emergency kit

How to Make an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Ashley Eneriz — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 09:00:06 +0000

An emergency can hit your home at any time — whether it be a citywide natural disaster, or an isolated crisis such as a house flood or fire. And while it's hard to predict when the worst will happen, it's important to be ready and prepared for if it does.

Being ready for an emergency goes beyond having the basic supplies necessary for survival. You should also have important personal and financial documents somewhere safe and easy to grab when you only have a few minutes to think. Here's how to start building your kit. (See also: 8 Signs You Aren't Prepared for an Emergency)

Keep important documents in a safe

Invest in a fire-resistant, waterproof safe that is easy to pick up and carry in an emergency. A digital safe with backup keys is a good idea. Keep the following items inside:

Marriage certificate.
Birth certificates for each family member.
Social Security cards for each family member.
Passports for each family member.
Military ID.
Pet ID tags.
Prescription medicine information.
Important USBs, computer backups, and external drives.

It is also wise to keep some cash in this box. Ideally, between $500 and $1,000 will be enough to get your family through an immediate crisis. When a disaster strikes, you may not have the time or ability to access your bank accounts right away. This little cushion of cash can cover you until then.

Use the cloud to protect other important info and photos

Thankfully, the internet makes it easy to access insurance policies, medical information, important bank and housing info, and beloved photos from anywhere. If you don't have access to these documents through online accounts, either keep physical copies of these documents in your safe, or scan them to a secure cloud storage site.

Personal photos and videos can be uploaded to social media or private websites, or saved to cloud storage like Amazon Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive. (See also: 10 Critical Steps to Protect Your Data in the Cloud)

Stock your pantry for emergencies

If you have to evacuate your home quickly, it probably won't matter what's in your pantry. However, in the event a natural disaster or massive storm confines you to your home, you still want to keep extra, nonperishable food on hand in case you can't get to a store.

You don't need to spend a ton of money or invest in emergency meal prep kits; simply buy a few extra boxes or cans of food each time you visit the grocery store. This will allow you to stay within your food budget and still build up a helpful supply. Here are a few things to stock up on and keep in your pantry:

Water bottles and a few gallons of water.
Protein or granola bars and protein powder.
Canned soup, beans, and tuna.
Trail mix and nuts.
Peanut butter or other nut butter.
Beef jerky or other dried meat.
Dried fruits and vegetables.
Bulk rice and grains.
Large containers of sugar, cornmeal, oats, oil, and flour.
Bottled juice.
Jarred tomatoes and spaghetti sauce.
Manual can opener.

To keep your pantry useful and budget-friendly, buy items that you normally eat anyway. Rotate them to avoid having food spoil or go to waste. If you would never eat canned sardines, don't stock up on them thinking you will learn to love them in desperate times. (See also: Micro-Prepping: How to Prepare for Small Disasters)

Other emergency supplies to have on hand

Buying a fully equipped pre-made emergency kit can cost you over $100. You can put together your own kit for less by shopping sales and buying a little each month. Just make sure to have a dedicated spot for your emergency items. You don't want to stash extra flashlights in one drawer and a respirator or water in a hard-to-reach place on the other side of the house. Keep everything in a clearly labeled 20 to 45-gallon tote in the garage, basement, or hall closet.

Here's what you should purchase and keep in this kit:

A comfortable backpack or wheeled luggage to pack the items in.
A first-aid kit with bandages, gauze, disinfectant pads, oxytetracycline tablets for diarrhea and infections, tweezers, scissors, antibiotic cream, and aspirin.
Emergency power source or external battery that can act as a flashlight and charge phones.
Extra prescription glasses for you or family members.
Extra batteries and flashlights.
A pocket knife and multifunction tool.
Hand and foot warmers.
A portable blanket.
Baby wipes and disinfectant wipes.
N95 respirators.
Boxed water and water filters.
A few food items with long shelf life, such as beef jerky, peanut butter, and protein bars.

