6 Must-Have Items for Your Emergency Kit

Disaster preparedness is not just a popular movement; it’s a smart way to keep your family safe at all times. This is especially true if you live in rural areas, where a quick trip to the store just isn’t an option. Whether preparing for small accidents, major injuries, and even natural disasters, it’s a good idea to have all of these things on hand in your home.

First-Aid Supplies

Band-Aids, bandages, burn cream, and even splints for fractures—these are all perfect for a rural-life first aid kit. You never know what might happen when the kids are out playing in the yard or you’re working in your garden. You should not only have a full first aid kit at the ready all the time, but you should also have some first aid training. What good are the medical items if you’re not trained to administer them?

Bottled Water

In the case of a natural disaster, such as one created by weather or earthquake, you could find yourself without running water. Sure, you need to be able to stay hydrated, but the need for water goes beyond that. Without the ability to clean your surroundings and your family, more dangerous possibilities creep in, including infection. Gather enough water to help with flushing toilets, taking baths, cleaning your home, and even watering your garden. You never know when you’ll need it.

Wireless Radio

To keep up to date with everything going on, including weather alerts or government warnings, you’ll need a radio that requires no electricity. Whether that radio is powered by you or by batteries, the important thing is simply that you have one.

Batteries

Speaking of batteries, you’ll want to stockpile for emergencies. These batteries will help power your radio, some of your appliances, and your flashlights. Be sure you know what size batteries your devices need so you can be sure to have plenty on hand.

Candles, Flashlights, and Lanterns

Candles do help keep rooms lit when the power is out, but they’re not always enough. That’s why lanterns should always be nearby, ready to grab them when you’re in need. You can use lanterns powered by batteries or kerosene. Just make sure you have enough of either to keep those lanterns going for a while. As an alternative, you can keep hand-cranked flashlights so you still have light when everything else fails.

Fuel Sources

You may need gasoline for your car or kerosene for heaters and lanterns during an emergency. If you don’t have those on hand, you can’t expect to be able to get some in a hurry. Store these fuels in a safe place away from your home so they can’t cause an additional disaster.

No one ever wants to imagine disaster, but you can’t be prepared if you don’t. Gather these items and keep them in a safe place, away from danger and curious children. Check them often, especially your batteries and fuel sources. You may need to replace things over time to keep them fresh and useable.

Want to know more about rural living? Give us a call to discover our lots for sale in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia. And if you’d like to learn more about prepping for emergencies, visit us at the Southern Preppers Expo in Oxford, AL, this weekend!