Last updated on February 13th, 2024 at 10:55 am
It is nice to have things organized and prepared if you ever find your self in a catastrophic situation, such as a natural disaster. Things like water, food, clothes and cash are obviously on your list when you are thinking of things you might need to survive during a catastrophic event. But there might be some things you would overlook. Here are the 16 items you might need in an emergency preparedness kit that you might not necessarily have:
1. Battery Operated Radio
With today’s modern technology such as smart phones and smart TVs the “old fashioned” battery operated radio might not be something you would normally have in your household. If the electricity goes out in your house and you need to conserve the power on your cell phone or if you cell service is disrupted, a battery operated radio is necessary so you can hear any important news information about your situation. There are also hand crank self powered radios that don’t need batteries to operate and also have a built in flashlight.
3. Manual Can Opener
So many of us depend on our electric can openers on a daily basis. But without electricity you cannot use it. Always keep a manual can opener in your emergency preparedness kit so that you will be able to open those canned good you have stashed away.
4. Flashlights
Flashlights are a must when the electricity is lost. You can get hurt walking around in the dark whether you are inside or outside. Better to be safe than sorry. Also don’t forget extra batteries!
5. External Battery Phone Charger
Once power is lost your cell phone might become your only means of communication. You don’t want to let your battery drain and lose your only form of communication during such a stressful situation.
6. First Aid Kit
Whether it’s a small scrape or a large cut you will want to make sure you have a first aid kit available to you during any catastrophic event. This is a must have in your emergency preparedness kit especially if you cannot reach medical care immediately.
7. Baby Wipes and Garbage Bags
With the loss of electricity you may also lose access to clean and hot water, necessary to bathe and keep clean. Having baby wipes and plenty of garbage bags for personal sanitation will be of the utmost importance during a natural disaster.
8. Tools
A wrench or a set of pliers will be needed in the event that the utilities in your home need to be turned off. Knowledge of where the turn off valves are located in the house is good to know as well.
9. Duct Tape
Duct tape is so versatile and can be used for many different things. It can be used for medical needs such as making large bandages, adding padding to blisters, making slings or for wrapping sprained ankles in an emergency. It can seal windows and stop some leaks, as well as making emergency temporary repairs to your vehicle if needed. It is definitely a must-have in any emergency preparedness kit.
10. A Whistle
How will rescuers find you if you can’t move or shout? If you have an emergency whistle with you the situation is saved! By following the piercing sound of your whistle a rescue team will be able to find you much easier than if you were trying to get their attention with your voice. Or if you get stuck in a situation and cannot call for help a whistle is an easy solution. This is a piece of equipment that could definitely save your life in case of emergency.
11. Local Maps
If cell service and Google maps are not available, a local map of the area you are in might be a great tool. Maps will help you navigate your neighborhood, especially if you are not very familiar with some of the roads.
12. Sleeping Bags and Extra Blankets
Staying warm is essential during times of natural disasters, especially in cold weather. If the power and heat go out in your home an easy temporary solution to help is to use warm sleeping bags or extra blankets.
13. Matches in a Waterproof Container
You may need to light a candle or start a fire in your fireplace. It is a good idea to have matches in a waterproof container so that you won’t be out of luck if they happen to get wet.
14. Fire Extinguisher
It is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your home regardless of your situation. But if roads are blocked and the fire department cannot get to you in the case of a fire, a fire extinguisher might stop a fire quickly and you may avoid a bigger catastrophe.
15. Feminine Supplies
No one wants to be stuck in a situation where they need a pad or tampon and cannot get to a store to get them. Make sure to put some in your emergency preparedness kit just in case.
15. Paper Plates, Cups, Paper Towels and Plastic Utensils
If you lose power you may lose hot water or access to any water at all to wash dishes. Better to be safe than sorry and stock up on paper goods so that you won’t have dirty dishes piling up.
16. Activities for Children
Keeping children entertained and happy during a catastrophic event is stressful. Having books, games, puzzles or other activities, (such as glow sticks and a deck of cards) available for them is important for everyone’s sanity. You can even have a dance party with your battery powered radio.
Although we at Twiniversity hope you never have to actually use any of the supplies in your emergency preparedness kit, we want you to be fully prepared. With all the chaos going on in the world you can never be too prepared for any emergency.
