No matter where you live, your situation, or what type of disasters you may be facing, there are some basic supplies everyone should have on hand “just in case.” Here are five things you should stock and store at all times to ensure you can make it no matter what life throws at you.
Water
Let's start with the most essential and urgent item on the list – water. You can make it a surprisingly long time without food, power, and other stuff. But, you can't make it very long without a reliable source of drinking water.
Have a few days' worths of water stored so whenever something happens, you're ready. The first thing you should do when prepping for an emergency is to store some water. Buy bottles or gallons at the store, or fill up containers. Keep a water filter and Clorox on hand to keep water drinkable for longer.
Non-Perishable, Ready-To-Eat Food
While humans can go without food for a surprisingly long time, involuntary fasting isn't pleasant. So keep a few ready-to-eat foods in your pantry, including peanut butter, crackers, protein bars, and canned foods you can eat without heating. It helps to stick with items you eat regularly, so you can rotate through this food storage and not risk having it ruined and going to waste.
When natural disasters occur, stock up when the time of year approaches, and don't forget to bring the emergency food supply when you need to evacuate. You can't always rely on others to provide food, and stores and restaurants along the way may be closed.
Weather Radio
The next item on the list is a small battery-operated weather radio. Keep a set of spare batteries with it because you will need the latest weather and government updates and news. Don't rely on your phone and the internet as your only source for information. The network could go down or overload.
Flash Light And Batteries
Things always seem worse in the dark, don't they? And not just that. It can be downright dangerous to move around outside or even inside your home without a reliable light source. Candles will work in a pinch, but they also risk setting your surroundings on fire. So instead, make sure your kit includes several flashlights and spare batteries. Headlamps are helpful when trying to move around and get stuff done.
First Aid Kit
Last but not least, let's talk about a first aid kit. The size of your kit will depend on the size of your family. Start with a standard kit available at your local store, and then add all medications you and your loved ones take and need. Check this kit and the rest of your disaster supplies regularly to ensure you're ready when you need to grab your supplies and leave quickly.
