As welcome as new seasons are, they typically bring new risks for disaster — and it pays to be prepared! Whether you’re on the other side of a bitter winter or getting geared up for hurricanes in the South, you’ll never regret stocking your pantry for a crisis. Should you find yourself amidst a severe storm, lengthy power outage, or other unexpected tragedy, you and your household won’t have to panic, knowing you’re prepped and ready.
As you’re stocking your shelves this time of year, make sure you include the following:
Water: It doesn’t get much more essential than water, which is exactly why you want to keep at least several days’ worth of it on hand at your home. This includes both drinking water (one gallon per person per day) and clean water for brushing teeth and washing up in the case of a water outage. In fact, for the best preparation, stock a full two weeks’ worth.
Dry Goods: Any good emergency stash includes plenty of dry goods that can be used and eaten without refrigeration or cooking. Think canned items (as well as a manual can opener), dry mixes, protein bars, nut butters, dried fruit, juices/liquids, and other nonperishable staples — but only those you will actually eat. In fact, throw in some fun foods, too. In a crisis, you’ll be glad to have a little comfort available. As for how much food to store up, aim to stock at least enough to feed your household for a few days or up to two weeks’ worth.
Prescription Medication: If anyone in your home is on important medication, you will be glad you have some of it stocked in an emergency. The same goes for glasses or contact lenses, a full first aid kit, and/or any other necessary medical supplies.
Baby Necessities: Households with infants should keep an extra stash of diapers and formula, if needed, in order to care for little ones in a crisis situation.
Pet Supplies: Don’t forget the furry friends in your home. If you find yourself stranded at home in an emergency, you’ll know how important it is to have extra pet food, water, and other must-haves on hand.
Flashlight and Batteries: When the power goes out at night, a working flashlight is a must. Stock extra batteries nearby, too, as well as candles and matches.
Camp Stove: Another tool to consider keeping on hand is a camp stove, which will allow you to boil water or heat meals even when the power is out.
Solar Charger: Fueled by the power of the sun, a solar charger for your electrical devices can be a good investment. It makes it possible to stay connected to people outside your home in a disaster, as well as to access the internet for information or entertainment.
Whole Home Generator: Nothing provides peace of mind quite like a whole home generator, which can ensure your lights, HVAC, and internet, for example, keep running even when the power’s out. Likewise, if someone in your home relies on electrical equipment, such as a breathing machine or dialysis equipment, having backup power is a necessity.
When it comes to disasters, the best time to prepare is now, before one strikes. You can decide how much to stock, but knowing you’re ready for the unexpected can provide incredible comfort and security. Whether you keep enough supplies on hand to see you through a few days or weeks of an emergency, get in the habit of culling your stash twice a year or so. Date everything as you’re stocking it, so when you organize, you can easily pull out the goods with the oldest dates, rotating them for newer, more long-lasting replacements. With a good, regularly refreshed emergency stock on hand, you can feel confident that you’re ready for whatever the new season may bring.
Author bio: Joel Scott Bennett is Director of Marketing at Canter Power Systems, a leading residential generator installer. Bennett is trained as an industrial designer, empathetic and personable, he leads the creation of business opportunities through the fast-changing energy sector.
