Getting ready for an emergency involves more than storing food and bottled water. During a blackout, severe storm, or interruption to local services, ordinary household items can make daily tasks much easier.
Having a few basic supplies ready can help your family stay warm, handle minor injuries, make repairs, and manage without the usual conveniences. Here are nine everyday items worth keeping in your emergency kit or household supply closet.
Flashlights and Lanterns
A reliable light source makes a blackout easier to manage, especially after dark when moving around the house can become tricky. Rechargeable lanterns, battery-powered flashlights, and solar lanterns are useful options, while candles and oil lamps need careful handling to prevent fires.
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Tools and Rope
A basic set of hand tools can help with small repairs, securing loose items, and handling household problems during an emergency. Keep a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a utility knife, duct tape, and sturdy rope or paracord together in a place you can find quickly.
First Aid Supplies
A first aid kit should contain bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic, burn dressings, pain relievers, allergy medicine, tweezers, and scissors. Keep any prescribed medication your household relies on available, check expiration dates regularly, and replace items after use.
Backpacks
A sturdy backpack makes it easier to carry supplies if your household needs to leave home in a hurry. Keep one ready with water, food, a change of clothes, first aid supplies, and other items suited to your family’s needs, and use its compartments to keep everything organized.
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Water Filters and Purification Tablets
Stored drinking water is a good starting point, but a backup treatment method can be useful if your supply runs low. Keep a portable filter and water purification tablets on hand, follow the product instructions, and remember that not every method removes chemicals or other contaminants.
Emergency Radio and Entertainment
A hand-crank or solar radio can help you receive weather updates and emergency announcements if electricity or internet service is unavailable. Also store books, playing cards, puzzles, and board games, since simple activities can help everyone pass the time during a long outage.
Blankets
Extra blankets help keep your household warm during cold nights or a heating outage. Wool blankets are a practical option for chilly conditions, and spare blankets can also cover floors, protect belongings, or provide extra padding for sleeping areas.
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Sturdy Clothing
Durable clothing can make outdoor chores and unexpected weather changes easier to handle. Keep warm jackets, work pants, gloves, long sleeves, and spare socks on hand to protect against cold, sun exposure, scratches, and insects.
Boots
A well-fitting pair of boots can protect your feet while walking over muddy ground, rocks, snow, or storm debris. Look for solid soles, sound stitching, and suitable water resistance, and break in new boots before you need them for long walks.
