6 Items You Should Include in Your Emergency Kit

Disasters can strike without warning, and when they do, it’s important to be prepared. One of the best ways to stay safe in a disaster situation is by having custom disaster survival prep kits ready to go for your family. But what should you include in your kit to make it effective? Here are six essential items that no homeowner should be without. 

Food and Water 

The most important item in any emergency kit is food and water. It’s recommended that homeowners keep enough non-perishable food and water on hand to last each family member for at least three days. This includes items such as canned goods, dry snacks, protein bars, bottled water, etc. Make sure to also include a manual can opener if you have canned goods in your kit. It’s a good idea to have a separate food kit for each member of your family to ensure everyone has adequate food for three days. 

First Aid Supplies 

If someone gets injured during a disaster, it’s likely that medical care won’t be quickly available. That’s why you need to make sure you have adequate first aid supplies in your emergency kit. This includes items like bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, gloves, scissors, and tweezers. If someone in your family has special medical needs or allergies, make sure to pack any necessary medications as well. 

Emergency Contact Information 

Having emergency contact information readily available is essential for any type of disaster situation. You should store the contact information of close family members and friends who live out of state; this way if something happens locally they will know how to reach you or if they don’t hear from you they’ll know where to start looking for help. Additionally, keep phone numbers for hospitals and other local resources handy so you can get help if needed.  You should have these phone numbers written down, not just saved in your phone.   

Flashlights and Batteries 

When the power goes out during a storm or other emergency event, it’s important to have flashlights with extra batteries on hand so everyone in the family can see clearly during the nighttime hours. Also, consider packing emergency candles just in case the flashlight batteries run out or there isn’t enough light outside for them to work properly. Bonus points if you can find flashlights that double as radios.            

Personal Hygiene Items 

Personal hygiene items are often overlooked when making an emergency kit but they’re essential for staying healthy during a disaster event (or anytime really). Make sure your kit includes items like toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap and shampoo, toilet paper, and feminine products, along with any other items that may be necessary for your family’s health and well-being.  These are products you’ll also want to keep separate for each member of your family to make sure everyone has what they need.     

Tools for Survival 

In addition to food and water, tools are also essential for surviving a natural disaster or other emergency events. Include multi-purpose tools such as pocket knives, hammers and screwdrivers, duct tape, rope, matches and lighters, garbage bags, and shovels and rakes. All of these could come in handy during an unexpected crisis. 

Preparing an emergency kit is not something anyone wants to do—but it is something everyone should do. Having these six essential items at hand will ensure that your family stays safe when disasters strike without warning—and could even save lives. So don’t wait until it’s too late – start gathering up these must-have supplies today and always keep them in your home.