Prepared, Safe, and Bright: Simple Gear Tips for Every Home

While you never want to imagine the unexpected, it’s best to be on the safe side. Protecting your family means keeping everyone safe and calm during an emergency situation. Whether you’re hunkering down during an unanticipated storm, camping out during a power outage, or stuck inside during a blizzard, being prepared, safe, and bright is important. Here are some simple gear tips for every home.

Power Outage Must-Haves

In the chance that your power goes out in your home, you want to be ready and prepped. Safety should be top of mind during these circumstances, which is why you’ll want to have the following items handy.

Flashlights and Batteries

While you may rely on your mobile phone flashlight for everyday needs, when the power goes out, you’ll want a few dedicated flashlights. The flashlight setting on your phone can quickly drain the battery. And without a power source, you’ll want to keep your phone charged as long as possible.

An LED flashlight is more energy-efficient than a traditional one with incandescent bulbs. It has a longer lifespan and is considered more durable and reliable. Of course, you’ll also want to have extra batteries available for your flashlights or other electronic equipment.

Generators

If you live in an area that is prone to storms, such as the coastal regions along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, you may consider buying a generator. These devices provide backup power for essential appliances, such as refrigerators, electric stoves, and ovens. They can power heating and cooling systems, helping to keep your home at a safe and comfortable temperature during a long-term power outage. With a generator, you can also continue to use communication devices, meaning you can call loved ones in other states and create evacuation plans, if necessary.

Overall, generators will ensure that there is less disruption in your life when the power goes out. Generators vary in size and power, meaning you can select one based on your specific needs and what matters most to you without power. Propane generators can run for a few days on a large tank, while those running on natural gas can operate for longer periods of time.

Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio

You may only need this device during a power outage, but you’ll be glad that you have it when you’re unable to receive information from the Internet! When the power is out and cell service towers are down, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can provide regular NOAA weather alerts and updates. Many models also have a power source and light, meaning they’re multi-functional. Keep it next to your emergency supplies in your home so you have it when you need it most.

Safety 101 Needs

No matter what life throws your way, it’s best to be prepared. Keeping a few essential safety equipment items will protect you and your family during environmental disasters and other emergencies.

First-Aid Kit

Every home should have a basic first-aid kit. These can be bought pre-made, with everything that you could need to heal cuts and scratches, to minor burns, to sprains and strains. Even if professional medical attention is needed, you can bandage the infected area to keep it protected before you’re able to see a health care professional.

In a first-aid kit, it’s a good idea to include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, instant cold packs, and aloe vera gel. You may also want to include some basic medications such as oral antishitamines, ibuprofen, Aspirin, and antacids. These can be stored in the same medicine cabinet or drawer as your first-aid kit, keeping everything in one place for easy accessibility. 

Non-Perishable Food and Water

In the off chance that you’re stuck at home and unable to go to the store, it’s also recommended to keep a supply of non-perishable food and water at home. A minimum three-day supply can be accessed for emergencies like natural disasters. If you have the space, a one-week supply is more ideal as sometimes it’s impossible to visit a store or for it to have any stocked items, within this limited time frame.

The next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on items like canned goods, dried foods, and long-lasting staples. A quick no-cook meal of canned salmon, chickpeas, and pre-cooked rice is easy to assemble if you lose power. For canned items, be sure that you have a manual can opener so you can actually access the food! Other items like nut butters, oats, and protein bars can help fill in the gaps. And, remember Fido too! You want to have enough pet food on hand to keep your dog or cat fed as well.

As for water, store at least 1 gallon of water per person for three days. This can be used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and other uses.

Final Takeaways

You never know what you’re going to need until you need it. That said, having some essential items stocked will ease your nerves during an emergency. Alongside these essentials, make sure everyone within the home knows the basic plans ahead of time. Mapping out evacuation routes and creating a central meeting place will ensure that every family member understands their roles and responsibilities during a dire emergency.

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