Outdoor Items for an Emergency Preparedness Kit
HOW TO BUILD AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT FROM OUTDOOR GEAR YOU ALREADY HAVE
August 31st, 2023
Some common backpacking items that can build the base for your personal Emergency Preparedness Kit. Photo by Liz Thomas
Instead of buying new, we recommend assembling your own Emergency Kit based on items you have from other outdoor activities like camping, rafting, backpacking, and mountain biking. Our disaster survival list includes items recommended by Ready.gov, FEMA, and the Red Cross.
Many outdoor gear items may be helpful for emergency preparation. Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and winter storms all can cause power outages. Since outdoors people have experience being without power and regular access to water and grocery stores, these items will help you feel more safe and comfortable in many worst-case scenarios.
If you have old outdoor gear items that you don't use as much but still fit and work, they are a great thing to keep in a disaster survival kit. Being planned and prepared can make a difference.
See something we missed? We’ll keep this emergency kit going as a living document. Contact us!
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Emergency Kit Checklist
| CATEGORY | GEAR ITEM | PRODUCTS WE LIKE |
|---|---|---|
| ILLUMINATION AND ELECTRICITY | ||
| Headlamp with Extra Batteries | ||
| Black Diamond Spot | ||
| Petzl Tikkina | ||
| Fire-starting Tools |
ILLUMINATION AND ELECTRICITY
Emergencies like earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricanes have been associated with multi-week power outages. Most camping and backpacking gear is designed to help you thrive without regular access to working outlets.
The Black Diamond Spot is a favorite piece of hiking gear that can be very useful in an emergency, especially in situations like winter storms that can take out power lines. Photo by Naomi Hudetz
HEADLAMP WITH EXTRA BATTERIES
In emergencies like power outages, having a reliable way to navigate through the house and outside at night is essential.
We like the Black Diamond Spot, which runs on batteries, so doesn't require you have regular access to electricity to be able to recharge it. It’s easy to use, reasonably priced, the batteries last, and it has multiple brightness settings.
If you’d prefer to have one headlamp dedicated for your emergency kit and keep your technical headlamp with your adventure gear, we recommend the Petzl Tikkina. It’s priced like a headlamp from a big box hardware store, but it has the battery life, durability, comfort, and fit of an outdoor headlamp. To learn more about our favorite headlamps, check out our guide on Best Headlamps.
FIRE-STARTING TOOLS (WATERPROOF MATCHES, LIGHTERS)
In an emergency situation, starting a fire helps provide warmth and light. Waterproof matches, lighters, and anything else needed to start a fire are a great idea for emergency situations. You likely have some of these set aside in your camping gear kit.
LED LANTERN
If building a fire is impractical or not possible, you should have some other reliable light source. The UST 60 Day LED Lantern Duro, for example, is bright, long lasting, durable, and reliable. In a pinch, glow sticks can also work but only last about 24 hours, whereas some camping lanterns can last up to months on one set of batteries. It works on batteries, so unlike rechargeable LED Lanterns, it doesn't require you to have working electricity to recharge.
For more, check out our Best Camping Lanterns and Camping Lights guide.
EXTRA BATTERIES
For items like headlamps that don’t run on USB, it’s worth having some extra batteries around. For emergency situations, we prefer Lithium batteries, which have a longer shelf life (up to 10 years) and also last longer per battery than alkaline batteries.
USB POWER SUPPLY
We like the 10000 MAH Anker Powercore Redux, which we’ve used on numerous thru-hikes, including the Arizona Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. On backpacking trips where we go up to a week without access to electricity, we've found it has enough ports to simultaneously charge phones, cameras, and GPS watches at the same time and is lightweight.
Portable Power Station or Solar Generator
If you'd prefer a USB power supply that is renewable or can store solar power, we like the Jackery power station and compatible solar panel system in our How to Full-Time RV Camp guide. Additionally, we discuss smaller-scale solar battery storage systems in our Best Portable Solar Panels guide.
