10 Things Every Emergency Kit Needs
Recent natural disasters remind us that it is extremely important to have emergency supplies on hand. One of the best ways to make sure you have the emergency and first aid supplies you need is to organise an emergency kit. Putting together an emergency kit can give you some peace of mind and can keep you safe, and more comfortable, in case of a natural disaster, power outage or accident. You have probably heard over and over that it is important to keep an emergency kit in your home, but do you actually have one? If you haven’t already put a kit together, or even if you have, here are 10 things you should be sure to include.
Water and Food One of the most important things you can keep in your emergency kit is a supply of water and food. It is recommended that you store four litres of water for each person in your family. You can store the water in anything, from water boxes or pouches to clean soda bottles. Ideally you should have some dehydrated emergency food pouches, non-perishable items or canned goods in your emergency kit. At the very least, include some protein bars, crackers, dried fruits and nuts. Flashlight or Hand Lamp and Batteries In case of a power outage, you will need a flashlight or hand lamp and extra batteries. Get a bright model that is designed to last for a long time and will illuminate great distances. Always have several extra batteries in the right sizes for your equipment. You can also include some candles and waterproof matches in case your batteries run out or just as a back-up source of light. Battery-Powered Radio A battery-powered radio can help you stay informed during a natural disaster or other emergency. It is important that it is battery powered because in some emergencies, you may not have power or access to a power source. Some radios can be recharged with a hand crank, and these models are also a good fit for an emergency kit. You can also invest in a weather radio so you can stay informed about storms and extreme weather during an emergency.
Portable Generator Keeping a portable generator on hand is extremely important because it will give you a source of electricity even if you lose power. Look for a model that is lightweight so that you can easily carry it with you should you need to evacuate. Generators can be extremely helpful if you lose power during a storm or if there is a natural disaster in your area. When you have a generator, you don’t have to depend on city power systems to provide electricity for your home and family. To browse our extensive range of portable generators, please visit our webpage: www.hsssales.com/c/1100001/Portable-Generators.html. First-Aid Kit A first-aid kit is an essential part of any emergency kit. This kit is slightly different than an emergency kit, as it contains things you would need in case of sickness, injury or an accident. If you are putting together your own first-aid kit, consider adding things like: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Bandages Cloth Tape Antiseptic Wipes Antibiotic Ointment Roller Bandages Sterile Gauze Tweezers Cold Compresses and Heating Pads Disposable Gloves A Thermometer Pain Reliever Medication Personal Medications
These items will be useful in a minor accident or more serious injury. Make sure the first-aid kit is easily accessible within your emergency kit so you can access it quickly. Whistle or Handheld Blow Horn In a natural disaster you may need to signal for help or get the attention of emergency responders. Blowing a whistle or a blow horn is the perfect way to do this. The disadvantage of a whistle is that it may be hard to blow if you are injured, while a handheld blow horn may be easier to use. However, a blow horn can only be used a limited number of times, so it may be wise to have both in your kit. Rain Coat A raincoat or poncho that is compact but still tough enough to withstand rain and wind is important to have in your kit. During a disaster, you may have to evacuate in inclement weather or it may be hard to find shelter. In these cases, being able to keep yourself dry with a poncho is very important.
If you get wet during an emergency, and aren’t able to dry off, hypothermia could set in, which can cause shivering, stumbling, slurred speech, confusion, poor decision making, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and shallow breathing, and in extreme cases, death. Heat Blankets A heat blanket works by reducing a person’s heat loss. This is an important part of an emergency kit because in some situations you may not be able to find shelter or warmth. Including heat blankets in your emergency kit can help you be more comfortable in an emergency situation and can also help you avoid health risks like hypothermia. Change of Clothes A change of clothes during an emergency can help you stay dry, clean and healthy. It is a good idea to have both long and short-sleeved shirts and pants and an extra pair of shoes in your kit. In case of an emergency, or in case you are stranded or need to evacuate, you will be able to change into clean clothes to be more comfortable or so that you can dry off, avoiding health problems. Personal Documents and Insurance Information Keep copies of personal documents like medical information, passports, birth certificates, proof of address, deeds, leases and insurance policies in your emergency kit. In an emergency or disaster you may not be able to find this information in your home, or you may need to take it with you when you evacuate, so having it all in one convenient place, where you know where to find it, can be extremely beneficial. These should be copies only and should be kept in a waterproof container. Some people also keep a moderate amount of cash with this paperwork, in case they need to evacuate quickly or aren’t able to access their bank account. When your emergency kit includes these 10 things, you will be well prepared for an emergency or natural disaster, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing you will be able to take care of yourself and your family, even in difficult circumstances.