Introduction
In any emergency, always contact your local emergency services first. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Emergency services may not be able to reach you immediately, so it’s important to have supplies at home that will last for at least 72 hours. This includes water, food, first-aid supplies, medications, warm clothing and bedding, tools, and other items that you may need.
It’s also a good idea to have an emergency plan so that everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.
The essentials for an emergency kit
Preparing for an emergency is something that no homeowner should take lightly. With the unpredictability of natural disasters, power outages, and other unexpected situations, having the right items on hand can make all the difference in keeping your home and family safe. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential items that you should include in your home emergency kit so you can be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Food and water
You should have enough non-perishable food and water to last at least three days. Choose foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration, and that can be eaten without preparation. Pack a manual can opener if you have canned goods.
A general rule of thumb is to have one gallon of water per person, per day. This should cover drinking, cooking, and sanitation. If you live in a warm climate, or if you will be actively exerting yourself, you may need more water. If you have infants or elderly people in your household, they will also need additional water.
In addition to water, you should also have a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Canned goods, dry cereal, peanut butter, and other high-energy foods are good options. Make sure to pack a manual can opener if you have canned goods. Avoid foods that require refrigeration or cooking, as well as those that are high in salt or sugar, as they will make you feel thirstier.
Shelter
A major disaster can happen at any time. You could be at home, work, or school when it occurs. You need to be prepared to take care of yourself and your family until help arrives. This means having supplies on hand to last for at least three days.
Emergency supplies should include:
-Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
-Extra batteries
-Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
-Multi-purpose tool
-Sanitation and personal hygiene items
-Copies of important documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
-Cell phone with chargers
-Family and emergency contact information
-Food and water for at least three days for each person in your household
Clothing and bedding
In most emergencies, you will not need to leave your home. But if you need to, it is important to have a plan and know what to take with you.
Many of us have items in our homes that could be used as emergency supplies, but we may not think of them as such. For example, clothing and bedding can be used as improvised shelter or to keep you warm.
Here are some items you should consider keeping in your home in case of an emergency:
-A change of clothes for each member of your family
-A sturdy pair of shoes or boots for each member of your family
-A blanket or sleeping bag for each member of your family
-A first aid kit
-A flashlight and extra batteries
-A battery-operated or hand-cranked radio
-A list of emergency contacts
First aid kit
A first-aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to provide medical treatment. There is no definitive list of contents for a first-aid kit; however, the American National Standards Institute’s ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015 standard recommends that first-aid kits intended for use in the workplace supply adequate amounts of the following items:
-Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
-Antiseptic wipes, swabs, or lotion
-Assorted gauze pads
-Calamine lotion
-Cold pack
-CPR face shield
-Epinephrine autoinjector (if prescribed)
-Gloves (non-latex for those with latex allergies)
-Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
-Nonprescription drugs such as antihistamines, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen
-Prescription medications (if needed)
-Scissors (blunt tip)
-Space blanket
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
Sterile roller bandages in assorted widths
Sticky tape
Triangular bandages
According to The Mayo Clinic, a first aid kit should be easily accessible and stored in a cool, dry place. The contents of a first aid kit may need to be updated periodically to ensure that expired items are replaced and new items are included as needed.
Tools and supplies
Having the right tools and supplies on hand can make all the difference in an emergency. Here is a list of suggested items to keep in your home in case of an emergency:
-A working flashlight and extra batteries
-A battery-operated or hand-cranked radio
-A first-aid kit
-A supply of non-perishable food and water
-A manual can opener
-A list of emergency phone numbers, including your doctor, family, and friends
Sanitation and hygiene
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for an emergency is to have a sanitation and hygiene plan. This means having a way to clean and disinfect surfaces, wash your hands, and safely dispose of waste.
Here are some things to include in your sanitation and hygiene plan:
- soap and water
- hand sanitizer
- disinfectant wipes
- garbage bags
- bleach
Communications
In an emergency, you may need to evacuate your home or shelter in place. In either case, it is important to have a plan for staying in touch with your family and friends.
Your plan should include:
-A list of emergency contacts
-A way to charge your phone
-A backup power source for your phone
-A way to receive alerts and warnings
Some things to consider when making your plan:
-How will you stay in touch if cell towers are down?
-How will you stay in touch if the power is out?
-How will you stay in touch if the internet is down?
Radio
Radio is an amazing tool that has been around for more than a century and continues to be an integral part of our lives. The radio is an amazing invention that has revolutionized the way we communicate and entertain ourselves.
Radio waves travel through the air and can be picked up by antennas. Radio waves are divided into two categories: AM and FM. AM stands for “amplitude modulation” and FM stands for “frequency modulation.” When these two types of waves are broadcast, they carry sound and other information. For instance, music, news, sports, talk shows, and other programs are all broadcast over the radio.
Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential tool for anyone who works or plays outdoors. From night hikes to camping trips, having a reliable source of light can make all the difference. But with so many different flashlight options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. From LED to halogen, different types of flashlights offer different levels of intensity, power, and durability.
Waterproof matches
When you think of the outdoors, one of the first things that come to mind is the importance of being prepared. Whether you are camping, hiking, or just spending time in the great outdoors, having the right supplies is essential to staying safe and having an enjoyable experience. One of the most essential items you can have on hand is a pack of waterproof matches. These simple, yet powerful tools can be the difference between a successful outdoor adventure and a complete disaster
Portable water filter
Clean and safe drinking water is essential for our health and well-being. But access to this precious resource isn’t always guaranteed. That’s why portable water filters are becoming an increasingly popular way to ensure access to healthy drinking water wherever you go. From camping and hiking to everyday use, these convenient and reliable water filters can be a lifesaver
Additional considerations
There are some additional things to consider when stocking your emergency preparedness supplies. If you have pets, you will need to make sure you have food and water for them as well. If you or a member of your household uses prescription medication, you should have a supply on hand in case you are unable to refill it. If you have small children, you should have formula and diapers on hand. And finally, if someone in your household has special needs, make sure you have the supplies they need to be comfortable and safe.
Having the right items with you can make all the difference when it comes to surviving any situation. Whether you are trekking through the wilderness, camping, or even just commuting to work, having the right supplies and equipment is essential for ensuring your safety and well-being. One of the most important items you should make sure to always have is an effective waterproof container, a hand crank, and a dependable backpack.