Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Whether it is a natural disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake, or an emergency caused by man-made reasons such as a power outage, it is essential to be prepared. The best way to ensure safety and survival during such situations is to have a well-equipped emergency and disaster survival kit at home. In this blog post, we will discuss the essentials that should be included in your home emergency and disaster survival kit.
1. Food and Water
The first and vital element of your home survival kit should be food and water. It is recommended to have at least three days worth of food and water per family member. Choose non-perishable foods that do not require cooking, such as protein bars or canned goods. Pack enough water in clean containers, and remember to replace them every six months.
2. First Aid Kit
Injuries are commonly seen during an emergency or disaster. Hence, it is imperative to keep a first aid kit readily available. The first aid kit should contain essential medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile gloves, and a thermometer. Make sure to check the expiry dates of the materials and replace them on time.
3. Emergency Lighting and Communication Devices
During a power outage, it becomes challenging to navigate without adequate lighting. Therefore, it is imperative to have light sources such as flashlights or battery-powered lanterns in your home survival kit. Along with lighting, communication should also be one of your priorities, especially if you’re in an isolated or disaster-hit area. Keep a battery-powered radio, a whistle, or a portable mobile charger to stay connected with the outside world.
4. Personal Hygiene Items
Personal hygiene often becomes a neglected aspect during emergencies. Thus, it is necessary to keep personal hygiene items included in your emergency kit. Items such as soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer are excellent inclusions in your emergency kit. Remember to keep a supply that lasts a few days.
5. Important Documents
Every family should keep their vital documents in one place in the event of an emergency which includes documents like passports, insurance policies, family records, and birth certificates. It is recommended keeping spare copies of all these documents in an emergency kit, along with some cash, credit cards or debit cards, and any valuable items such as jewelry.
6. Tools for Emergency Repairs – Include duct tape, rope, bungee cords, and plastic sheeting to assist with emergency repairs.
The above essentials mentioned in this blog post are a few of the essential items that should be included in your home emergency and disaster survival kit. However, it is crucial to tailor your kit according to your family’s specific requirements and individual needs. It is always best to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Therefore, a little investment of time and money spent on preparing for emergencies can prove to be life-saving. Make sure to check your emergency kit routinely and replenish/renew items that may have expired or have been used.