs, you can also invest in some mat material covers or sleeve cases. These are very helpful in protecting your device from getting wet or dirty, as well as keeping it protected while not in use.
There are many brands that offer these types of coverings with just about any size phone. They typically cost around $10-20 per case.