I’m trying to save your life!

Let’s be prepared to help ourselves, our families, and others in an emergency. Ready.gov suggests that we have the following items in our prepared emergency kit:

BASIC DISASTER SUPPLIES

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

  • Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)

  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

  • Flashlight

  • First aid kit

  • Extra batteries

  • Whistle (to signal for help)

  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

  • Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)

  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

  • Manual can opener (for food)

  • Local maps

  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

I’ve done a bit of the heavy lifting for you. I did some research and read tons of reviews on emergency radios, flashlights, first aid kits and power banks. Here are my recs:

1.   Emergency Radio

ER310 E+READY® Emergency Crank Weather Radio from Midland®

My rec: I scoured the reviews and the jury is in. The ER310 E+READY® Emergency Crank Weather Radio from Midland® has you covered in an emergency. This radio comes equipped with all the necessities plus a few extra bells and whistles. The radio has AM/PM and NOAA frequencies and multiple power sources. Be forewarned: the USB charging feature can’t charge everything (you probably won’t have luck with a newer iPhone or android), but that’s what your power bank is for.

From the website: A must for emergency preparedness, the ER310 emergency weather alert crank radio keeps you informed in case of severe weather or civil emergency with multiple sustainable power options. Recharge your USB compatible devices, use the Cree LED flashlight for power outages or navigating low-light areas, be found in an emergency with the high frequency dog whistle. 

 

2.   Flashlight
FENIX LD22 V2.0 Flashlight from Fenix®

My rec: It’s the batteries for me. There are a lottt of cool flashlights out there with tons of different bells and whistles, but when I put myself into a generic emergency situation, the FENIX LD22 V2.0 Flashlight from Fenix® made the most sense because of the batteries. This flashlight can be powered with two AA batteries of a rechargeable (via USB-C) battery pack (it comes with both options when purchased). This means that in a bind, chances are you’ll be able to get this flashlight working. Whether you have to take batteries out of the TV remote or charge the battery pack on your backup battery with a USB-C cable, you should be able to get your flashlight working. And (since you’re so prepared and have your back up battery pack and back up AA batteries in your emergency kit) you’ll be able to sustain light for multiple courses of its batter lifetime.

Had the battery setup in the FENIX LD22 V2.0 Flashlight not been so ideal, I might have picked a light with a higher lumen option, but with a 800 lumen capacity and 7 modes, this flashlight is still going to provide sufficient light. And with strobe and SOS modes, it was made to help you out in a bind.

From the website: The upgraded Fenix LD22 V2.0 is a multi-use flashlight with a slim body design, multiple power options and great performance—perfect for just about every lighting task. This AA battery powered flashlight now includes a rechargeable li-ion battery pack. You not only get a great USB Type-C rechargeable power source, but you also get increased performance with a maximum 800 lumens of light. As an alternative, you can use two AA alkaline (included) or NiMH AA batteries (not included) for a maximum 350 lumens. The LD22 V2.0’s slim design, 0.7” round, and reversible clip make it a great every day carry choice. Made of durable A6061-T6 aluminum, the LD22 V2.0 is impact resistant and waterproof underwater to 2 meters. 7 lighting modes including a strobe, and SOS round out this great daily-use flashlight.

 

3.   First Aid Kit

Mountain Series Medical Kit – Explorer (or Guide depending on family size) from Adventure Medical Kits

My rec: Adventure Medical Kits knows what they’re doing and the Mountain Series Medical Kit – Explorer (or Mountain Series Medical Kit - Guide, depending on family size) will have you and your family well looked after in an emergency. Hopefully you won’t have to use it for more than a Band Aid or two, but if you do, it’s well-organized design and Wilderness & Travel Medicine Guide, makes rendering care easy and efficient.

Okay (full disclosure), here’s the best part about Adventure Medical Kits: they have first aid kits for your dog! We’re talking about keeping the family safe in an emergency and pets are family too, so shout out to Adventure Medical Kits for looking out for the whole gang! Check out the Adventure Dog Medical Kit – Trail Dog for furry family members.

From the website: Comprehensive yet compact, the Explorer is the ideal backpacking first aid kit for families or small groups headed out on a week-long adventure. This water-resistant medical kit contains an abundance of hospital-quality first aid supplies to treat common hiking injuries and illnesses.

4.   Power bank 

Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K II) from Anker 

My rec: There are a lot of good options in this space. I ultimately chose the Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K II) for three reasons: this particular model has 20,000mAh of power (while a 10,000mAh power bank might suffice assuming power is restored within 28-48 hours, I’m erring on the side of caution here and doubling our capacity), it’s reasonably priced at $49.99 and, I’ve had only good experiences with Anker products in the past (the reviews back me up here).

From the website: Exceptional Power On the Go: Keep your devices charged for days with 20,000mAh of power. Charge an iPhone 14 up to 4.3 times, or an iPad Pro 12.9" over 1 time—ideal for when you're on the move. 15W Full-Speed Charging: With 15W fast charging, you can enjoy the convenience of having your devices fully charged in no time, so you can get back to work or play. Charge 2 Devices At Once: Comes equipped with 1 USB-C and 1 USB-A port, allowing you to charge two devices simultaneously.

 

Okay, there you have a list of items (and my product recs) for your basic emergency kit. But wait! We’re not done. Listed below are some additional items also recommended by Ready.gov on a case-by-case basis.

ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

  • Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

  • Prescription medications

  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

  • Pet food and extra water for your pet

  • Cash or traveler's checks

  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container

  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Matches in a waterproof container

  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

  • Paper and pencil

  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

A few final notes:

Print these HELP/OK signs and display the appropriate sign outward in your window during a disaster.

The water, food, shelter in place, turn off utilities and prescription medications links here and above link to a lot useful and important information. Give them a read.

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed (charge radio, flashlight and power bank intermittently, replace expired items as necessary, re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change).

(Okay, now we’re done preparing our emergency kits).

That’s all from me today. Stay safe, friends. And thanks for reading.

Write to you soon,

Selali

Previous
Previous

Here’s to better sleep.

Next
Next

A Few Worthy Causes