If coronavirus has taught the world anything, it’s that many are not as prepared for emergencies as they once believed. From losing power to natural disasters and pandemics, there are plenty of reasons to have an emergency kit ready in your home. If you don’t have an emergency kit prepared, read on to discover what you need!
First Aid Kit
When building an emergency kit, think through each step of what might happen in an emergency. Should something like an earthquake occur, your first priority might be, unfortunately, taking care of some injuries. So, an emergency kit should always have a well-stocked first aid kit. What’s inside a good first aid kit? Well, the basics should include:
- Several types and sizes of bandages and tapes.
- Sponges and pads.
- Gloves.
- Scissors, scalpels, and other medical tools.
- Sterilization wipes.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Face masks and respirators that will protect the respiratory system from viruses, fiberglass, liquids, and debris.
- Ibuprofen, asprin, and other common medications.
A complete first aid kit will ensure that you and your loved ones always have access to the tools necessary, no matter the accident.
Food And Water
Having a dependable supply of food and water is nearly as necessary as a good first aid kit in an emergency kit. When it comes to food, make sure to store non-perishables only, so they don’t spoil or get moldy. Canned food, dry food kits, long-lasting protein bars, and the like are great choices. According to the American Red Cross, an emergency kit should have enough food and water to last you and your family for three days, so make sure to do the math!
If you’re feeling a little extra worried, grab a pack of water filter sticks like LifeStraws on Amazon to have an unlimited supply of clean water.
Blankets, Multi-Tool Knife And Matches
Blankets, tools, and matches are all essential should one ever need to utilize an emergency kit for more than just a single day. A good blanket will keep in 90% of body heat and will also lock in moisture, cutting down on the amount of water you need to drink. In the worst scenarios, blankets can become tents!
Multi-tool army knives, the most famous of which are Swiss Army Knives, carry nearly all everyday tools in a compact form. Need to open canned food? There’s an opener. Have to cut a rope? There’s a knife and a pair of scissors! Meanwhile, when there’s a need to stay outside, cook or keep warm with a fire, waterproof matches will save the day and hours of time. Just don’t dump them into a puddle on purpose!
Batteries and Power Supplies
Having solar, backup batteries, or possibly even a full backup generator are all great options for an emergency kit. The point is: you need a way to supply power to phones, radios, and other essential tools in the event of a power failure
Don’t want to create your emergency kit? In that case, there are a ton of pre-made emergency kits for all different purposes online, just check Amazon!
Sources: BusinessInsider, Living101.