Every time there’s a flood, earthquake, or any other natural disaster that wreaks havoc on your local community, many people wonder if they have enough emergency supplies to get them through the crisis. While it’s smart to have a kit with water bottles, torches and batteries at home for emergencies, what you need in an emergency situation is an “emergency grab bag.” This pre-packed bag contains everything you need to keep you safe in case of an emergency. An emergency grab bag is a compact kit that is stored either near the exit to your home or in a vehicle or other location. It should contain items that are essential when facing potential natural disasters such as water and hand-crank radio so you can stay informed about what’s going on around you and how best to protect yourself and your family. Keep reading for tips on packing the perfect emergency grab bag!
What to pack in your emergency grab bag
The first thing to pack in your emergency bag is a torch with extra batteries. Torches are essential in all natural disasters, but they’re even more important in the aftermath when you may be without power. Keep in mind that you’re not just packing for the event itself. A battery-powered radio is another essential in your emergency bag. You can use it to stay informed about the natural disaster, and you can also use it to learn about early warnings that may help you prepare better for the coming disaster. You should also pack a first-aid kit in your bag. Be sure to include all the essentials, such as bandages, antibiotic ointment and pain relievers.
Sleeping bags
Another important item to pack in your bag is a sleeping bag. What if you have to sleep in your car or go to a shelter? Sleeping bags are a great way to stay warm and comfortable and are small enough to fit in most cars if you have to evacuate. If the natural disaster that caused the emergency situation is expected to last longer than one week, you should pack enough sleeping bags for everyone. You can also pack blankets if you don’t have enough sleeping bags.
Batteries
Another essential item to pack in your bag is extra batteries. You never know when you might need a to power a torch, radio, or other electrical device, and batteries could prove invaluable. If you think that the disaster lasts for more than a week, you should pack enough batteries to last for at least that long.
Dry food and water
A natural disaster can disrupt water and electricity for days, weeks, or even months. For this reason, you should pack dry food and water in your bag. Choose emergency grab bag food that is simple to prepare, such as freeze dried food, granola bars, trail mix and even dried fruits. Also pack water bottles that don’t need to be refrigerated. It’s also a good idea to pack a manual water filter if you plan to stay in one place for a long time.
Important documents
Finally, you should also pack important documents in your bag. This includes insurance policies, identification cards (such as your driver’s license) and other important documentation that you may need in an emergency. You can also pack a pen and paper so you can write down important information. You may also want to pack cash if the natural disaster causes a major disruption in your city. This is especially important if you’re in a shelter. You may not be able to use debit or credit cards in the shelter, so having cash may be essential.
Conclusion
Natural disasters can happen anywhere, anytime, so it’s important to be prepared and always have an emergency grab bag ready. The best way to stay safe as a family during a natural disaster, whether it’s a hurricane, earthquake or forest fire, is to be prepared. That means having an emergency kit stocked with supplies that can get you through at least 72 hours.