The worst thing about emergencies is that you just can’t predict them. The only good news is that you can plan for them.
Since people are always under duress when an emergency actually occurs it is prudent to assemble a kit that you can pull out when needed that covers most bases. So, here is a fairly complete list of the items you’ll find in my personal stash, plus a couple of extras that might be helpful for some folks with special needs.
Now seriously, why don’t you take a couple of hours and really honestly think thorough this emergency thing. You never know, perhaps the reason you’re reading this article today is a sign. You don’t want to be the person that didn’t pay attention and were left unprepared when disaster struck!
General Supplies
- Duck Tape
– The most useful product on Earth. - Emergency Thermal Blankets – $5, get a few.
- Camp stove or at least a Jetboil
- Can opener
- Canned and packaged foods
- Bottled water
- Wind Resistant Lighter
- THE Extractor – Bite and sting kit.
- Gas-O-Haul – Collapsible emergency gasoline can
- An emergency crank radio is simply imperative.
– The most useful product on Earth.
– $5, get a few.
– Bite and sting kit.Illness
- Ciprofloxacin (or Cipro), is a broad-spectrum antibiotic useful against a whole lot of bugs, plus famous for fighting Anthrax.
- Vicks One-Second Ear Thermometer – because no one wants to sit there with a thermometer under their tongue when they are sick!
- Potassium Iodide (Radiation Blocking Pills) $12-22 per family member
Stockpiling of Potassium Iodide (chemical abbreviation KI) is recommended by health officials worldwide to prevent thyroid cancer of those exposed to radioactive iodine in the event of a nuclear reactor accident or detonation of a nuclear bomb.
– because no one wants to sit there with a thermometer under their tongue when they are sick!
The biggest health risk after an accident at a nuclear plant or a nuclear attack results from exposure to radioactive iodine. Other radioisotopes are dispersed and quickly excreted, but radioiodine is concentrated and retained in the thyroid, increasing your risk of thyroid cancer. Even tiny doses, which can be carried downwind for hundreds of miles, can be harmful. Children are at greatest risk.
Taking potassium iodide (KI) before or immediately after exposure saturates your thyroid gland with safe stable iodine so that the uptake of radioactive iodine is blocked. There won’t be time to get it when an incident occurs. The FDA recommends keeping a 14-day supply on hand; radioactive iodine has a half-life of eight days.
Injury
- Triple antibiotic ointment – A cocktail of three popular antibiotics invented in the 1950s that is synergistically more powerful than any of the three alone or in sequence. Trials have shown that triple antibiotic combo reduces scarring better than double or a single antibiotic. It’s an over-the-counter ointment at any drug store.
- Burn Jel or Spenco 2nd Skin Moist Burn Pads – For dealing with burns.
- Precision Tweezers – $12 – When you get a splinter those cheap eyebrow tweezers will only push it in deeper. That’s when you need a good set of Tweezerman Splinter tweezers. They’ll allow you dig just about anything out from under the skin. Alternatively, if you want some seriously sharp tweezers because you have to deal with metal shaving splinters or some other very tiny, yet highly painful, stuff, try som SPI tweezers. – $30
- Self Adhering Athletic Tape/Bandage – CoFlex or Vet Wrap is much cheaper than the human stuff, although you are just going to wrap yourself up with it.
One of the emergency items I least hope to ever have to use is the compression bandage. You only whip this puppy out in case of massive unstoppable bleeding. But when it’s needed nothing else will suffice, so no emergency kit is complete without a couple of these.
Make sure you get more than one because certain injuries might require two, or you may need to change it out while working your way to medical care.- SAM Emergency Splint – $5-40 – Tremendously popular, and for good reason, a SAM Splint is crucial to any medical kit. This foam-padded aluminum splint is adaptable for use in almost any situation on almost any part of the body.
Waterproof, reusable and invisible to X-rays, SAM Splints may be folded to fit into almost any container and even work well as a cervical collar in emergency situations and are available in a number of shapes and sizes. Here is a very inexpensive generic one. - Medical Grade Super Glue -Even if you’re a surgeon you’re not likely to have a needle and thread available during an emergency, so in case there is a small to medium sized wound that needs to be closed the best thing you can have on hand is Super Glue, or the medical equivalent.
- If money is no object, you want some Dermabond (Octyl-cyanoacrylate). This stuff is the Rolls Royce of superglue specifically made for human sutures. There are also other options.
- Vetbond (Butyl-cyanoacrylate) is a medical grade super glue that is approved for use on animals, but not people because it isn’t packaged in a “sterile” human grade manner. But if it’s good enough for my dog it’s fine for me in a pinch. $15
- Super Glue (Ethyl-cyanoacrylate). This stuff was used widely in the Vietnam War to patch up soldiers in the field. $3 Oh yeah, you can also use Superglue to actually fix broken stuff.
