Emergency Supplies Blog

Hurricane Preparedness and Kits

Hurricane preparedness and kits are a necessity for people who live in areas that are prone to hurricanes, especially now that category four and five hurricanes are becoming more prevalent due to global warming. In fact, households in areas where hurricane rarely pass should also prepare somehow because of the erratic behavior of hurricanes in recent years. According to government officials, hurricane emergency kits and the people’s preparedness are the keys to surviving the hurricane season.

The huge loss of properties and lives from hurricanes Katrina and Rita have made a lot of people realize that planning is as important as having hurricane preparedness and kits. Even before the hurricane season starts, everyone who lives in places that are usually hit by storms should already do house repairs if necessary. Roofs, windows, ceilings, basements or cellars should be checked for leaks, cracks and anything that could make your home more vulnerable to strong winds and rain brought by hurricanes. It is also necessary that every home should have some kind of action plan for when the hurricane hits. Special plans should also be in place for members of your family who are old, very young, or disabled.

Hurricane emergency kits should contain basic necessities, such as several gallons of clean drinking water and non-perishable food. However, you must regularly check the food and change the water in your hurricane emergency kits every six months. Your kits would not be of any help if they contain food and water supply that is stale or expired. Since there will definitely be power outage or unavailability of gas, you should also include candles, flashlights, transistor radio and waterproof matches in your kits. It would be better if the flashlight and the transistor radio that you use are hand-cranked so you do not have to think about buying batteries.

There is a big chance that your home will not survive the hurricane, so you should not forget to include important documents as part of your emergency kits. Just make sure that you put important papers inside waterproof document storage bags. You should also add into your hurricane emergency kits tools like shovels, axes and machetes to help you gather wood for cooking or help your family get out in case you are trapped inside your home. If you have no idea what other items to include in your hurricane preparedness and kits, you can click on these kits on our home page. Lastly, pack some clothes, blankets, personal hygiene and sanitation implements, medicine and other basic items that your family needs. If you have pets, small children or elderly folks living with you, include items that they will need as well.

Auto Emergency Kits

Auto emergency kits are an essential tool for any vehicle. Emergencies happen when we least expect them – and the best way to avoid being stranded for long periods of time on a deserted road is to be equipped with an auto emergency kit. The kit should include tools for car repairs as well as essentials such as a first aid kit, blanket, water, and food. Granola or energy bars are the perfect food for roadside emergencies. The first aid kit should contain basics such as gauze, bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, scissors, instant ice pack, instant heat compress, and aspirin or other pain reliever.

Auto emergency kits should also include a flashlight with extra batteries, emergency flares, pen and paper, and a help sign to place in the window for passing vehicles to see in case you are stranded inside the vehicle. Flat tires are one of the leading causes for roadside emergencies. Every vehicle should be equipped with tools necessary to change a tire – and, every driver should learn how to change a tire before driving. Be sure to have a spare tire, vehicle jack, tire pressure gauge, and lug wrench. Another handy item to have available is a bottled tire inflator. If the tire is not completely flat, you may be able to inflate the tire enough to get to a service station.

Because all roadside emergencies are not caused by tires, auto emergency kits should contain tools that allow basic repairs to be done on the vehicle. These should include flat head and Phillips screwdrivers, vise grips, adjustable wrench, pliers, pocketknife, or a multipurpose tool containing many tools in one. Other items that can come in handy during a roadside emergency include oil, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, rags or paper towels, duct tape, and an ice scraper.

Living in a fast-paced world often requires lots of travel. Whether you have a long commute to work or just like to take long trips, it is always best to be prepared ahead of time. Auto emergency kits often mean less time stranded and more time on the road. If you became stranded today, are you prepared? Be sure to equip your vehicle with everything you need to ensure a safe trip – and be sure every driver is familiar with the tools contained in your auto emergency kit and knows how to use them. Safety first – whether in the home or on the road.

I like the emergency backpack kits the best.  Backpacks make carrying your emergency supplies so easy and it leaves your hands free to do other things.  Like everything else you have to consider your unigue situation and the emergency supplies you need.  A good backpack or emergency bag may work the best for you. 

Another great example of this innovation can be found with new products such as pet first aid kits, which can help you to handle pet owners to assist their pets in the best way possible during emergencies.  This innovation is ultimately making it easier for people, and their pets, to be safer and to be more likely to be prepared the instance they have to be.

Take, for example, the first aid fanny pack - this is something someone is far more likely to carry around, and hence they are far more likely to be able to act in the case of an emergency.

Consider your unique needs and get a first aid kit.  We think a safe plan is a a portable first aid kit for your car and one for your home.

I like to make just about everthing I own portable.  For example, I have my garage equipment, tools, cabnets, shelves, and work benches on wheels.  Just about anyone can move anything or redesign the shop any time without doing heavy lifting. 

Enclosed is a picture of a ready to roll 55 gallon emergency supply tote with wheels.  This tote is great if you have a larger group of people to protect. You’ll be glad you put wheels under your emergency supplies and made all your gear portable.   Putting all your gear in 5 gallon buckets, backpacks, and/or bags in also a great way to make all your supplies, portable emergency supplies.