In sudden life-or-death situations, being prepared can dictate one's survival. After all, it wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. Here's a list of things to keep in your home (aside from the mandatory first-aid kit) in case of any emergency:
1. Food and water. Red Cross recommends that you keep a two-week supply of food for the home. Stock up your pantry with no-cook, easy-open food for quick meals. Red Cross also suggests that you keep one gallon of water per day for every person in your house.
2. Can opener. Keep an extra one in your "emergency pantry," next to your stock of food.
3. Pet food. Huffington Post reminds pet owners not to leave the animals' needs out of their emergency kits.
4. Clothing -- in a bag. Ready Nutrition explains the difference of regular clothes against "protective clothing." Clothes that absorb moisture, protect from the sun and rain, and prevent insect bites are best for any type of calamity. Neatly stuff them in a light bag in case you need a quick escape.
5. Hygiene kit. Aside from the usual soap, wipes, and alcohol, include a bottle of bleach in your hygiene kit. Bleach can also be used to purify water in dire situations. According to Prepforshtf.com, eight drops of bleach for every liter of water will make it potable.
6. Blanket. Use it to battle cold and prevent hypothermia, or use it as a rope in extreme cases.
7. Tools. A basic tool kit should have a wrench, pliers, knife, rope, and duct tape.
8. Illumination tools. In severe emergencies, expect that communication and power will be the first ones to go. Always have more than one flashlight in your home. Throw in extra batteries, candles, and waterproof matches.
9. Dust masks. They're not just for home renovation. The Survival Mom emphasizes that a dust mask can protect you from asphyxiation in cases of debris, smoke, or fire.
9. Garbage bags. The humble plastic bag has a ton of other uses in cases of emergency. According to Off The Grid News, a garbage bag can also be a poncho or a blanket, catch basin for water, bandage, shelter, and even a makeshift stretcher.
10. Old-school communication tools, such as a whistle and a hand-crank radio. The emergency radio is included in Lifehacker's essential emergency kit. Because in extreme cases, a radio with AM frequency will be your only source of news in the outside world.
11. Fire escape ladder. Always prepare for the worst case scenario. You may be stuck in the first floor of your house when a sudden flood rushes in. A lightweight, accessible ladder may save the day.
12. Fire extinguisher. Make sure the fire extinguisher in your house is functioning and in good condition. According to Fire Extinguisher 101, fire extinguishers should be maintained and checked by a specialist at least once every year.
13. Documents and cash. Sparefoot gives out a list of additional items to include in your emergency plan. Local maps, a list of emergency contacts and important documents should be kept in a water-proof envelope. This includes car titles, property deeds, insurance policies, passports, and IDs. Also, keep some cash and loose change in case your local bank and ATM stays closed for a considerable amount of time.
The list seems like a lot, but chances are, you may already have most of these things.
"The key is to have this assembled and ready to use, not scattered all over your house. Make sure everything is in working order and that no one sneaks snacks from your finished kit," Huffington Post states.
