Emergencies can happen anywhere. From bad weather causing power outages to contaminated water supplies impacting homeowners, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. The great thing is that with just a few simple items, you can be prepared for almost anything. Here are some of the top items to keep on hand for emergencies.
Vodka or Other Liquor
While you might want it on hand to relieve stress, vodka and other liquors are extremely useful when you can’t get hold of things like rubbing alcohol for wound care. Having some premium vodka on hand can be useful for making medicinal tinctures, sterilizing supplies, and so much more. Liquor is also useful in situations where trade needs to happen and someone else has supplies that you need.
Water Filtration Devices
Clean water is important. It’s so important that you can’t live without it. While you can probably only store a limited amount of water jugs, you can have water filters on hand to purify water from toxins, contaminants, bacteria, and more.
Canned and Dry Foods
You never know when you need food that doesn’t rely on electricity. Power outages due to snow, hurricanes, and other events can make it important to have food supplies on hand that can stay good for extended periods of time. You can stock things like canned meat, beans, soups, chilis, jams, and more. Plus, keeping dry goods like flour and grains can offer options if you end up in an extended emergency.
Propane Grill or Camping Stove
Want to cook when the power goes out? A grill or a camping stove can be a great option. These are good to have on hand for emergencies and can ensure that you have a way to cook up your canned soup after a thunderstorm knocks the power out.
Natural Medicine
Having medicine on hand for emergencies is important. Everything from pain relief to antibiotics can be helpful. Learn how to use natural medicines and keep them on hand for everything from stomach illnesses to boosting your immune system to bug bites and wound care as well.
Batteries and Flashlights
Having flashlights is great. But having a way to turn them on is even better. Make sure you have enough batteries and flashlights on hand to keep the lights on in an emergency. These are one of the simplest to gather before an emergency, but among the hardest to get after something has hit.
Solar Battery Chargers
Want to charge your phone or other small devices? Solar battery chargers are great for this. When the sun comes out you can charge the items you need to stay connected. These are portable, eco-friendly, and helpful during emergency events.
Candles and Matches
Another important supply to have on hand during an emergency is a stash of candles and matches. You want to keep them in a cool dry place. Candles and matches are simple but effective. The nice thing is that they can light a room, heat a room, and don’t need to be recharged. You can save the wax to make new ones, and can even be used after an EMP event where other electronic devices including flashlights may not work. Watch out for the fire hazard with them and make sure they are in an area that is not at risk of catching on fire.
Non-Electric Can Opener
Do you have an electric can opener? It’s not going to do you much good when the power goes out and you need to open your canned goods. Having a couple of manual can openers on hand for emergencies is important. Stash one away with your emergency supplies so it’s right where you need it most.
Extra Gasoline
In an emergency, it may be hard to get gasoline. Most experts suggest having a full gas can when you know an emergency is coming, plus an extra can or two of gas on hand. When the power goes out, when there is flooding, or other emergencies, it’s nice to know you have enough for your basic needs.
Conclusion
Preparing for an emergency means having some supplies on hand to get you by until the power comes back, the roads are cleared, or supplies can be restocked in your local stores. By being prepared with vodka for sterilizing materials and cleaning wounds, clean water, and even a can opener, you can stay safer in an urgent situation.