- If money is no object, you want some Dermabond
– A cocktail of three popular antibiotics invented in the 1950s that is synergistically more powerful than any of the three alone or in sequence. Trials have shown that triple antibiotic combo reduces scarring better than double or a single antibiotic. It’s an over-the-counter ointment at any drug store.
. They’ll allow you dig just about anything out from under the skin. Alternatively, if you want some seriously sharp tweezers because you have to deal with metal shaving splinters or some other very tiny, yet highly painful, stuff, try som 
.
(Butyl-cyanoacrylate) is a medical grade super glue that is approved for use on animals, but not people because it isn’t packaged in a “sterile” human grade manner. But if it’s good enough for my dog it’s fine for me in a pinch. $15
Water Purification System – $50-150 – You can go without food, sleep and shelter for a while – but you can’t survive without water.
- If money and size are not an issue you can’t beat the First Need Base Camp Portable Water Purifier. It will filter microbiological, chemical and aesthetic contaminants from enough water for a whole group of people. $650
- The MSR Miox Water Purifier will work if you want to purify, but not filter, drinking water. This means it will kill harmful organisms in the water, but not filter out chemicals or contaminants. However, it is small enough to fit in a pocket and only requires salt and lithium batteries. $139
- First Need Deluxe Water Purifier is a non-chemical water purifier certified to EPA Guide Standard for microbiological purifiers against bacteria, cysts and viruses. $97.50
. It will filter microbiological, chemical and aesthetic contaminants from enough water for a whole group of people. $650
will work if you want to purify, but not filter, drinking water. This means it will kill harmful organisms in the water, but not filter out chemicals or contaminants. However, it is small enough to fit in a pocket and only requires salt and lithium batteries. $139Optional, but Recommended
Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED)
$1,250
If you’ve got someone in the family that is at increased risk for heart attack it makes sense to have a home defibrillator around. If it’s needed it can dramatically increase the rate of survival and decrease the severity of complications. Here is a video that demonstrates the unit in action:
Now, with the exception of the water and perhaps a camp stove you can fit everything else on this list into one relatively small container. I personally own 3 Rubbermaid ActionPacker 24-Gallon Storage Containers
. They’re basically indestructible and you can get them at your local Target if you want.
I am military physician with extensive wilderness medicine experience and survival training experience and I would avoid using The Extractor. You risk infection and it is not clinically proven to benefit snake and bug bites.
vicks one ear thermometer is battery powered- not a great idea in a real disaster to use batteries which you may find flat try a regular one have one from 1950 -still works fine and has a strong waterproof casing unlike some new ones
Great tips on how to prepare for an emergency! The recent events I hope encourage all of us to get more information on what to do in case of a natural disaster. Thanks for sharing all of these and the extensive list by the guest in the comments section is amazing. Unfortunately I think most of us don’t have the space to store that number of items but if we can have even a quarter of those items, I’m sure we will be better prepared than having nothing at all. Hopefully we never have to use them though…
Water purification tablets would also be a must-have. They are a great supplement to water filters. They’re tiny/lightweight and are useful when you’re on the move.
Bug out bag. Try to take foods that do not take water to prepare, I see so many bug out bags with things like, instant oatmeal, hot chocolate & soups. The water should be for
drinking & take vitamins & protein bars. I also take a bottle of fiber, not only is
fiber needed but it also swells for a full feeling. I came across what is called
Lifecaps. They are a capsule that has everything needed to survive without food with
the exception of water. It is full of vitamins & minerals plus Iodine. Anyway, you take
three of them a day & drink water. I can actually take enough food in one backpack to
las 6 months because of these little Lifecaps, protein bars, fiber & water. I will run
out of water in a week so I do carry a small filter & a couple of those straw water
filters that filter the water as you suck.
You do not always have the ability or time to heat water to make soup or oatmeal. Anyway,
after I bought 25 bottles I found a coupon code & bought 75 bottles more. The coupon code
is… healthcap It will get you 33% off. There are also sites that have those filter straws
that are cheaper than any of the stores around here. (SLC) I think they are a really good
idea along with some purification pills. I cannot remember the sites off the top of my head
but you can Google for aquamira filter straw. Aquamira is the manufacture but do not buy
off there site because I have found them for almost 1/2 what they want on their own site
on other sites. Good luck, Gods speed & get serious about your bug out bag!
Todd in SLC
Now, that’s a thorough list. A lot of food for thought, there.
One note on the Cipro, though: please urge people to be sure that they have a bacterial infection before taking antibiotics. One of our most pressing medical issues is the increasing resistance of many bugs to antibiotics. Taking these medicines improperly is part of the cause.
Super glue best stuff on earth, and actually developed for internal surgery closing of capilaries and tissues.
The rest is optional, If you can’t survive for three days by your wits alone, you don’t deserve to survive. It’s called natural selection. :-}
The rule of thumb for me is if its liable to be cold, have heating contingencies. listen to your world and have water and adequate food.
Nuc radiation?
