SMART FINDS RESOURCES

Emergencies such as power outages, severe weather, and unexpected disruptions can happen with little warning. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can help your household stay prepared with important supplies when you need them most. Below are 5 emergency kit essentials every home should have, along with practical tips and recommended products to help you build your emergency kit one step at a time.

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1. Portable Emergency First Aid Kit

A well-stocked first aid kit is an important part of an emergency kit. Keeping basic medical and first aid supplies together in a portable case can make them easier to access during emergencies at home, while traveling, or when you’re away from your regular supplies.

Recommended: The KEEP GOING GoKit 130pcs Portable Emergency Kit combines first aid and emergency supplies in a travel-friendly kit, making it a convenient option to keep with your household emergency supplies or take on the go.

2. Emergency Flashlight & Backup Power

A dependable flashlight is an important part of any emergency kit, especially during power outages or severe weather. Rechargeable lighting can provide visibility when household lights are unavailable, while a backup charging feature can help keep compatible small devices powered.

Recommended: A rechargeable emergency flashlight with a built-in power bank can provide both emergency lighting and a backup option for charging compatible devices when electricity isn’t available.

3. Emergency Radio

During a power outage or severe weather emergency, internet, television, or cellular service may be limited. An emergency radio can provide another way to receive important weather alerts and emergency information.

Recommended: A multi-function emergency radio with solar and hand-crank charging can provide access to important weather information while giving you additional backup charging options when electricity isn’t available.

4. Emergency Drinking Water

Safe drinking water is one of the most important supplies to include in your emergency plan. Store enough water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene, and check your supply periodically to make sure containers remain properly sealed and usable.

Tip: Keep stored drinking water together with your emergency supplies so it’s easy to locate during a power outage, severe weather event, or other emergency.

5. Emergency Food Supply

Keep a supply of shelf-stable foods that can be stored safely and prepared with little or no cooking. Canned foods, ready-to-eat meals, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, and other foods your household normally eats can be useful during power outages and other emergencies.

Tip: Choose foods your household will actually eat, check expiration dates regularly, and rotate older items into your normal meals before replacing them with fresh supplies.

Helpful Resource: Want to build a more complete emergency food supply? Check out our guide covering practical foods, storage supplies, drinking water, and other essentials to keep at home.

Build Your Emergency Kit Before You Need It

Building an emergency kit doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start with the essentials your household is most likely to need, then add supplies over time. Check your kit periodically, replace expired items, recharge battery-powered devices, and make sure everyone in your household knows where the emergency supplies are stored.

Explore more helpful emergency preparedness guides, practical resources, and useful product finds from Smart Finds Resources to help your household stay prepared.