Stuff happens. Whether it’s a minor fire in the kitchen or a full-blown disaster in your community, you need to be ready to react to danger and either tackle it yourself or prepare for the worst. Here's how to build a household emergency kit containing items that can help make the bad times a little easier to handle.
Water Supply
We take water for granted, expecting it to pour out whenever we turn a handle. But what if it wasn’t that easy? Droughts, tornadoes, and other disasters can stem the water supply or make it undrinkable. Just in case, store a three-day supply of water somewhere in your home that’s cool and dry. Food-grade containers, in 55-gallon drums and other sizes, are the best because they don’t transfer toxic materials to the water. You’ll need a gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. You shouldn’t store tap water for more than six months before changing it.
Food Supply
Put aside a three-day supply of non-perishable food including canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, canned chili, peanut butter, jellies and jams, dry or canned soup, fruit and protein bars, granola and cereals, and baby food (if necessary). Avoid foods that can spoil or cause thirst. Check cans for damage or corrosion and replace them. Also, if you must leave your home, canned goods provide their own “pots” for cooking over a fire.
First Aid Kit
Always an indispensable tool—from minor cuts to greater injuries—as long as you remember to keep it stocked. Also, a portable kit with a shoulder strap is easier to grab and go than a slick plastic box with no handle. You could make your own kit, but premade ones are available at reasonable prices. The Red Cross sells one containing necessities like aspirin, disinfecting wipes and antibiotic ointments, gauze pads, tape, an emergency blanket, a CPR kit, bandages in all shapes and sizes, and vinyl gloves, among other equipment.
Basic Tools and Comforts
A 10-in-1 multipurpose tool is an invaluable and portable way to be ready for anything. Small battery-operated radios will keep you updated on the news while flashlights keep you safe in the dark (bring extra batteries for both). Paper maps beat apps when the power goes out and you need to find a safe place to stay. Wet wipes are good for everyone’s basic sanitation and hygiene, but don’t forget to pack for specific individuals with certain needs (medication, syringes, eyeglasses, and so on).
Get the Car Ready To Go
When learning how to build a household emergency kit, don’t forget your car. In an emergency, your car won’t just be your transportation; it may serve as your temporary home/headquarters. Ensure it gets regular checkups, keep it filled with gas and topped off with fluids, and pack a car emergency kit along with an empty gas can, water container, and any other tools you might need on the road.