Medical kits have hard-to-find medical items like gloves, alcohol wipes, and thermometers. Photo by Liz Thomas
FIRST AID AND HYGIENE
COMPREHENSIVE FIRST AID KIT
Whether for a road trip or at home for an emergency, it’s useful to have a comprehensive first aid kit around to help you deal with the minor cuts, bangs, and headaches that happen in life.
A first aid kid will be the one-stop shop in your house for minor medical issues. I keep my medical kit in my car for road trips and camping trips but I am glad to know it is nearby if I can’t or don’t want to get to a store.
While my backpacking medical kit is an ultralight Do-It-Yourself collection of pills and lightweight survival items, for times when weight doesn’t matter–like on car camping trips or home use–we think it’s better to opt for a comprehensive kit with more items. This is especially a good idea for emergency situations when purchasing these items may be a challenge due to supply chain issues.
We like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Explorer Medical Kit for emergency home use. It has enough supplies for multiple people (like a family or roommates). It also has a digital thermometer, an item that was recently difficult to get during the pandemic. It also comes with a book on Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide.
While it’s not Adventure Medical Kits’ most all-inclusive kit, it’s a step above their most basic set-ups without giving you everything a mountain guide needs.
BATH WIPES
Wilderness Wipes come in very handy while backpacking and in the outdoors, but are also useful to have during an emergency. In emergencies where water service may be interrupted, they can be used for cleaning yourself.
The laid out Restop 2 waste bag in Buckskin Gulch/Paria Canyon, a route that requires packing it in, packing it out. Keeping a few human waste bags in your emergency kit can be useful for situations where toilet service is not available. Photo by Kate Hoch.
HUMAN WASTE BAGS (WAG BAGS)
In an emergency, the water to your toilet may be cut off or you may not have access to a toilet. If you need to relieve your bowels in a bag, you can use a trash compactor bag (addressed below) or easy-to-clean and odor-proof human waste bags aka WAG bags. These portable toilet systems come with anti-odor gels and powders and are double or sometimes triple bagged. Designed for backpackers and climbers to use in sensitive ecosystems where human waste doesn't biodegrade, they are also useful in emergency situations.
Soap and hand sanitizer can be your best defense against viruses. Photo by Liz Thomas
HAND SANITIZER AND BIODEGRADABLE SOAP
Having hand sanitizer on hand can be useful when you don't have reliable access to water, like when you're backpacking or camping. If you have access to water, soap can be even more effective than hand sanitizer. Check your hiking kit for biodegradable soap, which is highly concentrated.
We like Dr. Bronner’s because it is gentle, organic, sold in bulk, and famously has 18 different uses, including shaving, shampoo, and dental mouthwash.
I’ve read a recipe for hand soap that dilutes 1/4 cup highly concentrated Dr. B’s with 2 cups of water. That makes it less expensive than most hand soaps you can buy commercially.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS AND PERSONAL MEDICATIONS
If you take any medication, you’ll definitely want that on you in an emergency situation. That might look like setting some aside to keep in your kit, or having it on or near you to the extent that you can.
Additionally, over the counter medications like Ibuprofen or Benadryl might come in handy in an emergency, provided these are medications your doctor has deemed safe for you to use.
TOOTHBRUSH, TOOTHPASTE, AND PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS
Depending on the emergency situation, enough time may pass in which you will want to brush your teeth and take care of your hygiene. Not only does this keep you healthy, but it provides a sense of normalcy that can really help your mental health in a crisis.
SHELTER AND PROTECTION
Depending on the emergency you’re in, shelter and protection from the elements may be helpful or necessary for survival. We don’t like to think about a natural disaster damaging our homes, but it’s important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
WEATHER-RESISTANT TENT OR TARP
While any shelter is better than none, if you can include a weather-resistant tent or tarp into your kit, you may be better off in an emergency situation. We have a few guides to help you out with tents, including the Best Backpacking Tents, Best Camping Tents, and Best 4-Season Tents.
