Stay Ready for Any Disaster With This List of Emergency Supplies
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Whether you've recently experienced an emergency of some kind or want to establish some peace of mind in case disaster strikes, a comprehensive disaster plan and a well-thought-out emergency preparedness kit can go a long way.
An emergency kit, packed with essentials to sustain your family in case of a crisis, is a crucial part of any disaster preparedness plan. While retailers like Amazon and Walmart as well as startups like Preppi sell pre-assembled kits that can make great starting-off points, there are items you'll need to add (think diapers, passports and anything else that's specific to your family). Of course, your list is bound to include items you use on the daily. But don't worry — we'll touch on how to write a short secondary list of things you can gather at the last minute.
What should I use to pack my emergency kit?
When putting together a disaster survival kit, the first decision to make is what kind of container will work best for you. You may be using the supplies at home after a simple power outage, but there’s also a chance you’ll need it while on the move (hence the term "go bag").
“Especially in the event of a fast-moving storm or wildfire, you won’t have time to search the house for essentials,” says Dan DiClerico, director of home improvement & outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Having everything in one place will help keep you and your family safe."
City dwellers may want to divide the items into a few travel backpacks that can be split between family members in case of an evacuation. If you have more space and access to a car, you can opt for plastic storage bins that can be stored in the garage and then carried into the trunk. Whichever option you choose, include an itemized emergency kit list in the backpack pocket or taped to the lid of the bin so you’ll know what’s where.
Ideally, you want to pack these kits and leave them ready and untouched until needed. In reality, though, you will probably end up digging inside to get cash for the babysitter or to grab something you need from the first-aid kit. Just be diligent about replacing the purloined items as soon as possible. And post a yearly reminder in your family calendar so you can make sure everything is still unexpired and up-to-date.
Including items from the basic lists compiled by the Red Cross and FEMA, we’ve put together a practical checklist of necessities and nice-to-haves in case of an emergency. We're also sharing some product recommendations from the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute.
A complete list of basic supplies to keep in your emergency kit:
•Enough water for three days. Experts recommend at least a gallon of water per person per day. You can tote the full supply in pouches or jugs, or treat water on the go with lighter options like portable water filters and water purification chemicals. The Lifestraw is widely recommended by both humanitarian groups and hardcore campers, but while it's great for personal use, it's less practical for groups or for cooking purposes (you'll need containers if you plan to use it to clean water for a group). Meanwhile, the Survivor Filter PRO works quickly to remove serious impurities and, at eight ounces, is very portable. After being triple-filtered, the water can be decanted into water bottles or used for cooking. Finally, chemical treatment products like Aquamira Water Treatment Drops are lightweight and easy to pack, and you can treat the water right in any portable bottle.
•Water bottles. You’ll need a good water bottle that’s unbreakable, easy to clean and long-lasting. The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends the YETI Rambler.
Water Treatment Drops
Personal Water Filter
Water Filter
Rambler Vaccum Insulated 26 oz Bottle
•Enough food for three days. Stock a selection of non-perishable, high-protein foods like healthy canned goods (beans, tuna, salmon, chili, peanut butter, mixed nuts, fruit in water) that you don’t need to cook, as well as powdered milk and shelf-stable snacks like dried fruit, dry-roasted edamame, and your favorite protein bars. When it comes to canned goods, it's best to look for low-sodium options, and cans without BPA lining, if you can find them.
•Mess kits. Eating out of cans gets old fast. Try a camping mess kit that includes plates, bowls, cups and utensils and comes in a handy mesh bag.
•A waterproof Ziploc bag of important documents and money. In addition to a paper map of your area, make sure you have you and your family's passports, bank account records, insurance policies, a paper list of phone numbers and addresses of friends and family, medical and prescription information, as well as cash and/or travelers' checks.
•First-aid essentials. No emergency kit is complete without a reliable first-aid kit. The First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit is comprehensive, compact and impressively organized. With 299 pieces, including bandages, cold packs and pain meds, you'll be ready for any cut, burn or other minor injury.
•Miscellaneous health and hygiene supplies. In addition to a first-aid kit, keep a supply of N-95 masks, disinfectant wipes, baby wipes, diapers, personal hygiene items, bleach and trash bags on hand.
•A multi-use tool. The best ones come with everything from scissors and a can opener to pliers and screwdrivers. While it's not cheap, the Leatherman Free P2 is no flimsy keychain accessory. Its 19 stainless steel tools are full-size so you won’t be fiddling around with teeny blades and puny pliers. Still, at at 7.5 ounces, it’s not too heavy.
•Duct tape. A roll of waterproof sticky stuff is perfect for quick fixes and McGyver-worthy modifications, so stock up on Duck Max Strength Duct Tape.
Camping Mess Kit
299-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
Free P2 Multitool
Max Strength Black Duct Tape Roll
•A crank-powered radio. During an emergency — especially a weather-related disaster — a radio is the best way to get reliable updates. The Midland ER210, Emergency Compact Crank Weather AM/FM Radio is a compact and sturdy option that offers 45 minutes of radio for just one minute of hand-cranking and it features a powerful flashlight component, too.
•A headlamp. In case of power outages, not only does the top-rated Black Diamond Spot 325 Headlamp run for 12 hours on AAA batteries, its very handy dimmer switch means you can look up from a task without blinding your companions.
•Portable lighting. Keep everything illuminated with LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns. These surprisingly attractive lanterns pack flat, power up quickly, and a full charge can supply up to 24 hours of light. The LuminAID is waterproof and, when in turbo mode, it puts out a respectable 75 lumens to work by.
•A reusable phone charger. Several of the most popular ready-to-buy emergency kits include one-time phone chargers, but an efficient, folding solar panel charger can be used repeatedly. The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends the Big Blue 3 Solar Charger, which has three USB outlets that can charge several devices simultaneously.
ER210 Emergency Compact Crank Weather AM/FM Radio
Black Diamond Equipment Spot 350 Headlamp
Solar Inflatable Light
3 Solar Charger
•Lightweight, waterproof blankets. Full-size sleeping bags aren't easy to carry around, so opt for a supply of SOL (Survive Outdoors Longer) Emergency Blankets instead. These affordable lightweight blankets reflect 90% of your body’s heat back and, bonus, won’t tear as easily as Mylar blankets.
•Waterproof matches and/or firestarters. You'll need a source of heat in case of power outages. The Kräftig Fire Starter is good for 20,000 strikes, meaning it will last much longer than a pack of waterproof matches.
• A whistle. In the event you lose cell service or battery power, a whistle can help alert emergency rescue crews to your location in hazardous conditions.
•Pet supplies. Don't forget about your pets — include three days' worth of dry food, any meds, collapsible plastic bowls and litter box supplies.
•AAA batteries. A best-seller on Amazon, this 48-count pack of Energizer AAA batteries is a great deal — take note that Energizer claims these batteries will last up to 10 years in storage.
Emergency Blanket
Emergency Whistles
Kräftig Fire Starter
Alkaline Power AAA Batteries
Everyday items to add to your gather-at-the-last-minute list:
Prescription medications (On the list, include each individual prescription so nothing gets left behind. Try to keep at least two weeks' supply on hand at all times.)
Driver's license
Eyeglasses and contact lenses
Good walking shoes
Clothing that works in all weather (Include a base layer, a layer for warmth and a breathable waterproof outside layer.)
Phones and charging cables
Infant formula
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