Keep all of these items in the tote, along with extra supplies that are nice to have but not essential, like ponchos, hiking boots, and extra blankets. You can also keep your safe in here, though a personal closet might be a safer option in case of a break in. (See also: 13 Essentials Every Emergency Bag Should Have)

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Electrical Blackout Essentials Every Home Needs

Paul Michael — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 08:00:08 +0000

America has been pounded by hurricane after hurricane, leaving devastation in their wake, and thousands of homes without power. And while you may not be in the path of a disaster at the moment, there is no telling when or where a blackout will strike. Are you prepared? Could you survive without electricity for days, or even weeks? Here's what you need to be ready, should the worst happen. (See also: Micro-Prepping: How to Prepare for Small Disasters)

1. Lighting supplies

Lighting is number one on the list, and for a good reason, as it's hard to get anything done in the dark. While flashlights, lanterns, and candles are great, think about investing in something that doesn't need batteries, and will last you for many years, like a hand-crank flashlight. You won't have to hunt for batteries, find propane, or worry that they will burn down to nothing. Couple it with a hand-crank lantern, or look for an all-in-one unit that does lighting, phone charging, radio, and more. Remember to put them in a place that's easily accessible; you don't want to go hunting around for lighting sources in the pitch black.

2. Power sources

This runs the gamut, from batteries and liquid fuel, to generators and solar-powered chargers. Stock up on the five main types of batteries — 9V, D, C, AA, and AAA — and invest in a solar-powered charger for phones and power banks. If you fear you will be without power for a considerable period of time, you definitely need to have a backup generator on your property. You can find a good one for under $400 on Craigslist, although you should research your power needs before you buy one. If you'll be using it to run a lot of appliances, and something like a sump pump or attic fan, you will need adequate power and outlets.

Generators run on four main types of fuel: gasoline, propane, diesel, and natural gas. Again, research what is best for your situation and environment, and have plenty of it on hand (safely stored, of course) in case of an emergency outage.

3. Heat

You'll need heat for cooking, and possibly for warmth, depending on where you live and the time of year. The power supplies mentioned previously will be essential for cooking and heating, and can supply electricity to a portable buffet range, a space heater, a toaster or toaster oven, and even a kettle. If you don't want to rely on power backups for your heat, there are small, portable propane grills and space heaters that can be used in an emergency. And if you do a lot of camping or outdoor activities, you probably have these on hand, anyway. (See also: The 5 Best Camping Stoves)

Last but not least, keep an ample supply of blankets, sleeping bags, and other warm clothes in an easily accessible place.

4. Potable water

We cannot survive without water, and yet, we take it for granted. It's right there, flowing freely from a faucet, and costs pennies per gallon. But you will soon find out how much you rely on it if the power goes out and your supply is cut off. It's a good idea to keep a case of drinking water in your basement or garage, but keep an eye on expiration dates, and swap this out with new water regularly. A pitcher that filters water can also be a great help during this time, and can give you a supply of clean drinking water for weeks.

If you want to go one step further, and know in advance that you may have a blackout coming, try something like a WaterBOB. This is a simple, but incredibly useful device that stores a four-week supply of clean drinking water in your bathtub. You can find them on eBay and, occasionally, on Amazon. Also, invest in a Lifestraw, which is often used by people who go camping or go on extreme adventures. A Lifestraw can be inserted into almost any water supply, and filter 1,000 liters of contaminated water, removing 99.99 percent of the bacteria. This is essential if you are running out of clean drinking water. They start at just $15, and could really save your life in an emergency.

5. Nonperishable food

It may be a no-brainer, but you need a supply of food that does not rely on power for storage (the refrigerator will be down unless you have generator power). That means a well-stocked pantry filled with a variety of canned goods, dry foods, snacks, drinks, and pet food if you have pets. Some popular items include jerky, granola bars, soups, meats (don't knock SPAM, it was a lifesaver in World War II), beans, packet foods (oatmeal, ramen noodles), nuts, dried fruit, protein bars and powders, cereals, condensed milk, MREs (Meals Ready-To-Eat), and freeze-dried foods.

Ideally, you will stock up on food that can be stored for years, but remember to constantly rotate the supply. You don't want to blow the dust off a bunch of cans to find out the food went bad five years ago and cannot be eaten. If all that sounds like a lot of work and effort, you can always buy an emergency food kit. These all-in-one kits are designed by experts to be long-lasting, give you a balanced, nutritious diet, and supply everything you need in one container should disaster strike.