At the very least, have a large tarp in your kit, which can also be used for moving around items or to create a larger family space.
SLEEPING BAGS OR EMERGENCY BLANKETS
In addition to an emergency shelter, sleeping bags or emergency blankets will provide warmth and comfort during an emergency, especially when you may not be able to access your house and bedding. Sleeping bags are designed to be portable, which can help if you have to move locations. For more recommendations, see our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags and Best Camping Sleeping Bags guides.
PONCHOS OR RAIN GEAR
In an emergency situation where your housing or safe indoor spaces are inaccessible, a Poncho or Rain Gear will protect you from precipitation. Depending on the content of your emergency situation, staying dry and warm could save your life. Our guide to the Best Lightweight Rain Jackets can help you make a good buying decision if you don’t already have waterproof gear for your emergency kit. If you're looking for an affordable option, we've been impressed by the quality of the incredibly affordable Frogg Toggs.
DUCT TAPE AND CORDAGE FOR REPAIRS
Duct tape will repair outdoor gear in a pinch. It can also help with home repairs. While it’s not the perfect solution for every problem, it does a good enough job to keep you operating until conditions become safe enough for a real repair.
A multi-tool can work in a pinch and when you’re on the go. Photo by Liz Thomas
MULTI-TOOL OR SWISS ARMY KNIFE
If you’re not the type of person who usually has all the tools on hand, or lives in a small apartment without room for tools, a multi-tool can work in a pinch for many home repairs.
If you find yourself in emergency situations where accessing tools is difficult, it’s useful to have a one-size-fits-all tool for minor repairs.
FEMA recommends having a wrench or multi-tool to turn off utilities in a pinch.
The humble contractor bag or compactor bag—whichever you’ve got on hand, snag a couple from the box for your emergency kit. Photo by Naomi Hudetz
COMPACTOR BAGS
You may already keep a box of trash compactor bags around to use a waterproof liner in your backpacking backpack. But did you know trash compactor or garbage bags can be incredibly useful during an emergency, too?
Whether you need to haul around stuff, waterproof your boxes, or have to relieve your bowels in a bag when the water to your toilet gets cut off, it’s worth keeping a box of these around to McGyver your way through tricky situations. (Regarding the toilet situation, you may want to pick up a few Human Waste Bags aka WAG bags for an emergency, too).
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
As mentioned previously, staying warm and dry could save your life in an emergency situation. Additionally, depending on your emergency, you may find yourself in a position to need extra clothes and footwear to protect yourself. Below are items to consider.
STURDY HIKING BOOTS OR WATERPROOF SHOES
In an emergency situation, you may find yourself near rubble, debris, glass, or other items that could be dangerous. Hiking boots or waterproof shoes are excellent for protecting your feet. Check out our guides on Best Hiking Boots, Best Lightweight Hiking Boots, Best Hiking Shoes, Best Hiking Sandals, and Best Wet Wading Shoes.
WARM AND LIGHTWEIGHT CLOTHING LAYERS
Adding clothes for whatever climate and weather conditions you may find yourself in during an emergency situation is a good idea. If you have old hiking clothes you don’t wear as often but still fit, that is a frugal way to build up your kit.
For a guide to choosing quality clothes for the outdoors, we have guides on What To Wear Hiking in the Summer, What to Wear Hiking in the Winter, Best Fleece Jackets, Best Down Jackets, and Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets.
WIDE-BRIMMED HAT AND SUNGLASSES
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, along with sunscreen, will help protect you from UV exposure. This is important if you are on the move, packing up items, and don't anticipate having time to regularly apply sunscreen.
For more, check out our Best Sun Hat and Best Sunglasses picks.
GLOVES FOR PROTECTION AND WARMTH
Gloves can protect your hands from anything rough you may need to touch, and they help keep you warm if you’re stuck in a cold emergency situation. We’ve tested Winter Gloves and Ski Gloves, though any warm, protective gloves you can contribute to your emergency kit will be helpful. If you have old outdoor gear items that you don't use as much but still fit, they are a great thing to keep in an emergency kit.
