What emergency supplies should i have on hand

Close Pop-Up. Looking for Information about the Oregon Wildfires? Find an Open Shelter. Looking for Wildfire Information? The compartment where these tools are stored might also be a good spot to keep some jumper cables in case you need a quick battery jolt, as well as a basic multitool for any number of small jobs. Should you encounter trouble after nightfall, you'll need a good flashlight to examine under the hood or check out your surroundings.

Yes, you can use your phone in a pinch, but in a real emergency you'll want to conserve your battery and you won't want to use your expensive smartphone outside during a downpour.

Far smarter to keep a heavy-duty flashlight in your glove compartment, which can also double as a blunt self-defense weapon in a real pinch. You might also consider a headlamp, a perennial favorite of campers , which offers similar brightness while keeping your hands free.

Picture this: your battery dies on a back road, and the rain is coming down hard. You've called for a tow, but in the meantime, you're nearly invisible to other drivers. To prevent a bad situation from getting worse, invest in some type of emergency signal device that will alert other drivers to your presence.

As you stockpile materials to keep your vehicle in working order, don't forget about your most precious cargo—yourself and your family. In the event of an accident, a first-aid kit may buy you precious time while you wait for paramedics to arrive.

Make your own if you prefer ActiveJunky. Assuming you're not a nurse or doctor yourself, don't forget to include a first-aid booklet [ PDF ] as well—kits are only valuable if you know how to use them appropriately!

In an unfortunate scenario, perhaps your car breaks down miles away from any help and you're temporarily stranded while waiting for assistance. In a worse-case scenario, perhaps you're forced to hunker down in your vehicle overnight.

If the engine is still working, you can make some use of the heater, but experts recommend running your engine no more than 10 minutes per hour to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. However, having a few heavy blankets will provide necessary warmth and insulation to make up the difference and keep your body heat up during a long, cold night. And, bonus: You'll always be prepared for a surprise picnic.

Carrying "emergency supplies" on your person every day might seem like overkill, but these personal items might literally save your life someday, and all of them can easily fit in a pocket, purse, or backpack. Disaster can strike without warning, so consider keeping these items close, especially while traveling. Priorities would include the basics for survival: water, food, warmth. Here are some things to consider putting in your individual or family emergency kit:.

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation. Energizer batteries are one of the longest-lasting alkaline batteries on the market. They have a shelf-life of 10 years and are leak-resistant for up to two years after being fully used.

You can add these to your at-home survival kit and be confident that they'll be ready should an emergency strike. This double-thick adhesive tape is heavy-duty enough to stick to rough and uneven surfaces, yet workable enough that it can be ripped by hand. Gorilla Tape is also weather-resistant and can withstand moisture, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. It's always a good idea to carry waterproof matches with you in case you need to start a fire in a damp area.

Each box contains 40 matches and they're sold in a pack for a total of matches. Though they're great for use in the rain or in humid conditions, some users have had trouble getting them to light if they've been submerged in water. Consider storing them in a waterproof container for extra peace of mind. This respirator is designed to protect you from breathing in non-oil-based particles like fiberglass and sanding debris.

A valve attached to the front of the mask makes for easy breathing, as well as heat and moisture reduction. A simple mask like this could help protect your respiratory system if you're in a situation where you're surrounded by significant debris. Note: Respirators and face masks have become hard to find online due to the novel coronavirus. We will update this article with purchase links when they are back in stock.

It's always a good idea to keep non-perishables like canned food that doesn't require cooking in your kit. The American Red Cross suggests storing a three-day supply for each member in your group. This ready-to-go food option has a shelf-life of 30 years and is designed for emergency situations. You can consume lasagna with beef sauce, noodles and chicken, breakfast skillets, and more directly out of the package in fewer than 10 minutes. To accompany your non-perishable foods, the Made in USA can opener can lock onto cans of all sizes with its skip-proof feed wheel made from carbon steel.

It's simple and doesn't require electricity, so it's ideal for emergency situations. If you're looking for something even more compact for on-the-go can opening, check out the P Can Opener and P Can Opener. They're a bit more difficult to use, but they fit on a keyring and can be used as a cutting blade or even a screwdriver in a pinch.

You can also check out our full guide to the best can openers. Although we previously recommended adding LifeStraws to your at-home survival kit, you should always be prepared with clean drinking water. Stock up on gallons of water or pre-packaged bottles like this in your at-home kit.

Don't forget to recycle the bottles afterward, if you can. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. You can purchase syndication rights to this story here. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting.

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