If there’s anything that a worldwide pandemic has taught us, it’s to expect the unexpected. Still, only half of U.S. adults have set aside a bag with emergency kit items.
Preparing for an emergent situation should go far beyond having a list of emergency numbers on the fridge. Every family should have an emergency go-bag ready.
Whether you’re a mountain climber, going camping for a weekend, or a busy parent, having an emergency kit is always a good idea.
- Food and Water
In order to survive, you need a consistent intake of food and water. You can go without food for weeks, but you’ll only make it days without water.
Make sure to have lots of water stored. At least a three-day supply for each person. Water purification tablets can come in handy if you’re near a water source.
You should have a stock of non-perishable foods that you have readily available in an emergency. Be wary that even canned foods can go bad, so make sure to cycle out cans or boxes that have been there for more than a year. It may be edible after a while, but you want to have the freshest foods possible.
Keep in mind that you might not have access to any sort of heating source. Make sure the foods you store are not only healthy and substantial but don’t need much preparation.
- Utility Knife
A proper utility tool will have many functions. It can serve as a knife, a can opener, a wrench, scissors, and more.
This is a necessary item for every level and type of emergency. Whether you need to simply open some nonperishable food or go hunt in the woods for some squirrel, your utility knife is ready to assist!
- First Aid Supplies
A first aid kit is a more obvious item to include in your emergency bag. Very basic medical supplies are useful even when there isn’t an emergency.
You can buy a pre-made kit or design a kit that is specific to your needs. Most kits will include bandages, wraps, antibacterial ointment, burn cream, alcohol pads, an ice pack, and gauze.
Your kit’s contents may depend on who’s in your family and what emergencies you may face. For example, if you’re in an area vulnerable to wildfires, you might include air filtration masks, eye cups, and burn cream to help protect you and your family from the harmful smoke and heat.
- Communication Gear
The last thing that you want in an emergent situation is to be left out of the loop. You should secure means of communication within the emergency kit.
When preparing your bag you should plan to not have electricity during an emergency.
Pack a battery-operated phone charger, a walkie talkee, and a crank radio. The phone charger will be helpful to communicate with loved ones in minor and short-term emergencies. The crank radio may help you receive valuable information about what is going on and if you need to take extra measures, like evacuation.
Stock up on Emergency Kit Items
Preparing and packing these four essentials will give you the foundation you need in any sort of emergency. Setting aside these emergency kit items can set you up for success. When an emergent situation comes, you’ll be ready to protect yourself and your family.
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