A Two-Way Satellite Transmitter can come in handy in emergencies where phone and internet services are down. Photo by Naomi Hudetz
NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION
In emergencies like hurricanes, wildfires, and winter storms, transmission lines may be taken out.
If we lose power, we may lose landlines and WiFi (though cellular towers may continue to work for communicating with others if your cell phone is charged).
Similarly, we may need to leave our home to get to a place of safety. When our phones work, it can be easy to navigate using Google Maps. But when phone service is out, we may have to rely on paper maps and navigation skills to get to safety.
TWO-WAY SATELLITE TRANSMITTER
We highly recommend the Garmin inreach Mini 2 for emergency communications. Both devices allow two-way texting even when outside of a cellular range. These items we designed to let family members know we are safe in the backcountry or to let Search and Rescue Teams know when we need help. In the case of an emergency, you will want the ability to alert family members and the authorities that you need help or are safe.
For models we like that are reliable and have long battery life, see our guide to Best Two-Way Satellite Messenger and Personal Locator Beacon (PLBs).
COMPASS OR NAVIGATION APP (OFFLINE CAPABLE)
A compass or a navigation app that works offline could help you orient yourself and navigate the terrain. One offline-capable navigation app we like to use is GAIA GPS.
PAPER MAPS AND TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS OF THE AREA
Having paper maps and topographic maps of the area–whether around your home, or the places you’ll be adventuring–is key for navigating yourself in an emergency situation.
WHISTLE FOR SIGNALING
For emergencies like floods or wildfires where you’d be trying to get the attention of emergency personnel, a whistle is more effective than using your voice. Often, your backpack may have a whistle designed into the sternum strap, as we explain in our How to Choose a Backpacking Backpack story. Some personal floatation devices may also have one.
If your backpack doesn’t have a whistle (or you don’t want to walk around with your backpack on in all emergency situations), we advise either getting a sternum strap whistle or an inexpensive, brightly colored whistle to prevent losing it.
SOLAR-POWERED OR HAND-CRANK EMERGENCY RADIO
In an emergency, you may need an emergency radio to reach out for help.
FOOD AND WATER
Some emergencies like earthquakes and hurricanes can impact municipal water systems. FEMA recommends 1 gallon of water per person per day, minimum.
You may still have access to water but will need a means to filter or purify it for safe drinking, such as if there is a boil warning. For outdoors people, your camping and water filtration gear can come in handy.
WATER STORAGE AND COLLAPSIBLE WATER CONTAINER
After trying several 5+ gallon water storage containers, we like the Reliance Aquatainer because it won’t get holes, has a sturdy and easy-to-use handle, and has a not-leaky spout. Because it has rigid sides and its square shape, the Aquatainer is also much easier to fill up and dispense than other water containers, including 1-gallon water or milk jugs.
We use the Aquatainer for outdoor activities like car camping, fire tower/cabin overnighters, picnics, and trail magic. We’ve also used it for caching water in the desert on backpacking trips where there isn’t reliable natural water.
If you're on the move and have limited space, you can also use backpacking water bags like those by CNOC. These are incredibly durable, easy to fill, and collapse down after you're done using the water.
While many folks will purchase cases of water before a hurricane or other disaster, we like that the Aquatainer or CNOC systems allows you to use free municipal water for your personal supply and also cuts down on single-use plastics. Just be sure to fill it up when your water supply is reliable.
The Sawyer Squeeze is our favorite backpacking water filter. Use it in your emergency kit for situations when water service is interrupted. Photo by Liz Thomas
WATER FILTER OR WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS
Certain emergencies like earthquakes and hurricanes can disrupt municipal water supplies. In these cases, having the means to treat water that you collect is essential. Here, we think our favorite backpacking filter, the Sawyer Squeeze, will be all you need. You can even hook it up to a bucket system to use as a gravity filter.
