Essential Items to Add to Your Emergency Kit

Bad weather or other emergency situations can happen at any time. With any change or problem that life throws at you, it’s important to be prepared beforehand!

In this blog we talked about the food and drink products you should stockpile in case of an emergency. These things are critical to have on hand and it’s important they are stored in a safe, dry place, such as a Cook storage shed.

But there are other critical things to stock up on prior to an emergency or weather related incident. Here are the non-food items we recommend adding to your emergency kit.

Flashlights

Everyone most likely has a bunch of flashlights in various sizes scattered in drawers and closets around their home. But it’s important to know exactly where they are during a power outage. Without light, it’s easy for injuries to happen just trying to get around your dark home.

Gather up your flashlights, check to see that they are in working order with fresh batteries then place one in each room. You also might want to invest in a crank flashlight powered by just your elbow grease! Or unscented candles and matches provide another cheaper lighting alternative.

Spare Batteries

That leads us to the necessity to stockpile spare batteries to power a variety of items in case a prolonged power outage happens in your area. Make sure you have on hand a variety of sizes (AA and AAA are the most common) but try to have a least one replacement for each size. Don’t forget the small round batteries that power watches, hearing aids and other important things.

A good tip if you do run out of spare batteries is to gather up all the electronic controllers and remotes that aren’t being used and borrow those batteries. You can always replace them later. Just make sure the batteries haven’t begun to corrode.

Also, make sure you check that your portable battery is fully charged so you can charge phones, tablets, etc. Try to use your portable battery occasionally so it stays functional and you remember to recharge it so you have it when you really need it.

First Aid Kit

It’s important to plan for anything and a big component of that is having first aid on hand in case a family member gets injured or sick. Your first aid kit should be stocked with adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a cold compress, etc. For more, here is the Red Cross’ entire recommended list for family first aid kits.

You might talk to your doctor about being able to get a multiple month supply of any needed medication for your family members.

Other Recommendations

Hand Sanitizer/Baby Wipes– These are helpful to conserve water and keep you sparkling clean.
Duct Tape– For any temporary repairs like broken or cracked windows around your home.
Sleeping Bags/Blankets– Have a couple clean, accessible sleeping bags on hand. Make sure to check and repair any holes.
Transistor Radio– Not only will a battery powered radio keep you entertained; it will also keep you updated on the ongoing emergency situation.
Manual Can Opener– Good to have for cans without the easy open pop top.
Work Gloves– Important to keep around in case you need to complete any outdoor tasks and to help reduce the risk of injury.

It’s important to have a central location for the majority of your emergency supplies. One option is to get a portable shed where you can store equipment, extra storage and your emergency stockpile. Check out our different shed styles here. Learn more about why Cook is a great choice by clicking below!