When disaster strikes, will you be ready? A recent survey conducted by FEMA from February to March 2023, which included over 7,600 responses, shows that only 51% of Americans believe they are prepared for a disaster.¹
Additionally, just 57% took three or more actions to prepare for a crisis within the last year. While most people have the basics like food, water, and first aid supplies in their emergency kits, several critical items are often overlooked.
To ensure you’re fully prepared to weather any storm, here are 12 essential items your survival kit may lack.
1. Prescription Medications
If you take prescription medications daily, including at least a seven-day supply in your emergency kit is crucial. Pharmacies may be closed or inaccessible during a disaster, so having an extra supply on hand can be a lifesaver.
Don’t forget to rotate your emergency meds regularly to prevent them from expiring.
In addition to prescription medications, consider adding over-the-counter pain relievers, antidiarrheal medication, antacids, and laxatives to your kit. These can help alleviate common ailments that may arise during a stressful emergency.
2. Cash & Important Documents
ATMs and credit card machines may not work during a power outage, so it’s essential to include some cash in your emergency kit. Aim for at least $100 in small bills and change. In a waterproof, portable container, include copies of important documents like insurance policies, identification, and bank records.
Cash and copies of important documents can make accessing emergency services, filing insurance claims, and rebuilding after a disaster easier.
Consider saving electronic copies of these documents if the physical copies are lost or damaged.
3. Comfort Items
Emergencies can be stressful and frightening, especially for children. Including a few comfort items in your kit can help provide a sense of normalcy and calm during a chaotic time. Consider adding a favorite stuffed animal, book, or game for each child in your family.
For adults, comfort items might include a deck of cards, a journal, a pen, or a small hobby kit like knitting supplies or a sketchbook.
Having something to do can help pass the time and reduce stress during an extended power outage or evacuation.
4. Portable Phone Charger
In today’s digital age, our phones are lifelines to the outside world. They allow us to stay informed, communicate with loved ones, and access emergency services. But what happens when the power goes out and your phone dies?
Including a portable phone charger or power bank in your emergency kit ensures you can keep your phone charged, even without electricity.
Look for a charger with a high mAh capacity that can fully charge your phone multiple times. And don’t forget to keep the charger fully charged and ready to go.
5. Hand-Crank or Battery-Powered Radio
When the power is out and cell towers are down, a hand-crank or battery-powered radio can be your best source for emergency information. Look for a radio that picks up NOAA weather alerts and local emergency broadcasts.
In addition to a radio, consider adding a hand-crank or battery-powered flashlight to your kit. Candles can be a fire hazard, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
A flashlight allows you to navigate safely in the dark and can also signal for help if needed.
6. Whistle
Speaking of signaling for help, a simple whistle can incredibly alert rescuers to your location. The high-pitched sound carries farther than the human voice and requires less energy.
Include a whistle for each family member and ensure everyone knows how to use it.
Teach children to blow the whistle repeatedly if they become separated or need help. For adults, three long blasts are the universal signal for distress.
7. N95 or Surgical Masks
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having masks on hand, which are also useful for other emergencies.
N95 masks can filter dust and debris during natural disasters like wildfires or earthquakes. Surgical masks can help prevent the spread of illness in crowded shelters.
Your emergency kit should include at least one mask per person, and you should consider adding extras if you have room. Remember to follow proper mask hygiene, like washing your hands before and after touching the mask and replacing it when it becomes damp or dirty.
8. Work Gloves & Sturdy Shoes
Cleaning up after a disaster can be messy and hazardous. Work gloves and sturdy, closed-toe shoes in your emergency kit can protect your hands and feet from injury. Look for gloves made from a durable material like leather or heavy-duty canvas.
Steel-toed boots are ideal, but any sturdy shoe that covers your whole foot will offer more protection than sandals or flip-flops.
If you must evacuate on foot, you’ll be glad you have comfortable, protective footwear.
9. Plastic Sheeting & Duct Tape
Plastic sheeting and duct tape are versatile tools that can be used for everything from emergency repairs to creating a makeshift shelter. Include a roll of heavy-duty plastic sheeting and duct tape in your kit.
Plastic sheeting can patch a leaky roof in a pinch, cover a broken window, or create a waterproof barrier.
Duct tape can secure the sheeting in place, repair torn clothing or gear, or even splint a broken bone.
10. Matches or a Lighter
Matches or a lighter can start a fire for warmth, cooking, or signaling for help. Include several books of matches in a waterproof container or a couple of lighters in your kit.
If you opt for matches, make sure they are strike-anywhere matches that can be lit on any rough surface. Store them in a plastic bag or other waterproof container to keep them dry. If you choose lighters, look for refillable ones and include extra butane.
11. Bleach or Water Purification Tablets
If the water supply becomes contaminated, you’ll need a way to purify it for drinking and sanitation.
Unscented household bleach can be used to disinfect water—add 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of clear water or 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of cloudy water, mix well, and let stand for 30 minutes before using.
Water purification tablets are another option for treating water. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and effective against most waterborne pathogens. Include a bottle of tablets in your emergency kit, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
12. Personal Hygiene Supplies
Staying clean can be challenging in an emergency, but it’s important for comfort and health. Include personal hygiene supplies like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and feminine products in your kit.
If you must evacuate to a shelter, these supplies will help you maintain a sense of dignity and normalcy.
And if you’re stuck at home without running water, they can help prevent the spread of illness and disease. Don’t forget to pack a few trash bags and toilet paper.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.