We don’t think you need a special filter for emergency situations—the Sawyer Squeeze should do the trick in most cases. The one exception is if you think the water you are drinking has become contaminated (say, if a sewage pipeline were to burst).
We still wouldn’t recommend drinking the water, but if you must, opt for something that can take out viruses like the MSR Guardian. We recommend this filter for international travel, where water supplies may not be as reliable and may be contaminated with viruses.
For more water filter and purification options and information, check out our Best Water Filters and Purifiers guide.
COMPACT CAMPING STOVE AND FUEL
Camping stoves open up your options for food, provided you have access to food you can cook in the first place. It also gives you the option to boil water, if necessary.
For more information, we have a guide to the Best Backpacking Stoves.
Nuun tabs can help replenish electrolytes and balance salts when you feel off. Photo by Liz Thomas
ELECTROLYTES
It’s easy to get dehydrated when feeling stressed from an emergency,
We recommend reading our story Best Electrolytes to see how to keep your body’s electrolytes in balance when your nutrition otherwise may not be giving you what you need. We’ve watched ill hikers bounce back from zombie-like states after taking some electrolytes and rehydrating.
Our favorite is the Ultima Replenisher, which is a good value, mixes easily, and has all 6 of the essential minerals that should nutritionally be in an electrolyte supplement. Plus, it comes in many flavors (all of which we have tried so far have been good!)
For emergency kits, we recommend getting the single-use sticks instead of the bulk containers. Although we generally prefer reducing single-use packaging, single-use portions are much easier to transport if you need to move to another location and are also easier to replace during your periodic review of your emergency kit.
Packaged fish can be shelf-stable for up to 5 years. Photo by Liz Thomas
HEALTHY SHELF-STABLE PROTEIN
Having healthy (ahem, not SPAM) shelf-stable protein can spruce up a meal of rice and canned foods. Check your hiking food collection as you may already have some tuna or salmon packets around the house.
We’re partial to Patagonia’s salmon packets, which come from responsibly managed fishery in Yauktat, Alaska that uses short-soak set nets to yield a low bycatch rate. They also have a shelf-life of several years, so don't need to be replaced as often in your emergency kit.
Freeze-dried backpacking food can be shelf-stable for years or even decades. Photo by Liz Thomas
LIGHTWEIGHT AND CALORIE-DENSE NON-PERISHABLE FOOD
As outdoors people, we like freeze-dried or dehydrated backpacking food. It can last decades. A lot of folks opt for pre-made multi-day emergency buckets, which usually are sold at a discount.
If you have the room in your home, we recommend keeping non-perishable food items on hand for emergencies—especially those like earthquakes or hurricanes where roads and other infrastructure including electricity may be out.
The best emergency foods are canned goods you’d normally eat at home (aka, not backpacking food) like beans and dried foods like pasta. If you go this route, FEMA recommends having a can-opener or multi-tool (nothing worse than lots of canned food and no way to open the cans).
Mountain House Emergency Food Kit.
We’re partial to the multi-day packs from Patagonia Provisions, which sources their food from farmers using regenerative organics.
Otherwise, your emergency kit may be just the excuse you need to stock up on a few of the super tasty outdoor meals you otherwise may not be willing to splurge on. For those of us who are food-motivated, comfort food may make a big difference in hard times.
Our team has tested over 50 different flavors of freeze-dried meals and our favorites include:
PERSONAL DOCUMENTS AND ESSENTIALS
While it’s unpleasant to consider, it’s important to face the possibility that in an emergency we may not be fully conscious. Having personal documents on us in such a scenario, such as a Social Security Card, can aid in identifying who you are.
Hopefully, we will be able to stay conscious and safe throughout the emergency, Having our personal documents and essentials on hand means that after the emergency, it may be easier to gain access to services and get a semblance of our lives before.
IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS (ID, PASSPORT, ETC.)