Daily occurances here in the Phils… at least the power / water thing… Only thing to do in that case is to find a cozy bar with generator and wait it out :) (of course with Duck Tape and WD-40 in hand just in case)
Kim:)
Rhoody,
The list is not meant to deal with medical emergencies. It’s just meant to be able to react in cases where you lose power, running water, etc. Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. all cause the kind of damage that can cause a loss of mobility and community services for days. Emergency kits including the stuff I’ve got listed above will help people make it through a week or so of harsh conditions and even prevent illnesses, etc.
As far as EFR is concerned, I don’t have the time or inclination to spend on certifications. But even if I did, it doesn’t guarantee that you’d be able to perform CPR in an emergency. If you, or the victim, were severely injured something like an AED could mean the difference between life and death. Even a child can be taught how to use one, and they wouldn’t be able to perform CPR for sure…
John
I don’t carry it around with me, but I’ve got 95% of it at my house in case of emergencies. I live in Dallas, so if a tornado comes through here and rips things to shreds, or some other emergency occurs, I want to make sure I’ve got the essentials to care for my family while things are getting back to normal.
John
Steve,
the emergency list is nothing bad and includes great stuff, no doubt about that, but its more if you got trapped in a cave in Iraq and than I dont think you have your van with all that things with you…
I’d have to admit Rhoody, I am one of the many that wouldn’t know the rescue heart rates. Nor would I be able to find my candles in the dark (:
I don’t agree that Duck Tape and WD40 are the essentials for Mr Fix It – what about No More Nails. Fantastic stuff.
sorry, that is completely waste of money. you can buy all that sh… for huge amount of money and you come home and somebody lays on the flor shaking and foam on around the mouth… what do you do. start googleing ???
Spend that money in a good MFA (EFR) course and a refresher each 6 month or at least each year… than you safe lifes.
The willingness to help in a emergency is important not if you have all that stuff at home.
No insult, but I am teaching MFA and EFR (emergengy first respone) courses, and it is shocking to hear from many of my students from the states…
Stud: Yes we have a AED…
Rhoody :is it charged?
Stud: errrmm, we dont know, but it should…
Rhoody: when did you checked it last time?
Stud: when we bought it…
It’s a problem in our world… many people own a lot but have no clue how to deal with it.
Question, what is the heart-compression/ rescue-breath rate for
a) adults
b) Kids
c) infants
without google…. If you don’ tknow that right away, you may kill the people and on top I dont think you can deal with all that stuff mentioned in the post then… sorry get your feets down to the essential
honest but still cheers
Rhoody
Rhoody,
Your chances for successful resuscitation are small under the best of circumstances. (it’s part of my job, lots of experience.) Lots less during a period where professional medical help is unavailable. Your problem is mostly under perfusion than over perfusion. Work on your basic first aid. Keep water and food. Don’t worry about needing to be perfect at resuscitation. Most of your injuries will be cuts, breaks, sprains, shock, cold or heat related problems depending upon time of year and where you live. Good that you are thinking about emergency situations though.
This is a pretty extensive emergency kit. Do you really care all of this stuff around with you? I can’t really see myself having all of it. If you do, how much space do you use for it?
I have this that I believe I got from FEMA several years ago.
While these kits were designed for an earthquake scenario, they are just about equally applicable to any widespread natural or man made disaster.
For earthquake preparedness, this equipment and these supplies should be stored in waterproof, or at the least, water resistant containers in a SECURE location on the property AWAY FROM THE HOUSE or any likely damage or loss from falling structures, if possible. Use combination locks (all with the same combination) to secure supplies, keys can be lost. Make sure all household members have the combination memorized.
For other natural disaster preparedness, the best location for storage may be in the basement, if you have one. Where flooding is common, an attic storage area may be a better bet (making sure you have rooftop access as well).
Keep the existence of these supplies a secret from all others. Loose lips can result in stolen or pilfered supplies. When you need them, they may not be there.
There’s More To Consider
While the focus here is primarily on the gear and supplies that might save your life in such a disaster, in an emergency situation where evacuation is a likely possibility there are also other considerations. There’s your physical life that this gear and these supplies wile help preserve, and then there’s the rest, your emotional and fiscal life that is a loss critical. Things like family photo albums, family heirlooms and mementoes, bills and other current fiscal records, etc.
While it would be a good exercise for all of us to develop a check list (with storage location) of stuff to grab in a short-notice evacuation, it is especially important for those who live in areas where it is more likely to occur (hurricanes, floods, high fire danger, etc.). When the danger is very high, it may pay to have it packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Primary Earthquake and Disaster Preparedness Kit
what you really forgot was either a nice, reliable carbine or shotgun.
Both can be used for self defense and hunting.
You forgot: Fifth of Jack Daniel’s
;-)
Nice tips. When you have such emergency kits, periodically it must be checked for shelf life and replenished as and when some thing is used.
Duck tape and WD-40 – the only two tools needed to fix anything… ANYTHING…
Kim:)