In the modern world, we can't predict when we will encounter an emergency, whether it is a sudden natural disaster or an unexpected event within the family. All of these situations can have a serious impact on our daily lives and even threaten our lives. Therefore, in order to deal with these unforeseen crises, it is even more important to be well prepared. This article will provide you with an exhaustive list of supplies in stock, as well as an in-depth look at the necessity of each type and its specific purpose to help you better prepare for possible emergencies.
1. Reserves of water resources
Water is the source of life, and no living thing can do without it. In an emergency, it is essential to ensure an adequate and safe supply of drinking water. Each person needs to consume at least one gallon (about 3.8 liters) of water per day for drinking, washing, and basic hygiene needs. In the event of a disaster, public water systems can be damaged or polluted, so households should stock up on adequate water resources ahead of time.
Choose the right water storage container
It is recommended to use a water storage container that meets food safety standards, such as a blue polyethylene bucket. These containers are tightly sealed and effective against water contamination.
Avoid using metal containers to store water, as metals may chemically react with water and affect water quality.
Regularly inspect the tightness and cleanliness of water storage containers to ensure that the water quality is safe.
Water purification and disinfection
In addition to stocking bottled water directly, households should also have water purification equipment in case of long-term or sudden water pollution.
Common methods of water purification include the use of water purification filters or water purification tablets. These products are effective in removing bacteria, viruses and other harmful substances from water.
Boiling is also an effective method of water disinfection. In an emergency, water can be boiled for at least 1 minute to kill potential pathogens, if conditions allow.
2. Food reserves
In the event of a disaster or emergency, the usual food supply chain can be severely affected. To ensure the basic living needs of family members, it is recommended that families stock up on non-perishable food for at least three to two weeks.
Choose the right dry food
Canned foods are ideal because they usually last for a long time and are easy to carry. It is recommended to stock up on a variety of canned products such as meat, vegetables, and fruits.
Dried fruits and nuts are also good stockpiles, as they are packed with nutrients and can be stored for a long time.
Energy bars and instant noodles are options for a quick energy boost, especially for quick consumption in an emergency.
Military dry food or outdoor survival food is also a good choice, as they usually contain a variety of nutrients that the body needs and have a long shelf life.
Cooking and preservation tools
A portable gas stove and enough gas canisters are important tools for cooking food. In the event of an outage of electricity, they can provide a stable source of heat to heat the food.
A manual can opener is an essential tool for opening canned food, so it's important to make sure you have a reliable manual can opener at home.
Food crisper bags can be used to store and carry food to prevent moisture or spoilage.
3. Configuration of first aid supplies
In an emergency, dealing with injuries in the first place is critical to mitigating the impact of a disaster. Therefore, every family should be equipped with a basic first aid kit in case of possible injury or illness.
Basic medicines and medical supplies
Band-aids and disinfectants are essential supplies for treating minor abrasions and other wounds.
Pain relievers and antibiotic creams can help relieve pain and prevent infection.
Dressings and bandages can be used to cover the wound and prevent further infection.
Special medical needs
Stock up on necessary prescription medications based on the medical needs of family members. For example, family members with a history of heart disease should stock up on medications.
Adequate drug stocks should also be ensured for people with chronic conditions who need regular insulin injections or other specific medications.
4. Energy & Lighting Tools
In the event of a power outage, it is even more important to have reliable energy and lighting tools. Here are some suggested supplies:
Flashlight and spare batteries
LED flashlights are ideal because they are typically brighter, more durable, and have a longer battery life. Always make sure you have multiple flashlights in your home in case you need them.
It is also very important to stock up on enough spare batteries to ensure that the flashlight will continue to work at critical moments.
Generators with solar panels
For long-term power needs, consider purchasing a small portable generator. This will provide a continuous supply of electricity to homes in case of emergencies.
Solar charging panels are also an eco-friendly and sustainable energy option. They can absorb sunlight during the day and convert it into electricity to provide charging services for electronic devices.
5. Communication equipment
In an emergency, staying informed is essential to stay up to date, ask for help, or relay information to the outside world. Here are some recommended communication devices:
Portable radios
Hand-cranked or battery-powered AM/FM radios can receive important notifications and information, especially in the event of a power outage or network failure. They can also provide entertainment and tension-relieving effects.
Make sure the radio equipment is in good working order and replace the battery regularly to ensure its reliability.
Charging equipment
Mobile phone power banks and car chargers are key devices to keep your mobile phone charged. In an emergency, a mobile phone may be the only way to stay in touch with family, friends, or rescuers.
Make sure to stock up on enough power banks and chargers, and charge them regularly to keep them available.
6. Protect personal files and important files
In the event of an emergency, it is crucial to ensure the safety of all important documents and personal information. This avoids legal and financial hassles in the aftermath of a disaster. Here are some suggested measures:
Select the storage method
Make copies of important documents such as ID cards, passports, title deeds, insurance policies, etc., and store the originals and copies in separate places for added security. It is recommended to store these documents in a waterproof, fireproof container, such as a sealed bag or fireproof box.
For electronic files, such as photos, videos, and important documents, consider using an external hard drive or cloud storage service for backup to prevent data loss.
Digital backup and encryption
Utilizing a cloud storage service to back up important electronic files is a smart choice. This way, even if the physical storage device is compromised, you can still access the files from anywhere you have an internet connection.
For particularly sensitive information, consider protecting it with encryption software to prevent unauthorized access.
7. Clothing and shelter facilities
Proper clothing and shelter are essential to protect personal safety and comfort during adverse weather and environmental conditions. Here are some suggested supplies:
Multi-layered clothing options
Thermal underwear is a necessity in cold weather, and they can help you maintain your body temperature and prevent excessive cold.
Raincoats and windproof jackets can protect you from bad weather such as rain, snow, or sand. These coats should be waterproof and windproof to ensure your comfort and safety.
Accessories such as hats, scarves, and gloves are also indispensable to help you better cope with the challenges of cold weather.
Tent with sleeping bag options
Lightweight and waterproof tents are ideal for temporary outdoor living. They can provide you with a private space to shelter from the wind and rain and protect your privacy and security. When choosing a tent, consider factors such as its size, weight, and portability to make it easy to carry and set up quickly.
A sleeping bag is one of the key pieces of gear to keep you warm and comfortable. They usually have good warmth and comfort and can provide you with a warm sleeping environment in an outdoor environment. When choosing a sleeping bag, pay attention to factors such as its temperature rating, material, and size to ensure it suits your needs.
With the above breakdown and list of recommendations, we hope that each family will be fully prepared for a possible emergency according to their actual situation. It is important to regularly check the effectiveness and integrity of these materials to ensure that they can be used quickly and effectively at critical times. Having adequate reserves in place can not only help individuals and families keep their basic living needs met during a disaster, but it can also give everyone important support and comfort psychologically.