Having identification documents on us in an emergency scenario–e.g. a driver’s license or passport–means folks who find us can identify us and know vital information.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Again, if you are unable to communicate, having emergency contact information can help others help you. The name, relation, and phone number of people you trust is always a good idea to have on you as you venture into the outdoors. In better case scenarios, having family members' contact information on hand means you may be able to get to a place of safety more easily without having to rely on things like your phone working.
CASH IN SMALL DENOMINATIONS
Emergency situations can look a lot of different ways–sometimes you may find yourself dehydrated but otherwise not in danger, for example. In such a case, it is nice to have some cash on you to purchase a beverage, snack, gas for your car, or whatever else comes up for you in your emergency.
NOTEPAD AND PEN
A notepad and pen is handy in an emergency if you need to take notes for yourself or leave notes for someone else. There’s no need for a giant notebook–a small notepad will do.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
INSECT REPELLENT
In the case of an outdoor emergency, worrying about bugs and dealing with bug bites is not likely going to feel like a top priority. Having insect repellant on you will eliminate one less pain and stressor, and is especially nice if you’re somewhere very buggy.
SUNSCREEN
Protect yourself from UV exposure with sunscreen. As with bugs, it may not feel like the biggest priority. But getting sunburnt can add to the stressors of an already difficult day. Check out our guides on Best Sunscreen for Your Body, Best Face Sunscreen, and Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen for more information.
LIP BALM
Wind and sun can damage your lips. Similar to sunscreen protecting your skin, lip balm is a good idea to have in an emergency situation to protect your lips from the elements. Some people find that putting it on can be calming, too.
REPAIR KITS FOR GEAR
Be sure to carry repair kits for any gear you have on you during your outdoor adventures. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, repair kits will ensure your gear continues working when you need it most. For more information, we have guides on cleaning, washing, repairing, and maintaining outdoor gear.
ENTERTAINMENT ITEMS (BOOKS, CARDS, ETC.)
Depending on the nature of your emergency situation, you may be stuck somewhere with a lot of time on your hands. Entertainment items, like books, cards, or other small portable games, can help you relax and keep a cool head while you wait out a storm or for assistance to arrive.
IMPORTANCE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Emergency preparedness involves planning ahead and organizing resources to help you manage unforeseen crises or disasters. It's about anticipating and mitigating potential risks, both natural and human-made, to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself, other individuals, and communities.
Here's why emergency preparedness is crucial:
Risk mitigation: Emergencies can strike at any time, often without warning. Having a well-thought-out emergency plan and a preparedness kit can reduce the impact of disasters on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Self-reliance: In the early stages of a disaster, emergency services and resources might be overwhelmed or inaccessible. Being prepared empowers you to take care of yourself and others until help arrives.
Reduced anxiety: Knowing that you are equipped to handle unexpected situations can alleviate anxiety and fear during emergencies. This psychological preparedness can help you think more clearly and make rational decisions.
Community resilience: When individuals and communities are prepared, they are better equipped to assist each other during emergencies. This collective effort enhances overall community resilience and recovery.
Swift response: Having a well-organized plan and the necessary items at hand allows you to respond quickly, increasing your chances of surviving and minimizing damage.
Adaptability: Preparedness extends beyond natural disasters; it also encompasses events like power outages, medical emergencies, or sudden job loss. Being prepared gives you adaptability in various challenging situations.
USE YOUR OUTDOOR GEAR ITEMS FOR COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY READINESS
Outdoor items are essential components of an emergency preparedness kit, particularly for scenarios where you might need to evacuate or find temporary shelter outdoors. These items cater to survival and comfort when you're away from the safety of your home.
Here's why focusing on outdoor items is important:
Cost and ease: Using older outdoor items you already have can help reduce the cost of your emergency kit. It also gives old gear and outdoor apparel a new life and keeps them out of landfills.
Mobility and evacuation: Disasters like wildfires, floods, or earthquakes might force you to evacuate quickly. Outdoor-focused items are lightweight and portable, ensuring you can carry them easily as you move to safer locations.
