Beyond the Basics: How to Supplement Your Emergency Kit

The world around us is constantly changing, and the need for preparedness is more critical than ever. Natural disasters are becoming increasingly common, and a focus on safety is paramount.

In response, the global survival tools market is growing. Premade emergency kits are the foundation of preparedness, and individuals must be able to tailor kits to specific incidents and personalized needs. EmergencyKits.com is a top provider of high-quality emergency kits that can be specially made for individual needs.

Why Premade Kits Are a Great Start

Premade kits contain essential, professionally curated supplies that you’ll need in an emergency. These kits include food, shelter, communication devices, and more. Essentially, a kit will contain everything you need to survive, as determined by emergency experts.

Quality premade kits adhere to specific requirements set by emergency authorities. For example, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helps emergency personnel and citizens prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. This U.S. agency recommends a three-day supply of nonperishable food and a three-day supply of water.

Many EmergencyKits.com kits are designed with industry standards in mind, ensuring they provide essential tools and supplies for a wide range of emergency scenarios. You'll feel prepared to secure your own safety and the safety of others with an EmergencyKits kit. We also field-tested all of our kits in simulated emergency scenarios. Field testing ensures that each kit contains high-quality supplies and the right types of tools.

It’s vital to have the right kit and supplies for each possible emergency scenario. A car emergency kit won’t have the needed tools for a first responder, and vice versa. At EmergencyKits.com, we recommend personalizing your kits to fit your specific needs, as well as the types of disasters common in your area. Taking the time to customize your emergency supplies ensures you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way.

Essential Add-Ons for Your Emergency Kit

Your situation and needs are unique to you and the types of disasters common in your area. A ready-made emergency kit will have more than the basics but will require some add-ons to adequately prepare you for disaster.

These essential supplies are especially vital for family emergency preparedness. Each individual in a family has different survival needs, and you'll need to plan ahead of time. We recommend creating a family action plan for the various possible emergency situations.

Ensure each family member understands their role, provide children or the elderly with physical instructions, and consider the supplies each member will require, including the following:

Clothing and Personal Items

Your emergency kit will likely include basic personal hygiene items; however, you'll need to prepare for personal and region-specific needs. For example, if you're in a cold climate, you may need to include heavy coats.

Essential add-ons you should consider include:

• Sturdy Shoes
• Extra Socks
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Wet Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer

Tip: Avoid packing cotton clothes. Cotton is hydrophilic, which means it's terrible at wicking wetness away from the skin. Instead, prioritize wool or polyester.

Important Documents

It’s common to struggle with stress, panic, and confusion during an emergency. Having vital documents on hand mitigates these unhelpful (yet natural) reactions and eliminates the risk of misremembering important information.

All of these documents must be stored in a secured, waterproof bag. Make sure you have:

• Copies of Birth Certificates
• Driver's Licenses
• Passports
• Copies of Insurance Policies
• Bank Account Information
• Emergency Contacts
• Family Emergency Plan(s)
• Evacuation Routes

Medication and Medical Needs

You may need to update these emergency preparedness supplies periodically as prescriptions change or expire. It’s often challenging to acquire multiples of a needed prescription specifically for emergency preparedness. Do your best to adequately prepare and consider speaking to a medical professional for advice on prepping medical supplies.

• Medical Information
• List of Current Medical Providers
• List of Allergies
• Extra Prescriptions
• Extra Glasses/Contact Lenses/Solution

Cash and Communication Tools

These emergency supplies will help you navigate and communicate during an emergency. Being prepared means having multiple avenues for contacting help.

• Small Bills
• Phone Charger
• Power Bank
• Map of Local Area
• Extra Batteries
• Radio

Special Considerations

Some members of your emergency party may require specific items to stay safe. This may include baby supplies, pet essentials, and items for elderly members.

• Formula
• Reusable Diapers
• Bottles
• Wet Wipes
• Baby Carrier
• Pet Food
• Doggie Bags
• Travel Litter Box
• Collapsible Walking Cane

How to Store Your Emergency Kit for Quick Access

Before we get into the best storage methods, it’s important to remember what these kits are for. In an emergency situation, you want your kit to be fully stocked and ready to go with all of your life-saving tools. Do not use an emergency kit for regular first aid. Resist the urge to deplete your emergency kit for minor scrapes and bruises. Instead, purchase and maintain a separate first aid kit for use during regular injuries. Now, let’s explore the best storage locations and methods.

Best Storage Locations

Keep kits in accessible yet secure locations like closets, under beds, or in car trunks. Consider natural threats that are possible in your area and store accordingly. For example, if you're in an earthquake zone, then store your kit outside of your house (garden, shed, or car if it's not parked in a garage) so it's not buried in the rubble.

Most importantly, you must store kits in cool, dry areas to protect supplies from damage.

Multiple Kit Locations

For comprehensive coverage, keep emergency kits in key locations such as home, work, and vehicles. Consider maintaining two kits for locations like home and work. In one kit, put everything you need to stay put. In the other kit, pack lightweight supplies in a backpack or duffel bag that you can easily carry on the move.

Tips for Keeping Your Emergency Kit Updated

At EmergencyKits.com, we believe that true preparedness is an ongoing journey. Regularly reviewing and refreshing your emergency kit is not just a task; it's an investment in your safety and well-being. Address the following tips throughout the year, and you’ll be prepared for anything.

1. Regular Reviews: Make reviewing and refreshing your kit a part of your annual preparedness routine. This ensures that all supplies remain current and effective.
2. Replace Expired Items: Regularly check for and replace expired items such as food, water, medications, and batteries.
3. Rotate Seasonal Supplies: Adjust your kit based on seasonal needs. For example, include warm clothing during winter months and sunscreen and insect repellent during warmer seasons.
4. Reassess Your Needs: Life circumstances change. Conduct a thorough reassessment of your needs annually. This may involve adjusting the contents of your kit to accommodate changes in family size, medical conditions, or potential threats.

Important Note: If you're using your emergency kit for everyday first aid, consider replacing it every year or two to ensure a fresh supply of medical supplies.

By incorporating these tips into your preparedness routine, you can maintain a well-stocked and effective emergency kit that is ready to provide support when you need it most.

Personalize and Perfect Your Emergency Preparedness

Adding personal and situational items to premade emergency kits ensures you're prepared for any emergency. Consider your emergency party and their needs, store and update your kit, and you’ll be ready when disaster strikes.

Explore EmergencyKits.com for high-quality kits and expert advice on what to pack. Our experts field-test every kit so you can rely on our professional emergency equipment. Supplement your emergency kit today to ensure complete readiness for any scenario.