6. Basic medical supplies

Most homes have a first-aid kit of some kind, but quite often it gets neglected and is not stocked with the necessary supplies you'll need for a true emergency. You can buy ready-made first aid kits from Amazon and Target, or find them in any supermarket, but if you would rather put your own together from scratch, make sure it has enough to handle the most common cuts, bruises, breaks, and other medical emergencies.

In particular, have plenty of antiseptic wipes, antibiotic and hydrocortisone ointments, a wide variety of adhesive bandages, some heat and cold packs that can be activated by a click or snap, tweezers, Q-Tips, a thermometer, scissors, latex gloves, a sling, and the usual medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen). It's also generally a good idea to have some Dramamine and antihistamine tablets, an Epi-pen, multivitamins, a suture kit, and laxatives. Check on this kit often, and replace supplies that get used up. (See also: The 5 Best Emergency Kits)

7. Communication devices

These days, everyone relies on a cellphone to communicate. Hopefully, you'll have the ability to charge your phone through solar or generator-powered sources, but if that's not an option, or you're looking to conserve cellphone power, you'll need other ways to communicate. Get yourself a good set of Walkie Talkies, and that means more than two. Amazon has a great set of six rechargeable, long-range two-way radios for under $100. That should be enough to cover everyone in the family. Keep them charged, perhaps in the basement or garage, and ready to hand out at any time.

Plus, you'll also need to find out what is happening in the world, and in your immediate vicinity. For this reason, first invest in a radio that can be activated from a hand crank. This will be an essential way to find out what is happening around you, and whether things are getting worse and an evacuation is going to be called. It can also provide some much-needed entertainment, which will go a long way to keeping your spirits up.

8. Waste disposal

It may be unsavory to think about it, but you may not have access to a functioning lavatory (some water supplies rely on electricity), and you will need to dispose of human waste in a sanitary way. Have a well-stocked cupboard filled with garbage bags, newspapers, kitchen towels, toilet paper, anti-bacterial wipes, and hand sanitizer. You may also want to invest in a bunch of zip ties to keep everything firmly sealed. The garbage pickup service may not be available either, so you will need to prepare for waste storage. It doesn't hurt to have several garbage bins ready to go for excess waste in an emergency. They can be stacked and placed in one corner of the basement or garage, or even in the backyard.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Signs You Aren't Prepared for an Emergency

Mikey Rox — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 10:00:22 +0000

Everyone eventually faces an emergency, whether it's related to finances, health, the weather, or something else entirely. The more prepared we are, however, the easier it is to roll with the punches when life throws them our way. Are you ready? Here are eight signs you aren't prepared for an emergency. (See also: 8 Ways to Decide if It's a "Fund-Worthy" Emergency)

1. You Haven't Saved a Single Cent

While emergencies come in various forms, many of us will face a financial crisis at some point — and it may be hard to keep your head above water when it strikes.

Financial experts constantly preach the importance of an emergency fund. Yet some people don't take steps to ensure they have enough in reserves for unexpected surprises. If you have little to no money reserved for a financial emergency, you likely won't come out of it on top.

Say you lose your job and primary source of income. Even if you're eligible for unemployment compensation, what you receive on a monthly basis may be significantly less than your regular salary. Your finances can also take a hit if a medical emergency triggers high monthly payments to a hospital or doctor's office. If you can't afford your health insurance deductible, which can run thousands of dollars, this can result in delaying needed medical treatment.

Similarly, lack of a savings account causes problems when you deal with a car repair or a home repair. Some people rely on a credit card when they don't have money in the bank. This puts them in debt and makes it even harder to save over a long period of time.

2. You Don't Have an Emergency Kit

If you've never lived through a natural disaster (count your blessings), you may not worry much about one impacting your life. But anything is possible, and it's important to have emergency supplies on hand just in case. For instance, if you were to lose power after a major storm and couldn't stay at a relative or friend's house, it'll be difficult to prepare food, and the food in your refrigerator would begin to spoil as the temperature inside the fridge rises. Sometimes we don't realize how much we need electricity for meal preparation until we don't have it.

Be prepared and always maintain a supply of nonperishable food and one gallon of water per person per day — for at least three days. Personally, I have about nine gallons of water stored in my basement for this purpose. Also consider purchasing a go bag — available at most outdoor or sporting goods stores — which is prepacked with essentials in the event of an emergency. Mine has food rations, survival and self-defense tools, first-aid materials, and more. You can add items to the bag as needed. (See also: The 5 Best Emergency Kits)

3. You Don't Have a Backup Generator

Power outages caused by wind and ice storms and other natural disasters can last for hours, or even days. When you don't have power, any appliance that requires electricity becomes useless, including your stove, fridge, deep freezer, and HVAC unit.