Shelter and protection: Tents, sleeping bags, and rain gear offer protection against the elements, helping you stay warm and dry in adverse conditions.
Navigational tools: In unfamiliar territory, outdoor-oriented tools like compasses and topographic maps are crucial for finding your way and avoiding dangerous areas. This is especially important in times when Google Maps or other phone navigation apps are not available.
Survival in remote areas: In remote or wilderness areas, outdoor items become lifelines. They enable you to secure water, food, and shelter while awaiting rescue or seeking safety.
Versatility: Outdoor gear often serves multiple purposes. A camping stove can cook food and provide warmth, while a multi-tool combines various tools into a compact package.
Emergency signaling: Outdoor items like whistles and signaling mirrors can help you attract attention and communicate your location to rescuers.
Comfort and mental well-being: Comfortable clothing, portable lighting, and personal hygiene items contribute to your overall well-being and mental state during stressful times.
Incorporating outdoor-focused items into your emergency preparedness kit ensures that you're ready for a range of scenarios, from camping out during a power outage to surviving in the wild if necessary. It's a holistic approach to preparedness that covers a diverse set of potential challenges.
REGULAR REVIEW AND MAINTENANCE OF THE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT
To be truly prepared for unexpected emergency situations, it’s crucial to maintain and regularly review your emergency preparedness kit.
Here's why regular review and maintenance are important, along with some practical steps to achieve them:
IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR REVIEW AND MAINTENANCE
EQUIPMENT INTEGRITY
Over time, outdoor gear, food, and other supplies can degrade due to exposure, temperature changes, or simply through use. Regular review helps you identify and replace items that are no longer functional or safe to use.
CHANGING NEEDS
Your circumstances and needs might change over time. You might have a new family member, or medical conditions might require specific medications. Regular review ensures your kit remains tailored to your current situation.
EXPIRED ITEMS
Many items in your kit, especially food, medications, and water purification supplies, have expiration dates. Regular maintenance helps you replace expired items to ensure they are safe to use in an emergency.
TECHNOLOGICAL UPDATES
Technology evolves, and new tools or devices might offer better performance or more features. Some outdoor tech requires system updates, so you’ll periodically want to make sure everything is updated. Staying on top of technological advancements can enhance your kit's efficiency.
FAMILIARITY
Regularly interacting with your kit helps you become familiar with its contents and how to use them. It could also help you feel less anxious about how you’ll respond in an emergency. In a high-stress situation, knowing where everything is and how it works can save valuable time.
STEPS FOR REGULAR REVIEW AND MAINTENANCE
Schedule specific times throughout the year to review your kit on your phone's calendar or a paper family calendar. Seasonal changes, such as winter approaching, can be good triggers to ensure you have appropriate clothing and supplies.
Regularly inspect and replace items with approaching expiration dates, such as medications, food, and batteries.
If your kit includes perishable items, rotate them out periodically to ensure freshness. This applies to both food and water supplies.
Examine outdoor items like tents, sleeping bags, and clothing for any signs of wear and tear. If you store your kit in garage, make sure moths, other insects, or rodents haven't damaged your gear. Replace or repair damaged gear promptly.
If there have been changes to your identification documents, contact information, or important documents in your kit, ensure they remain up-to-date.
Regularly practice using tools like compasses, fire starters, and radios to maintain your skills and comfort with these items.
If you've faced any emergency situations or close calls, use that experience to evaluate your kit's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
If you live with others, involve them in the review and maintenance process. This ensures that everyone knows the kit's contents and how to use them.
Stay informed about local and global events that might affect your emergency preparedness needs. Changes in your environment, such as increased wildfire risks, might necessitate adjustments to your kit.
Regular review and maintenance turn your emergency preparedness kit into a reliable and effective resource. It ensures that you're ready to face challenges head-on, adapting your resources as needed to protect yourself and your loved ones.
