10 Essential Items to Have in a Home Emergency Kit

An emergency can take place at any time. Although it may be difficult to imagine being without electricity, internet or running water for several days or weeks, it is possible. In the event of an emergency anything can happen. That’s why it is so important to have an adequate amount of supplies ready since you can’t always determine when or where an emergency will happen.

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Unfortunately, not all families have prepared a kit of essential items to have readily available in the event of an emergency. It is so important for you and your family to know how to respond to any situation. A home emergency kit is essential to keep important life saving items and supplies readily available. An emergency kit does not have to be fancy or overly expensive.

To help you get started, here are 10 items that every family should include in an emergency kit.

1. Extra water and non-perishable food to last 3 days

One gallon of water per person for each day would be sufficient. However you may need to add an some extra if the weather is hot, there is a nursing mom, or someone is ill and requiring extra fluids. Non-perishable food such as powdered dry milk, crackers, dry fruits, granola, cereals, nuts, peanut butter,  and canned foods like tuna, beans, fruits and vegetables. Remember to pack a manual can opener with your canned food unless you are able to get the pop up lids.

2. Flashlight and extra batteries

Keep extra flashlights around the house and make sure you have a viable supply of batteries in stock, as well. This pack of Eveready LED flashlights come with four Eveready LED Flashlights with 2 D and 4 AA Eveready batteries. 

3. Important documents

It’s a good idea to store important personal documents in a ziploc bag or zipper bag which are see through, making it easy to know which documents are where. Take precautions against losing essential legal documents, and make copies of your family’s passports, driver’s licenses, social security cards, birth certificates, and house deeds. Also have a file of important contact numbers: your bank, insurance company, and a few relatives who can be reached easily in cases of severe emergencies.

4. First aid kit

Care for minor cuts, scrapes and burns with the Johnson & Johnson All Purpose Compact First Aid Kit. This portable emergency kit contains essential first aid supplies, including cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack, and more. This first aid kit contains products from leading, doctor-recommended brands, including Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages, Neosporin, Tylenol and Bengay. It includes two pairs of gloves, a first aid guide and a durable, plastic box to keep items accessible and organized.

5. N95 face masks

This respirator is designed to protect you from breathing in non-oil-based particles like fiberglass and sanding debris. A valve attached to the front of the mask makes for easy breathing, as well as heat and moisture reduction. A simple mask like this could help protect your respiratory system if you're in a situation where you're surrounded by significant debris.

6. Crank radio light

A crank flashlight with radio is a great way to access light if your battery run flashlight runs out of power. Critical when the power goes out, the Stormproof Crank Radio Light provides light, radio, and siren, allowing you not only to have light, but keep informed of the latest news and weather with FM radio function. The built-in USB cable allows for a 2 hour quick charge. In the event of emergency, when no battery power or recharge power is available, one minute of crank power will provide 10 minutes of light or radio. The Crank Light will also charge your smart phone in an emergency.

7. Power bank

A power bank charger is essential to be able to charge your mobile device so that you will be able to keep communication open with family members and emergency services if needed. 

8. Candles and matches

Tea candles are ideal for setting up emergency lighting around a home. A great alternative to flashlights in the case of batteries dying or if you want to keep your batteries from running out.

9. Basic dishes and cutlery

Consider keeping an old set after purchasing new ones as they will work just fine in an emergency situation. Alternatively if you have any extra pieces on hand that are not being used. Another option are camping dishes sets complete with plates, bowls, cutlery, and mugs.

10. Activities to pass the time

Playing cards, board games, and/or arts and crafts sets. Having a couple of fun board games or something similar will go a long way to keeping everyone busy and their minds off the crisis at hand for a bit.

11. Warm thermal blankets

Coghlan's All-Purpose Thermal Blanket features waterproof and windproof aluminized polyethylene construction. It is strong, compact and helps retain body heat. The corners have reinforced grommets and stitched edges. This all-purpose blanket can be used as a picnic blanket, ground cover sheet, overhead tarp, emergency blanket/shelter and signal reflector. It stays flexible in freezing temperatures.  

12. Personal hygiene products

You still want to look after your personal hygiene during an emergency. Essentials may include but not limited to an extra change of clothing for each person, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, hair brush, etc.

13. Portable water filter

If you run out of clean water or find yourself without it, LifeStraws uses a microfiltration membrane to remove 99.9% of waterborne bacteria, parasites, and microplastics (as small as 1 micron). With proper use and maintenance, a LifeStraw can filter through 1,000 gallons of water.

14. Multi-Tool

No emergency kit is complete without a multi-tool. Instead of attempting to carry around a heavy toolbox for use in emergencies, opt for a multi-tool, which gives you the functionality of many tools rolled into one. A multi-tool contains retractable pliers, a mini knife, screwdriver, and more.

15. Duct tape

Duct tape is the perfect option for making quick repairs to your home in an emergency. If a window gets broken or a leak springs, duct tape will help hold down the fort until you’re able to make permanent repairs. Duct tape is durable and water-resistant, and it can be layered for extra strength.

What other essential items do you think every family should have in an emergency kit?