To prepare for long-term outages, consider a permanent or portable emergency generator. These machines can restore power to your home in a jiff. Permanent generators sit outside the home and run on propane or natural gas, just like your outdoor grill. A portable generator — which is a cheaper alternative (and probably all you need if you're not in a frequent disaster zone) — can operate on gas or diesel fuel. You can store it in the garage, but you should never run the generator inside the home. Using a generator indoors can cause buildup of carbon monoxide, and that can kill you.

4. You Don't Know the Location of Important Documents

In the event of an emergency, you'll also need to grab important documents before you head out the door, and unfortunately, if you're unorganized and have your documents stored in different locations, it'll be difficult to quickly locate them in an emergency. Get organized and keep important paperwork clearly labeled in a fireproof locked cabinet, preferably inside a sealed plastic bag; both measures protect the paper from fire and water. Important documents include Social Security cards, passports, your homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, medical insurance cards, and the like.

5. You Don't Have Extra Insurances

If you have health insurance, auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, and life insurance, you probably think you've covered your bases. But these aren't the only insurances to think about. Life can go horribly wrong in a matter of seconds, so prepare for the "what ifs" with additional insurance and protect your assets.

If you haven't already, compare costs for a short-term disability policy which pays a percentage of your salary if you become temporarily disabled and can't work. There are also legal insurance plans that provide affordable legal representation in the event that someone takes legal action against you. Even if you do not live in a flood zone, a flood insurance plan is worth consideration. This is because a standard homeowner's insurance policy does not cover flood damage. Also, most insurance policies have a hurricane deductible, which is higher than the policy's standard deductible for theft, fire, and other perils.

If you have a hurricane deductible and your home is damaged by a hurricane, this deductible is a percentage of your home's assessed value, which can be as much as 5%. If a hurricane causes a tree to fall on your house, or if hurricane-force winds break your windows and rain water floods your property, you have to pay the hurricane deductible before your insurance company pays for any damage. On the other hand, if you purchase flood insurance, the policy covers flood and/or rain damage caused by the hurricane.

6. You Don't Keep a Stock of Batteries or Candles

Nowadays, cellphones do more than make and receive phone calls. You can use your phone's Internet to check the weather or news, and some smartphones even have a built-in flashlight. With so much technology in the palm of your hands, it's easy to downplay the importance of an old-fashioned flashlight, batteries, and candles during an emergency.

However, no matter what type of phone you have, the battery will eventually die. And if you lose power and don't have a backup generator, you can't power your electronic devices. To make sure you're never stuck in the dark and cut off from the outside world, keep a supply of batteries and candles on hand.

7. You Don't Have Extra Gasoline for Your Car

When a natural disaster causes widespread power outages, gas stations without backup electricity will not have working pumps, which can trigger a local gas shortage. If you don't have fuel in your car, you can't drive or evacuate the area, if necessary. That, in itself, should be a top priority when you're expecting a major weather event. You must be able to evacuate if needed. Also, lack of gasoline means you can't power a portable generator.

Ideally, you should fill up your car before disaster strikes. But of course, impending danger doesn't always come with a heads up. To prepare yourself, consider stockpiling several gallons of gasoline in an approved airtight container. Many containers can hold between five and 25 gallons. Store your gasoline supply in a cool location outside of your home, such as a shed or garage.

8. You Don't Have an Outdoor Grill

Regardless of whether you prefer cooking on the grill or stove, a charcoal or gas grill comes in handy during an emergency. If you can't use your stove due to lack of electricity, outdoor grilling lets you enjoy a hot meal until your utility company restores power. Grill veggies, hot dogs, hamburgers, and any other meat you have on ice in a cooler (because otherwise it's probably going to spoil if the power is out for too long). Plan ahead and make sure you have enough charcoal, lighter fluid, or gas to get you through at least a week without power.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best First Aid Kits

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 09:30:24 +0000

Disasters can happen when you least expect them, which is why you need to be prepared with a trusty first aid kit. You may be stranded in your home, vehicle, or campsite with no basic necessities, so you’ll want to have a first aid kit that can help treat wounds on the spot.

