7 Essential Things to Have in Your Home in Case of an Emergency
No one expects that a natural disaster will strike close to home, but hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornados, and other storms aren’t always predictable. That’s why it’s a smart idea to think about disaster planning in advance and stock a few emergency items for home just in case a disaster strikes. This article will list seven essential things to have in your home in case of an emergency, including a first-aid kit, water, emergency generators, and more.
1. First-Aid Kit
One of the most important emergency items for home to have available is a first-aid kit. Even minor cuts and scrapes can turn into big issues if you don’t have access to a health care facility because of a local emergency situation. Important first-aid items to have in your kit are bandages, pain relievers, burn ointment, soap, tweezers, gauze, hand sanitizer, and sterile gloves.
2. Ample Water for People and Pets
Water may be in short supply or not immediately accessible during an emergency, so it’s important to have plenty of water stored away in advance for the people and pets of your household. As a general rule, stash away three gallons of water per person or pet that you’ll need as part of your disaster planning process. This should safely get you through three days during an emergency in case the local water supply isn’t safe to drink or if the tap water isn’t running at all.
3. Battery-Powered Radio
During an emergency, you may not have access to electrical outlets, the internet, or television. Therefore, the safest bet to stay informed about what’s going on is to have a battery-powered radio in your kit for emergency items for home. Also, make sure to have a supply of extra batteries on hand in case the ones in your radio run out of power during use.
4. Flashlights
It’s also a good idea to have a few flashlights with extra batteries in your at-home disaster planning kit in case the electricity goes out during an emergency. Battery-operated lanterns are also useful while getting around in the dark to maintain your family’s safety.
5. Non-Perishable Food
Stock up on non-perishable food items for your emergency kit in case you aren’t able to access a grocery store during a future emergency. According to the Red Cross, it’s advised to keep about two weeks of food in your disaster planning kit. Canned soups and beans, beef jerky, peanut butter, and dried fruit are all good options. Along with your food supply, pack extra doses of your essential medications so that they are readily available if you have to hurry out the door in a rush.
6. Battery or Solar-Powered Chargers
In our modern world, we rely upon our smartphones to help us with so many aspects of life. But you may not have that technology to rely upon if the power goes out or you can’t find an outlet. In your disaster planning kit, place a portable cell phone battery or solar-powered charger so that you can access the internet and make phone calls even after your battery runs low.
7. Electric Generators
Another great way to protect yourself and your home during an emergency is to have electric generators in the event of a power outage. A loss of power can put the safety and security of your home and possessions at risk, which is why Central Plumbing Specialties offers high-quality auto-standby and portable generators made by Honeywell. Contact us to learn more about the generators we offer, or visit one of our New York locations to take this important step in disaster planning.