Survive a Natural Disaster with a Home Emergency Kit
Filed under: Family Finances, House & Home, Shopping, Your Home
As the old saying goes, you hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Recently, the U.S. east coast got the worst that Hurricane Sandy could throw at it.
And, once again we are reminded that the wise homeowner prepares well in advance for such a catastrophe. By now, most of us know that preparations should include the basics of water, non-perishable foods, candles and matches, etc. To refresh our collective memories, The Canadian Red Cross has a list of things to include in your home disaster kit. Here are some additional items to consider that could be of help to you in an emergency situation:
Single Burner Propane Stove
This little stove is powered by either a 16.4 oz. or a 14.1 oz. disposable propane cylinder (not included) and will burn for 3 1/2 hours at the highest setting. Just the thing to have on hand when the power goes out and you get tired of eating canned salmon for dinner. It costs $23.89 at Amazon.com.
One caveat: I'm advised by my husband, who was in the propane industry for 24 years, that propane appliances powered by cylinders should not be used indoors. Ask your local propane authority about proper usage.
Hand Turbine AM/FM Weather Alert Radio With Smartphone Charger
I've got a hand-cranked radio/flashlight combo but this unit goes a few steps further. Besides the hand crank, it can also be powered by the sun and includes an LED flashlight, an auxiliary input, a clock and a USB smart phone charger. It costs $60 at Amazon.com and could be worth every penny in an emergency situation.
Mylar Emergency Thermal Blankets
If you and your family are forced to leave your home during an emergency, these lightweight blankets, which come in a package of 10, will be easier to pack and carry than even one traditional blanket. They open up to a generous 84-inches long by 52-inches wide and cost $8.85 on Amazon.com.
First Aid Kit
No home should be without one of these at any time. In an emergency, a first aid kit could literally be a life-saver. These kits come in all sizes and may contain different supplies. Choose one that seems best for you and your family. This first aid kit costs $32.99. View the selection at First Aid Canada.com.
Emergency Whistle
This is one of those little things that many agencies suggest a home emergency kit should contain. Including a compass, a waterproof storage compartment for matches and a signal mirror, it seems more suited to lost campers. However, if, God forbid, you should find yourself trapped under debris after an earthquake, a whistle, which hangs on a lanyard around your neck, will help rescuers locate you more quickly. It costs $2.44 on Amazon.
Survival Matches
A good old-fashioned match is always a good thing to have around in an emergency. However, these matches are anything but ordinary. They are specially made to be wind and waterproof and come in a bulk tube costing $7.24. Buy them on Amazon.com.
Solar Backup Battery and Charger
In a power outage, you can keep your cell phone or tablet charged with this solar battery charger. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack and carry and comes with a travel adapter, a USB charging cable and six connectors for different phone and tablet models. To find out if this solar backup is compatible with your electronics and other important information, check out Canada Cell Phone Shop. This item costs $32.99.
You should pack everything into backpacks or wheeled suitcases in the event you have to leave your home. And don't forget to check out the dollar store for emergency candles, flashlights and batteries and more. There's no point in paying more than you need to for many of the basics.
Like this article? Don't miss another one. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
RELATED LINKS
The Storm Surge: How Much Natural Disasters Have Cost Us
Is Your Home Prepared For An Emergency?
Safeguarding Your Finances Against Natural Disasters
How to Prepare For an Emergency
Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and Dollar Store Diva. Get tips and ideas for finding and using the best the dollar store has to offer on her website, Dollar Store Style.
And, once again we are reminded that the wise homeowner prepares well in advance for such a catastrophe. By now, most of us know that preparations should include the basics of water, non-perishable foods, candles and matches, etc. To refresh our collective memories, The Canadian Red Cross has a list of things to include in your home disaster kit. Here are some additional items to consider that could be of help to you in an emergency situation:
SLIDESHOW: WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A HOME DISASTER KIT
Single Burner Propane Stove
This little stove is powered by either a 16.4 oz. or a 14.1 oz. disposable propane cylinder (not included) and will burn for 3 1/2 hours at the highest setting. Just the thing to have on hand when the power goes out and you get tired of eating canned salmon for dinner. It costs $23.89 at Amazon.com.
One caveat: I'm advised by my husband, who was in the propane industry for 24 years, that propane appliances powered by cylinders should not be used indoors. Ask your local propane authority about proper usage.
Hand Turbine AM/FM Weather Alert Radio With Smartphone Charger
I've got a hand-cranked radio/flashlight combo but this unit goes a few steps further. Besides the hand crank, it can also be powered by the sun and includes an LED flashlight, an auxiliary input, a clock and a USB smart phone charger. It costs $60 at Amazon.com and could be worth every penny in an emergency situation.
Mylar Emergency Thermal Blankets
If you and your family are forced to leave your home during an emergency, these lightweight blankets, which come in a package of 10, will be easier to pack and carry than even one traditional blanket. They open up to a generous 84-inches long by 52-inches wide and cost $8.85 on Amazon.com.
First Aid Kit
No home should be without one of these at any time. In an emergency, a first aid kit could literally be a life-saver. These kits come in all sizes and may contain different supplies. Choose one that seems best for you and your family. This first aid kit costs $32.99. View the selection at First Aid Canada.com.
Emergency Whistle
This is one of those little things that many agencies suggest a home emergency kit should contain. Including a compass, a waterproof storage compartment for matches and a signal mirror, it seems more suited to lost campers. However, if, God forbid, you should find yourself trapped under debris after an earthquake, a whistle, which hangs on a lanyard around your neck, will help rescuers locate you more quickly. It costs $2.44 on Amazon.
Survival Matches
A good old-fashioned match is always a good thing to have around in an emergency. However, these matches are anything but ordinary. They are specially made to be wind and waterproof and come in a bulk tube costing $7.24. Buy them on Amazon.com.
Solar Backup Battery and Charger
In a power outage, you can keep your cell phone or tablet charged with this solar battery charger. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to pack and carry and comes with a travel adapter, a USB charging cable and six connectors for different phone and tablet models. To find out if this solar backup is compatible with your electronics and other important information, check out Canada Cell Phone Shop. This item costs $32.99.
You should pack everything into backpacks or wheeled suitcases in the event you have to leave your home. And don't forget to check out the dollar store for emergency candles, flashlights and batteries and more. There's no point in paying more than you need to for many of the basics.
Like this article? Don't miss another one. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
RELATED LINKS
The Storm Surge: How Much Natural Disasters Have Cost Us
Is Your Home Prepared For An Emergency?
Safeguarding Your Finances Against Natural Disasters
How to Prepare For an Emergency
Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and Dollar Store Diva. Get tips and ideas for finding and using the best the dollar store has to offer on her website, Dollar Store Style.
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