Due to the pandemic, climate-related disasters, increasing crime rates, and global conflict, it is expected that the global market for incident and emergency management will experience significant growth in the coming years.
In order to prepare for emergencies, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that every American should adhere to a 12-step manual, which involves tasks such as conducting emergency drills, securing essential documents, and collecting a supply kit.
According to Ready.gov, an emergency resource provided by FEMA, emergency preparedness involves being able to rely on your own food, water, and supplies for a few days. This is typically achieved through the use of an emergency kit, which is also referred to as a survival kit. Having a kit can help you feel more prepared and equipped to handle emergency situations.
Regrettably, a large number of households fail to carry out the fairly straightforward task of creating an emergency plan. As reported by the CDC, almost fifty percent of American adults continue to lack the necessary resources and arrangements in case of an emergency.
If you are interested in creating a household emergency kit, we have gathered a selection of top-quality kits and supplies for you to consider.
How we picked the best emergency kits and supplies
We have chosen four highly recommended emergency kits that abide by the guidance provided by reputable agencies such as FEMA, CDC, and the American Red Cross. Each kit is designed for a specific number of people and we have provided information regarding the weight of the kit as well as the shelf life of the packaged food and water. We have also highlighted the absence of any suggested items in each kit. It is essential for any emergency kit to contain at least the following items:
- First aid kit: Per the American Red Cross recommendations (your kit should suit the size and medical needs of your family and include any necessary medications).
- Sustenance: Water (one gallon per person per day), food (several days of non-perishable)
- Hygiene: Moist towelettes, garbage bags
- Light sources: Flashlight
- Shelter: Plastic sheeting, emergency blanket(s)
- Communication: Whistle, battery-powered or hand-crank radio (with NOAA Weather Radio, if possible), cell phone, cell phone charging cables
- Tools: disposable batteries, duct tape, multi-tool or wrench, can-opener (if kit contains canned food), local maps
- Protection: N95 masks
We have also included highly-rated individual emergency supplies that can be used to enhance an existing survival kit or to create one from scratch.
Wilderness Kits
It is recommended by experts to carry a small survival kit if you are planning to spend time outdoors engaging in activities such as hunting, fishing, or hiking. Essential items that should be included in every kit are a water filter, a means to make fire, emergency shelter, a headlamp, a whistle, a signaling device, and some wound care items.
Yegrueb Outdoor Survival Gear Emergency
If you are in search of a beginning survival kit, then this is the one that is suitable for your needs.
To enhance this kit further, you may want to include your own LifeStraw. This kit comprises 190 assorted first aid supplies, encompassing survival tools, fishing lures, a lamp, as well as bandages and supplies for minor wound care.
Vital 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit for Family
If you want a outdoor emergency kit that covers a wider range of needs, then you may want to consider this 72-hour survival system.
Included in this kit are enough food and water for two people to last for 72 hours. Along with basic tools and medical supplies, it also contains an emergency weather radio, emergency shelters, fire starters, and pocket chainsaws.
Medical Kits
The majority of experts agree that it is essential for every emergency kit to include basic medical supplies. Nonetheless, it is also crucial to take into account the option of acquiring a fully equipped first aid kit for home use or for longer journeys. These kits should not only include bandages and splints, but should also store all necessary medications.
First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442)
According to First Aid Only, the soft pouch named The First Aid Only All-Purpose Essential Soft-Sided First Aid Kit contains approximately 300 different first aid supplies such as adhesive bandages, cold packs, and aspirin.
The First Aid Only All-Purpose Essentials Soft-Sided First Aid Kit has received over 68,000 reviews on Amazon and has a rating of 4.8 stars.
Be Smart Get Prepared 110 Piece First Aid Kit
According to Be Smart Get Prepared, the Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit is a plastic case that contains 100 first aid supplies, ranging from antiseptic towelettes to wooden finger splints. Despite having only a third of the medical supplies compared to the First Aid Only kit, it is available at half the price.
On Amazon, the Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit has received a 4.7-star rating based on over 36,000 customer reviews.
Roadside Kits
Experts recommend that basic roadside kits should not only include jumper cables and a flashlight, but also emergency blankets, candles, and sleeping bags, which are useful during winter storms if you become stranded in your vehicle.
Lowe’s Lifeline First Aid Emergency Roadside Kit
This is the most basic roadside kit that you can easily store in the trunk of your car.
Even though it is one of the smaller roadside kits available, it still includes all the necessary items to handle unforeseen accidents. The hardshell case contains booster cables for jump-starting your vehicle, as well as a LED flashlight, three AAA batteries, and other essential tools.
Reese Towpower 2in Drop Towing Security Kit
You never know the time when you might have to offer assistance by towing someone.
The Reese Towpower kit includes all the necessary items to assist a vehicle in a difficult situation. Just insert the draw bar into the hitch receiver tube, fasten it with the lock, and you’re all set. It has the ability to tow loads with a maximum weight of 6,000 pounds.
Sleeping Bags
REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag, manufactured by REI, is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The brand states that it features a wrap-around zipper that allows for ventilation or full opening of the bag to utilize it as a quilt. With a length slightly exceeding six and a half feet, this sleeping bag is suitable for the majority of adults.
REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Sleeping Bag
The REI Co-op Kindercone 25, which is recommended in our guide to the best sleeping bags for kids, has a temperature rating of 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It features a zipper closure and has cords that can be adjusted around the head and hood. With a length of 5 feet, it is suitable for most younger children.
Tools
Lexivon ½-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench
According to the brand, the Lexivon ½-Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench is designed to handle the task easily, as it is constructed from steel with a reinforced ratchet gear head and is protected against rust and corrosion. Additionally, the wrench has clear instructions displayed on its body and comes with a storage case.
KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener
Having a can opener like this one from KitchenAid in many kits is often helpful as emergency supply food is usually canned. This can opener is made of stainless steel and is designed to open all types of cans, according to the brand. Additionally, the brand claims that it has ergonomic handles, ensuring comfort and ease of holding.
