What Do You Really Need in Your Emergency Kit?

Many times it’s not the disasters or emergencies themselves that cause the casualties to escalate afterward. It’s how unprepared people are that allows their situation to be much worse than it has to be. I can’t wait to share with you what do you really need in your emergency kit. 

 By being prepared before an emergency happens, you’ll greatly improve your family’s odds for survival by having certain survival items set aside ahead of time.

That’s why an emergency kit is so important and why every family should have one. These are supplies and items that you really need to have in your emergency kit. 

What Do You Really Need in Your Emergency Kit?

No matter where you look there are a million and one people telling you how to prepare. Sometimes you just need a basic list to help you prepare. I wanted to put a basic list together to help you decide what you really need in your emergency kit. 

First Aid Kit

At the top of this list, a good first aid kit is a must when it comes to preparing for an emergency. It ought to come with plenty of sterile dressings and adhesive bandages to cover wounds and all sorts of abrasions. If you missed my post on First Aid Kits

Flashlight with Extra Batteries

A flashlight or two, with plenty of extra batteries, should also be included in your kit. That way you’ll be able to see in the dark and also can use it to signal to others. A solar flashlight is even better! I store 5 in my front window to catch the sun’s rays for free.  

Multipurpose Tool 

A multipurpose tool will certainly come in handy following an emergency. Be sure to get one that has plenty of tools on it, including a knife. You never know when you’ll need to cut wood or construct something of use.   

Duct Tape

Duct tape is not only waterproof but is also extremely durable. You can use it to create an endless amount of things such as a shelter, blanket, or extra insulation in your shoes. It can be used to fix shoes and clothing, or can even make a drinking canteen out of it. If you missed my post on Duct Tape

Matches

You might need to start a fire for warmth or for cooking. Consider having plenty of matches that are stowed away in a waterproof container, or even purchase waterproof matches to be extra safe. 

Can Opener

You’ll need a can opener to have quick access to your canned food supply. Rummaging around looking for one after an emergency can prove difficult, so be sure to include one in your kit. We may be spoiled with an electric can opener, so have a manual one too.

Crank Radio 

It’s extremely important for you to know what is going on in the outside world after a calamity has struck. A crank or solar-powered radio can provide you with important information or updates to keep you informed.  

Two Way Radio

Just in case cell phone use is no longer an option, a 2-way radio can help everyone in your family stay in contact with one another should you find the need to separate for whatever reason. 

Sanitation 

Though these two are most often forgotten when it comes to planning for an emergency, sanitation and hygiene are especially important.

That’s because you are more likely to get sick once personal hygiene and sanitation become neglected or obsolete. You’ll want to have a decent stock of trash bags for disposal and moist towelettes to stay clean. 

Medicines

A healthy supply of medicines should also be considered. Pain reliever, cold and flu, and also antidiarrheal are just a few that you don’t want to forget. A serious injury makes it difficult to function without aspirin or ibuprofen. In case you missed my 35 OTC Medications You Should Store

Whistle

A whistle can help alert others around you to come to your aid more quickly if your family becomes trapped or separated due to a storm or a natural disaster.

Plus, it will keep you from yelling and screaming and causing yourself to go hoarse. Keep it on a chain that you can wear around your neck so it will be easier to hold on to. If you’re looking for an Emergency Whistle

Towels 

Be sure to have extra towels stored away in your emergency kit to keep your family warm and dry. 

Rain Gear

Rain gear is a great way to help keep you dry and from possibly becoming sick, especially if you’re out wet and cold weather for an extended period of time. 

Emergency Thermal Blankets

When you’re needing to stay warm and dry, an emergency thermal blanket is the best way to go. They are lightweight and still manage to retain all your body’s heat.  

Extra Clothing 

Your children may be thanking you later for having extra warm clothing set aside for them after a flood, hurricane, or if the emergency were to take place during winter. 

Nonperishable Food

It may be difficult to pack away a lot of perishable food in your emergency kit, so we’ll keep it simple. If you’re having to evacuate, make sure that you have plenty of protein and energy bars to keep you going. 

Drinking Water 

Drinking water is probably the most vital supply on this list. Not only does it hydrate you, but also is useful for bathing or flushing the toilet.

• You’ll need to store a minimum of 4 gallons of water per person, per day, for a 3 day period if you’re needing to evacuate the area.
• When you’re planning on bunkering down in your home after an emergency, a 2 week supply of water per person is recommended. But, I highly recommend at least 30 days worth of water for every member of your family, if at all possible.
• A portable water filter is also smart to have with you. If you’re left without bottled water or any running water, you may need to get your water from your nearest freshwater location and then filter it.
• A water filter can be used to purify the water, by getting rid of any bacteria or undesired sentiments that may be present.   

Extra Cash

Having extra cash set aside in your emergency kit can allow you to rent a vehicle should you need to, or to afford shelter and other accommodations. Please store one and five dollar bills in a safe location.

Final Word

You can never be too prepared when it comes to an emergency, and you never know what you’ll need during those dire situations. These are several items and supplies that you wouldn’t want to be caught without following a disaster.

What are some other items that everyone ought to have in their emergency kit that may not have made this list? May God bless this world, Linda

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