Emergency Supply Kit for Your Home - What Do I Need?
Disasters and emergencies can strike any time of the year, and for any reason. From hurricanes and flooding to wildfires, blizzards, earthquakes, tornadoes, a pandemic or civil unrest––you can’t predict what might happen tomorrow. But you can be as prepared as possible when disaster strikes. Taking time out now to be sure your home emergency supply kit is stocked and ready ensures that you and your family can be safe, regardless of what life brings.
Emergency Kit for the Home
Your home is your fortress, your sanctuary. It’s where you feel safe and at peace. One way to be sure those things are always true is to do what’s needed to make your home emergency-ready all year round. Here are some things to consider keeping around the house to be sure that whatever happens, you’re safe and prepared:
- Drinking water and/or personal water filtering device or purification tablets and non-perishable food for people and pets
- Can opener, foil, and disposable dishes and utensils
- Cell phone charge cords and adapters
- First-aid kit (e.g. adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, antiseptic cream, medical gloves, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, and instant cold compress)
- Extra prescription medications and OTC medicines, such as pain relievers and digestive aids
- Medical devices/products and materials like prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution, or hearing aids and batteries
- Toiletries and personal care items, hygiene products, cleansing wipes and baby care products
- Garbage bags and ties
- High-power flashlight with plenty of extra batteries
- Hand-crank radio or a NOAA weather radio
- Basic tools (e.g. wrench, pliers, reversible screwdriver, multi-tool, utility knife, hammer, duct tape, ax, saw, and small shovel)
- Emergency whistle, dust masks, signal flare, two-way radios
- Generator and fuel
- Fire extinguisher
- Clothing appropriate for either very high or very low temperatures
- Important family and household documents
- Bleach or another disinfectant and hand sanitizer
A few other miscellaneous items that could come in handy:
- Lighter, box of waterproof matches, and candles
- Scissors and string/cord
- Spare change/cash
- Compass and local/state maps
- Paper and pencil/pen
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities
Winter-specific items to have on hand:
- Plastic sheeting or tarp and a tent to close off a room and conserve heat
- Warm clothing, hats, coats, etc.
- Sleeping bags and emergency blankets
Always keep family members’ contact information along with emergency phone numbers handy, and be sure to re-inventory your home emergency kit regularly. Food and water past their expiration dates should be restocked and batteries replaced. And from time to time you might reevaluate your needs. Daylight savings time is a good six-month reminder to take another look at your home emergency kit.
You’ll want to keep your kit in a spot that stays cool and dry and is easily accessible year-round. If there are things you want or need to have on your person in case of an evacuation, then consider investing in a durable and comfortable backpack for the most important items. Then it will be easy to grab and go, especially if your car emergency kit is also up-to-date.
We are all wishing for the best this and every year, but we never know what turns our lives will take. Know that Althans cares for our community, and we're here to protect what matters most. Reach out today to chat about your concerns and decide on the best insurance for your home, auto, life and other needs.
