Regardless of where you live, natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, leaving people with little time to prepare. From wildfires to hurricanes, these emergencies often strike without warning. Preparing with crucial survival kits and having a family emergency plan can make the difference between greater peace of mind versus frantically scrambling for basic necessities. This guide will help you understand which kits you need, what to include, and how to make sure they’re accessible. Most importantly, you need to clearly communicate to your family where they are and have a clear plan, so they know what to do when disaster strikes.
The recent disasters in LA highlight the stakes of being unprepared. Because of the 100 mph winds, the fire spread so rapidly that many families had, in some cases, only minutes to evacuate. Many thought they could return. Many were left with only the clothes on their backs because they had no emergency and survival kits prepared. Unfortunately, thousands of these families came back to absolute devastation, losing everything.
The key is to be ready for a natural disaster before it strikes.
Stocking up on essential items, having a plan with family members, and sorting out pet care is a good idea, even if there is no current threat. From personal experience, you don’t realize the time it takes to gather what you need, and with your brain in fight-or-flight mode, it is easy to forget things.
When COVID struck, then the civil disturbance riots, then the worst first fires in CA history in terms of area, I was one of the first task force commanders to address these issues. The first thing I did was order each of my soldiers and their families to create their own survival gear kits and day bags. We needed to plan for disasters to avoid experiencing them. Especially since we don’t know when we will get called up, we need to have a day bag with 3 days of our uniforms and equipment readily available.
When deciding what you’ll need, ask yourself – if you had only 10 to 15 minutes to evacuate, what would you take? Doing this before you are in a crisis can help reduce panic and save valuable time. Better yet, have them pre-staged for easy access.
What to Keep in Your House
- Keep a fire extinguisher ready and frequently check when it will expire. Make sure everyone at home knows how to use it.
- Be aware of where your gas, electricity, and water main controls are. Know how to switch them off.
- Prepare a list of important phone numbers. Keep it near your house phone or somewhere you can quickly get to it.
- Buy a portable, battery-powered radio or scanner. This way, you can keep up with any updates about fires.
- Always have a flashlight and a pair of sturdy shoes, like hiking boots, beside your bed. This is useful during power outages or if you need to evacuate quickly at night.
- Download these free survival and emergency apps:
- FEMA App: Take Charge of Disasters
- First Aid: American Red Cross
- Hurricane: American Red Cross
- Earthquake: American Red Cross
- Pet First Aid: American Red Cross
- Zello Walkie Talkie
- Watch Duty (for fires)
- Disaster Alert
- Siren GPS
These are just some of the hundreds of apps out there. Some give you real-time alerts, some give you tips for survival, some allow you to communicate with loved ones, and more. Choose the ones you like and have your family download the same to be on the same page.
The Basics of a Survival Kit
A practical survival kit contains items to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. An emergency disaster kit is a collection of essential items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Here’s what every basic disaster supply kit should include:
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
- Nonperishable food: Enough for several days, such as canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruit.
- Prescription medications and glasses.
- First aid kit: Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and over-the-counter medications.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust masks to filter air in case of contamination.
- Tools like a manual can opener and a multi-purpose wrench or pliers.
- Personal hygiene items like moist towelettes, garbage bags, and disinfecting wipes.
- Emergency blankets, additional bedding, or sleeping bags if you live in a cold-weather environment.
- Important documents such as your passports, social security cards and birth certificates, and copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records, stored in a waterproof container.
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
If you have kids or pets, don’t forget to add these:
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food, water, and supplies for your pet
- Paper and pencil, books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
Seasonal Emergency Kits
Preparedness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Seasonal conditions add specific challenges, so consider tailoring your kits for different times of the year.
Summer Kits
- Extra water to prevent dehydration in extreme heat.
- Sunblock and a wide-brim hat for sun protection.
- Cooling towels and cold packs to avoid heatstroke.
- Lightweight rain gear to shield against unexpected thunderstorms.
Winter Kits
- Compact blankets or sleeping bags for warmth.
- Hand and body warmers.
- Waterproof outdoor clothing for exposure to snow or rain.
- Portable digging tools to free yourself from snow or debris.
- Additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Where to Store Your Kits
To ensure you have easy access to emergency supplies, store kits in key locations. Make sure your family knows where they are. If you end up taking items out like batteries, make sure you replace them.
On each bag, clearly label what type of bag it is, and what type of items are inside. This will help clear up confusion if you have different bags for different crisis. You want to grab the right ones.
Home Survival Kits
Keep a home kit in a central, easily accessible spot. Consider a second kit stored externally, like in the garage, for quick access during an evacuation.
Car Survival Kits
Your vehicle should always have a car emergency kit, including:
- Seat belt cutter and window breaker.
- Flares and an ice scraper.
- Cat litter or carpet scraps for tire traction.
- Duct tape for temporary repairs.
Portable Survival Kits
If you commute via bus or train, consider a small, portable emergency survival kit that includes basics like water, snacks, a flashlight, and a solar charger.
Work Survival Kits
Emergencies don’t always occur at home. Having a work kit ensures you’re prepared if you’re forced to shelter in place for an extended period. Include nonperishable snacks, water, comfortable walking shoes, and first aid supplies.
Specific Emergency and Survival Kits for Unique Needs
To further enhance your preparedness, consider creating specialized kits for different situations.
Pet Survival Kits
If you have pets, don’t forget essentials like:
- Pet food and a water supply.
- Medications.
- A carrier or leash.
- A blanket or pet coat for added comfort.
Power Kits
Whether you stay at home or evacuate, a power kit can be a lifesaver. Include battery-operated lanterns, hand-crank flashlights, and portable phone chargers to stay connected and safe.
Maintaining Your Survival Kits
Your kits aren’t “set it and forget it“ items. Proper maintenance ensures they’re ready when you need them.
- Check items regularly for expiration dates, especially food, water, and batteries.
- Store items properly in airtight containers to prevent damage.
- Update kits annually to adjust to your family’s changing needs, such as new medications or additions to the household.
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist for assembling a comprehensive emergency kit:
Basic Supplies
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Nonperishable food (3-day supply)
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Manual can opener
- Backup cellphone charger
- Emergency whistle
- Dust masks
- Multi-purpose tool
Personal Items
- Prescription medications
- Copies of documents (ID, insurance policies)
- Warm clothing and sturdy shoes
- Hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, feminine supplies)
- Books, games, or activities for kids
Specialized Items
- Pet food and supplies
- Battery-powered lantern
- Snow chains or ice scraper (for winter car kits)
Final Thoughts
Emergency situations are unpredictable, but a well-prepared survival kit can keep your family safe, calm, and equipped. Remember, even the most thorough kits are useless if they aren’t accessible or if your loved ones don’t know where to find them. Create a Family Emergency Communication Plan. Take the time to label and communicate their locations clearly.
Preparation saves lives. Start building your survival kits today, and share this guide with your family and friends to help them prepare as well. Together, we can face emergencies with confidence and resilience.