After an emergency situation, you may have to survive on your own for a while. To be prepared for this, you need to be able to get by for a few days with food, water and other supplies. The US government recommends that you definitely take these fourteen items in your basic kit.
Basic emergency kit
In the United States, people are advised to put together a basic kit that fits easily into a sports bag or one or two plastic containers. Ready.gov recommends putting all individual items in airtight plastic bags.
Water
The Americans recommend taking at least one gallon – approximately 3.7 litres per person per day – as drinking water and for personal hygiene. Bottled water from the shop is ideal for getting by for a few days. If you don’t have access to bottled water, there are various ways to make safe drinking water yourself.
Food
According to the US government, you should “take at least a supply of non-perishable food” in your emergency kit. With ready-made tinned food, protein and fruit bars, dried fruit and other energy-rich food sources you’ll get quite far. Also don’t forget suitable food for children, people with allergies or other health problems. The government therefore also recommends taking a tin opener with you.
Tips for storing food safely
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Emergency radios run on batteries, solar panels and an internal battery, or they are wind-up. In a crisis situation, television, internet and mobile data networks can fail. It’s then useful to receive updates with an emergency radio via AM/FM stations or emergency channels. The US government mentions the NOAA Weather Radio channel, which gives weather warnings 24/7. In Europe there are various alternatives; the German DWD, the French Météo-France and the Emergency Alert System which is used in various European countries.
Torch
If all electricity – and therefore also the street lighting – fails, it’s useful to have a light with you yourself. Choose a light, portable torch that is rechargeable or choose one that you can crank yourself.
First aid kit
A basic first aid kit should not be missing from your emergency kit. The Red Cross recommends always taking a number of dressings with you, such as plasters and sterile bandages. In addition, your first aid kit should ideally contain a number of instruments needed to provide first aid, such as bandage scissors and tweezers.
Batteries
To charge your torch, radio and smartphone, it’s necessary to provide extra batteries. What can also be useful is a portable charger or power bank.
Whistle
The US government says that it’s useful to take a whistle with you if you have to flee (temporarily). It takes up hardly any space, but is useful if you need to call for help.
Dust mask
To filter polluted air, for example after a fire, explosion or sandstorm, it’s useful to take a face mask or dust mask with you. With it you can move around in dusty environments in a pleasant(er) way.
Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape
According to the US government agency, it’s useful to take a number of basic supplies with you to build a shelter. In addition, this can be used to seal off a room from the outside world, in order to create a barrier between you and possibly contaminated outside air.
Wet wipes and bin bags
Personal and public hygiene is vital. If you’re on the run, there’s a chance that you won’t be able to shower for a few days or even weeks. That’s why it’s important to maintain your personal hygiene in a different way.
Local maps
If you suddenly have to flee and the communication and navigation equipment no longer works, it’s useful to have a map with you. Nice and old school, but then of course you also need to know how to read a map.
Mobile phone
Everyone has a mobile phone nowadays – if a local disaster occurs, you can use it to reach your loved ones or the emergency services. The US government also recommends taking a spare battery and a wireless charger with you.