A well-stocked first aid kit is a necessity in order to prepare for a natural disaster, or just to better prepare for your next camping, hiking, biking, or road trip. They can provide peace of mind, so you can take comfort knowing that you are always prepared for what life may throw at you.

What Is a First Aid Kit?

A first aid kit includes the supplies you may need to treat minor emergencies. The kits come in all shapes and sizes, and can include a range of different items. It should be located in a convenient place, where you can easily reach it. It’s an essential for your family’s safety and something that most people need at one time or another.

Many people choose to put a first aid kit together on their own, but that can be costly and time-consuming. Instead, we’ve found some of the best well-stocked first aid kits so that you can respond quickly in the next minor emergency. You can always supplement your kit with more items, or replace items you’ve used up, to make it better suited to your needs and lifestyle. (See also: 6 Items You Might Have Forgotten in Your Emergency Kit)

Top 5 First Aid Kits

Small First Aid Kit 100-Piece

Amazon’s #1 best-seller in interior safety kits, the comprehensive Small First Aid Kit has 100 pieces, and is ideal for the home, car, or camping gear. It has all the important things you need to treat minor injuries and deal with an emergency, such as wound care, a lightstick, poncho, and more. It also includes a helpful emergency preparedness eBook. While it is a small, compact case, there is still room to add additional items, if you wish. The durable kit is made to last, so you know you can always count on it in an emergency situation.

The included items have been upgraded, based on customer feedback. For instance, it now includes bigger, stronger metal scissors and tweezers, and a more accurate compass. It has outstanding reviews, including more than 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It is also backed by a money-back lifetime guarantee.

Currently $19.99 on Amazon

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit

The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit .7 has all the necessary items for bleeding, blisters, burns, fractures, minor wound care, and more. It is ideal for athletes and adventure seekers, and should be included in your camping, hiking, and outdoor gear. The portable, ultralight kit has a protective waterproof system, consisting of an outer seam-sealed siliconized nylon bag and inner DryFlex liner, so everything will stay safe and dry inside, which is ideal if you will be battling the elements.

The watertight kit is frequently recommended online and has outstanding reviews. It is also chosen by professional athletes around the country and comes from the trusted American Medical Kits brand.

Currently $24.60 on Amazon

AAA 65-Piece Winter Severe Weather Travel Kit

The AAA 65-Piece Winter Severe Weather Travel Kit is the perfect item to include in your car and can even make a great gift. It includes 65 road assistance and first aid items, such as a folding shovel with sheath, three-piece fleece set, ice scraper, strobe light, minor wound care items, and more. The compact kit comes in a soft bag and can assist with any cold weather emergencies.

This comes from the trusted AAA brand and Lifeline First Aid brand, so you can rest assured that it is the perfect kit to keep you safe on the road. It also has outstanding reviews. If you don’t have severe weather to contend with, instead consider the AAA 64 Piece Premium Traveler Road Kit.

Currently $49.47 on Amazon

First Aid Kit For Survival and Minor Emergencies

The First Aid Kit For Survival and Minor Emergencies is comprehensive with 100 pieces. The soft, lightweight zippered storage bag has a reflective stripe, virtually unbreakable handle, and strong, flexible nylon that won’t tear and is water and dirt resistant. It includes everything you could need for an emergency situation, including minor wound care items, sewing items, and emergency items, such as a lightstick, poncho, scissors, and more. It also includes a helpful emergency preparedness eBook. The compact case is easy to carry and still has room to add a few extra things, if you wish. This is an Amazon best-seller, has outstanding online reviews, and is backed by a satisfaction guarantee.

Currently $19.99 on Amazon

Red Cross Safe Travels First Aid Kit

The Red Cross Safe Travels First Aid Kit is a basic hard shell 70-piece kit. The Johnson & Johnson safe travels kit has everything you need to travel safely. It is ideal if you want a basic kit with a little more than bandages. It is a great starter kit, ideal for camping and taking to college. The Red Cross recommends having a first aid kit in your home and in your car. This kit is an Amazon best-seller and is frequently recommended online. It also comes from the trusted Red Cross brand.

Currently $8.99 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best first aid kits. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: