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An emergency preparedness kit is a must to stay safe 

Emergencies can strike without warning, leaving many individuals unprepared for the challenges they bring. Do you have a plan in place if the power is out for several days? What steps would you take if rising water levels threaten your safety and that of your loved ones?

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Few of us can claim to have survival skills rivaling those of Bear Grylls (and even that is up for debate), so we all need a little assistance. Whether you’re dealing with a serious injury, enduring an extended power outage, or facing isolation in the wilderness, having the right emergency preparedness and survival kits can make a significant difference.

Featured in this article: Glow Mind Emergency Glow Sticks with 12-Hour Duration, Terra Frma Disaster Deck Emergency Survival Cards, and BleedStop First Aid Powder for Blood Clotting.

Prevention is best when it comes to emergency preparedness 

Above everything else, the most important thing to remember is to remain calm and have an emergency preparedness plan. If you tackle the situation with a clear head and know what steps to take, you’re less likely to make mistakes that will cause more harm or damage. It doesn’t always seem possible, but it’s vital not to panic. Where possible, power up an emergency radio to assist you in assessing the situation.

Once you have collected your thoughts, it’s time to jump into action, which relies on having the correct tools for the situation. Because it’s impossible to know what kind of emergency you’ll stare in the face, having a fully stocked first aid kit or ample emergency preparedness supplies is an excellent idea. You might only use them once, but you’ll be incredibly thankful you have them when that day comes.

Best emergency preparedness items 

Lormandy Straw Water Filter

If you find yourself without drinkable water and no way to obtain any, these straw water filters could come in very handy. You can use these devices to drink straight from a water source, such as a lake or stream, or to drink from a bottle of water that may not be sanitary. It can even be connected to your faucet to get sanitized water straight from the tap in events where that water may be contaminated. 

Consciot LED Battery Powered Camping Lantern

When the power goes out, it’s easy to let panic creep in. No one likes living without light for even a brief period, which is why this set of super-bright camping lanterns is great to have on hand. They are LED battery-powered and should last up to 12 hours even on the brightest of the lantern’s four settings. 

Glow Mind Emergency Glow Sticks with 12 Hours Duration 

Almost all natural disasters can knock out the local power grid; if you aren’t prepared for it, you’ll be left scrambling in the dark. However, if you know exactly where you keep these emergency glow sticks, your immediate surroundings will be illuminated for up to 12 hours. They come in a pack of 12 and have a small hook on the top for attaching to objects or surfaces.

Terra Frma Disaster Deck Emergency Survival Cards 

Do you know what to do in an emergency? Not everybody can make split-second decisions on where to go or how to proceed. That’s where these potentially life-saving cards come in. Printed on plastic and color-coded by emergency, each card has instructions for what to do and who to contact. The cards cover emergencies such as earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes and winter storms.

Ironstripe Bivy Sack Emergency Sleeping Bag 

Depending on where you find yourself, your emergency might mean you are stranded outside, vulnerable to the elements. This emergency sleeping bag is made from durable and tear-resistant materials that will keep you safe by retaining up to 90% of your body heat. The pack of two sleeping bags is also waterproof and perfectly suited against rain, snow and chilling winds.

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BleedStop First Aid Powder for Blood Clotting 

In most situations, if you don’t stop the bleeding, you’ll have a more severe scenario than you imagined, whether it’s a nosebleed or a deep cut. This powder is a powerful coagulant that stops bleeding in seconds, acting fast for severe wounds, lacerations, cuts and scrapes. It’s also suitable for use on people who are on blood thinners.

Runningsnail Emergency Crank Weather Radio 

Information can save your life just as much as emergency supplies can. In certain situations, you must know when it’s safe to go outside or if danger is heading your way. When the power is out and the internet doesn’t work, this hand-cranked radio keeps you connected to the world. It works off a rechargeable battery that can also recharge mobile phones and has three flashlight settings and a motion-sensitive reading light. 

General Medi 2-in-1 First Aid Kit 

No matter where you live, no household should be without an emergency first-aid kit like this one. Packed into a neat carry case, the kit includes 215 hospital-grade items such as bandages, gauze, scissors, a compass, a glow stick and safety pins. 

Verifygear 216-Piece Emergency Survival Backpack 

A first-aid kit is critical for a household, but sometimes you need heavy-duty gadgets in a life-threatening emergency. If you only have a few seconds, by grabbing this tactical backpack, you’ll have 216 survival pieces at your disposal. This includes a folding military knife, flashlight, multifunction card, seven-in-one multi-use spork, several ropes and medical items.

SURVIVE Permanent Match (Pack of 5) 

Unless you manage to salvage your matches or lighters, there is no way that you’ll start a fire or signal emergency services if they are wet. However, if you have this gadget in your emergency supply, that won’t be a problem. Made from a durable plastic and stainless steel, the magnesium steel alloy flint rod is good for up to 15,000 strikes and is wind-resistant and waterproof.

Eton American Red Cross Crank-Powered Flashlight and Smartphone Charger 

If an emergency strikes at night, it will be disastrous if you can’t see what is happening, where to go or be able to help others. This emergency light is hand-cranked, so you’ll never need to worry about batteries. You can generate enough power to shine the flashlight for 10 minutes from just a one-minute crank of the handle. It’s also powerful enough to charge mobile phones.

CURAD Assorted Bandages Variety Pack

In addition to a first aid kit, it’s smart to keep a lot of bandages of varying sizes on hand. Keep minor cuts covered and free of debris while healing by getting the right size bandage on them. This box has 300 bandages of six different styles, giving plenty of options for injuries.

ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply 

You might have an emergency light and some medical supplies, but things can go sideways quickly if you’re stuck somewhere without food. This handy bucket contains 52 individual food servings; all you need to do is add hot or cold water. Your meal selection includes potato and chicken pot pie, tomato basil soup, creamy pasta and cheesy macaroni. Each serving has enough calories to sustain an adult and a shelf life of 25 years.

Emergency Blanket 4-Pack

You never know when a compact thermal blanket might come in handy, so it’s a good idea to keep some around. These Mylar blankets are tear-resistant and can help retain 90% of body heat. 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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