No one ever wishes for a crisis or disaster. Yet, staying prepared is always wise. This article gets you the top 10 things you should keep on hand at home.
Contents
Backup Chargers
Portable chargers while traveling are absolute lifesavers. You already know this. But, if you keep power banks charged up, they greatly help in a power outage. During an emergency event or storm, cell phone communication is vital. Having a battery charged beforehand turns to be a blessing in impossible times. So, keep a power bank for emergency usage.
Lantern
Surely scented candles add a lovely fragrance to your home. However, when the lights go off, you require something practical. Illuminate your place with a camping lantern. You should keep it in an accessible place, so the emergency light is handy when the power goes off.
Generator
Backup generators range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. However, you do not always require the biggest generator. Instead, simply keep one with a battery to power the refrigerator, lights, and other essential gadgets or medical equipment. It should be a part of your emergency devices. Also, you do not wait for a disaster or storm before buying a generator. Unfortunately, during a crisis, they are most likely to be sold out. So, buy yours in advance, just as you always keep your medical supplies handy.
First Aid Kit
You can easily buy an emergency kit from a nearby medical shop or order one from Amazon. It requires no personal effort. Purchasing a first aid kit and keeping it handy is an easy road you must take. However, regardless of how you assemble this box, disasters and other critical times demand it. According to the Red Cross Society, you should stock your first aid kit with an ice pack, bandages, scissors, and antiseptic wipe. Add any other essential medical supplies or your regular meds (if you’re facing a disease).
Emergency Tool Kit
You may not keep a complete set of specialty tools. But, having basics such as a wrench, hammer, and screwdrivers should stay in your emergency kit. If a crisis happens, you must have something to make things right. This toolkit can stay in your car. But, prepare one for your home as well. You can then adapt to new things and fix them. So, if no help is available around, these tools will help. The Red Cross Advisory council suggests having easy access to virtual devices.
Pet Food
If you’ve got pets at your place, never forget they need food on emergency days too. So, store extra bags of cat and dog food in your pantry. Essential foods that your pets love can easily fit in your storeroom space. Also, if you’re keeping extra water bottles for your family, count your pets in.
Non-Perishable Food
Keeping food packets that would last for around two weeks is an intelligent way to live. The Red Cross Society of the United States suggests that non-perishable food supplies are great for emergency times. However, do not confuse these foods with canned beets and astronaut icecreams. It would be a futile stock. So, store high-protein foods like nuts, tortilla shells, peanut butter, trail mix, and beef jerky.
Extra Water
Water becomes an essential element, especially in times of disasters. It is, therefore, crucial that you keep extra water tanks and bottles. Make sure it’s clean drinking water for times when you’ll need it the most. One gallon per person should be available for each day. This water should last for around two weeks. Experts highly recommend water storage for hard times. If you know a storm is near, keep your bathtub full for washing dishes and toilet flushing.
Important Documents
Your birth certificate, passport, and will are essential documents that you may require anytime. So, these important documents need to stay safe in a folder. If you can laminate these papers and store them somewhere safe, that would be wise. Make sure that only you can access the documents and none else.
Comfort items to have around all the time
Entertainment Devices And Headphones
You can always carry an iPod or books along with you while stepping out. So, when on a bus or waiting for the doctor, you have something entertaining for your spare time. Also, for listening to songs and watching movies, you require headphones on the way. Books, games, and earphones (that keep you away from disturbances) stick around no matter where you go. You never feel bored. These are some essential lifesavers for your spare time. Note that.
Spoons And Forks
These may be a bit complicated to get under an ”emergency kit” category, but they can save you on occasions. For instance, you can always need an eating utensil. It may not seem like an urgent article now, but when the time comes, you wish you had it. Sometimes you visit fast food places that forget to lend a fork or spoon. So, instead of making a mess at that time, carry them everywhere. It won’t be a disaster but save you some embarrassment.
Extra Pair Of Socks
Not many people stick to an extra pair of socks in advance, but it’s worthwhile. But when the time comes, they wish they had. Spare socks are a must, especially if you live in Seattle, Washington, or places where it rains a lot. At times the socks you put on in the morning are entirely wet. It becomes disgusting. So, socks and extra clothes are a part of your emergency kit too. An extra pair will never keep you at a disadvantage. Keep it handy.
Pepper Spray
Nobody ever wishes they need a pepper spray bottle. Neither do they so for the future. Yet, carrying it with you always is a safe way to step out. So, perchance something goes south, you stay firm and defend yourself. As insignificant as pepper spray seems, it should be a part of your emergency kit. You can even have some tools that can help in such situations. So, it’s up to you.
Conclusion
The things mentioned above may seem insignificant on comfortable days. But, in times of crisis and disaster, they help beyond all expectations. Here’s a bonus. Keep an emergency shelter as you step out for a trip or hiking. In all cases, food, batteries, emergency lanterns, first aid kits, and medical supplies help in times of crisis. Keep these ready and if the need arises, thank your stars.
