Preparing for an emergency is not easy, particularly if you have a busy life. But it’s important to have some kind of plan in place in case of the worst-case scenario. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do ahead of time that will make your life much easier during an emergency. A grab bag is one of those things. If you live alone or spend a lot of time away from home, keeping a grab bag stocked with essentials could save your life in the event of an emergency. A grab bag is essentially a portable kit that has everything you need to survive for 72 hours while you make your way to safety and let others know you need help. It’s compact enough that it won’t take up too much space in your home but contains everything you would need if faced with an emergency situation.
What Should You Have in Your Emergency Grab Bag?
There are a few key items that should always be included in an emergency grab bag. The items you choose to include will depend on your situation and your specific needs.
We recommend that all grab bags include:
- Food and Water
- A Torch
- A Medical Kit
- A Radio
- A Blanket
It is also worth noting that keeping copies of important documents in your grab bag is also sensible – including copies of your driver’s licence, passport, and insurance documents. In the event of an emergency, such as a flood or fire, you’ll be thankful you have copies of these documents so you can get back on your feet more quickly.
Food and Water
Depending on the nature of the emergency and the length of time it takes you to get help, the food and water in your house could run out. Having food and water in your grab bag means you’ll have enough to last you through the situation without having to worry about going hungry or dehydrating. The ideal foods for this purpose are freeze dried meals, ration bars and other nutrient rich survival foods.
A Torch
A torch is one of the most important items in any emergency preparedness kit. You can use a torch to navigate your home in the dark and signal for help, especially if the power grid is down and you don’t have access to outdoor lighting. There are a few different types of batteries that you can choose from, so keep your specific needs in mind when selecting a model. Your torch should be made of durable material that can withstand impact and water damage. LEDs are a great choice because they use very little energy and are extremely durable. Make sure you also include appropriate batteries too!
A Medical Kit
It is always wise to have certain medical supplies close at hand, especially in an emergency. Having bandages, plasters, key prescription medicine, antibiotics and basic surgical accessories is sensible and may be vital in a disaster.
A Battery-Powered Radio
A radio can be used to stay up-to-date on the situation and get information from emergency responders. A radio can also be used to keep yourself calm during an emergency and provide entertainment and a sense of normalcy. There are a few different types of radios you can keep in your grab bag, including hand-cranked models that don’t require any batteries. Hand-cranked radios are a good option for grab bags because they don’t require any batteries and can be used for long periods of time. If you have small children, you’ll definitely want a radio in your emergency kit so you can keep up with what’s going on and know when it’s safe to leave the house.
A Blanket
A blanket is a versatile item that can be used to keep you warm, cover broken windows to keep out debris, and be used as a tarp to protect electronics during floods. Having a blanket in your grab bag will help keep you warm and comfortable during a stressful situation and protect your electronics from damage. There are a few different types of blankets that are great for grab bags, including Mylar blankets, wool blankets, and paraffin blankets. Mylar blankets are ideal for grab bags because they’re lightweight, waterproof, and come in a variety of colours. Wool blankets are great for grab bags because they’re durable, easy to clean, and can be used in a variety of situations.
Conclusion
The importance of having emergency grab bags in your home can’t be understated. They can help keep you safe and protected during a variety of emergency situations and make it easier to deal with the aftermath. To build your own emergency grab bag, first identify the emergency situations that are most likely to occur in your area. Then, pack an emergency kit that can help you survive during that emergency.