Floods, calamities, wars, and accidents are all situations that can leave you trapped and without sufficient supplies to survive. And depending on how severe the emergency is, you’ll need basic stuff to get by a bit.

What should you include in your emergency kit?

1. A backpack

You’ll need a backpack to put your emergency gear inside. You do not need something big and heavy, just something that is enough to keep your essentials inside. Preppers usually advise that one has two of these backpacks, one that contains essentials that’ll last you for three days and one that’ll last you for two weeks. A backpack is quite essential, so ensure you get one.

2. First aid kit

Including a first aid kit in your emergency kit is like adding ketchup to your fries. Your emergency kit is incomplete without your first aid kit. You need one to treat minor infections and wounds in case you cannot access the hospital. Your first aid kit should have scissors, bandages, methylated spirit, iodine, painkillers, gloves, and tweezers.

If you don’t know how to put these things together, you can purchase pre-assembled kits that have all the necessary materials.

3. Food

When there is an emergency, it is almost certain that grocery stores will shut down or have empty shelves. You’ll need food; you won’t survive without it. So pack plenty of canned foods, snacks, candies, energy bars, dried fruits, and other non-perishable things. Also, to keep your emergency food stockpile fresh, try consuming them every six months and replacing them.

4. Water

Emergencies can affect the availability of water and its purity. To avoid being stranded, it is advisable to pack a gallon of water for each person. You can refill juice or soda bottles with water or buy water gallons at the stores.

5. Flashlight

There could likely be power failure in emergencies. Therefore, you will undoubtedly need a flashlight. While you may be able to use your cell phone’s flashlight, it may not last a long time, and you’ll also need a battery-charged or rechargeable flashlight with a brighter beam. If your flashlight is battery-charged, ensure to pack a lot of batteries with it.

6. Toiletries

You should pack the essential toiletries like tissue paper, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, shampoo, and any other items that you may need for your hygiene.

7. Clothing

With everything else covered, you will also need safe and warm clothes. Pack clothing that will keep you dry, and pack blankets for the cold nights.

You shouldn’t wait for an emergency to strike to pack up a kit, as you may not have much time to pack if or when it ever happens. So, start building up your kit now, don’t leave it for tomorrow.