The tricky part about an emergency is you never know when one is going to happen. On top of that, you cannot know how disastrous it will be and what you will be without as a result. Because of these unknowns, every home should be outfitted with a few necessities to be prepared.

Are you prepared for a disaster? Continue reading to learn vital emergency items your home needs.

Food and Water

You can’t live for very long without food and water. This is why having at least a 3-day supply of food and water on hand is the most vital part of preparing for an emergency. Market places and other convenient stores may not be open during an emergency, or you might be unable to leave your home, so having food and water storage ready might be your only option for sustenance. 

Aim to have a gallon of water per person in your household per day, as well as enough non-perishable food for a few days. Pasta, canned items, and dehydrated foods are ideal for food storage. Just keep an eye on their expiration dates and swap them out when necessary. 

First Aid Kit

A disaster doesn’t need to strike for a first aid kit to come in handy. Keep your first aid kit fully stocked at all times and replenish anything you’ve used or have expired. Additionally, you may want to consider learning necessary first aid skills. 

Light and Power Source

If a disaster leaves you powerless, you’ll likely need light and power sources. Consider adding batteries, phone chargers, and a generator to your emergency stock. If the power goes out, you may find a flashlight, candles, and matches, or a headlamp to be helpful.

Personal Documents

Keep hard copies of your family’s essential documents in a waterproof file folder. Driver’s licenses, birth certificates, proof of address, passports, prescriptions, and other relevant documents may be critical in an emergency. You should also include a contact list of important names, phone numbers, and addresses in your folder (emergency contacts, doctors, insurance, home restoration service, etc.).

Honorable Mentions

There are many other essential items you’ll want to stock up on and have on hand in addition to the five suggestions above. In addition to your must-have items, you’ll want to consider things you would enjoy having. Here are some honorable mentions: 

• Cash (in small bills)
• Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.)
• OTC and prescription medications
• Pet food and supplies
• Additional clothing, contacts or glasses, and toiletries
• Books
• Disinfectant supplies
• Candy, gum, or treats
• Extra blankets, sleeping bags
• Tool kit
• A deck of cards or game
• Camping gear

72-Hour Kits

A disastrous event may result in an evacuation. You can prepare yourself and your loved ones even further by dividing these items into a backpack for each family member and storing them in an easy-to-grab place for a quick exit. 

Contact Rapid Response Restoration

One thing you can count on after an emergency or disaster is Rapid Response Restoration. We are dedicated to providing homeowners across Utah with superior customer service during this unfortunate situation. Rapid Response Restoration is available 24/7 because a disaster doesn’t wait. Call us to schedule your free assessment.