What you have on hand for 'emergency supplies' can and will most likely save your life when a major disaster hits. As you go through each day knowing that something terrible could happen, why not have them on hand?

Nowadays, the chance of an emergency coming your way is unfortunately pretty good. And that leads to the following.


Emergency items to keep on hand in case of a disaster

Well, there are unfortunately a ton of different emergencies that could happen, as was noted earlier. Further, these specific emergencies could call for slightly different things. That said, here are some things that everyone should have on hand in case of an emergency.


Emergency food and storage containers

Just as important to the process of having emergency food on hand is to have appropriate emergency storage containers for it. Thus, here are some things you should have.

#10 cans

Oxygen absorption packets - These are used to reduce moisture in food items, thus keeping the food viable for much longer (check the directions and utilize the experts when it comes to using these).

PETE bottles - These bottles, made of polyethylene terephthalate, are used for long term storage.

Foil pouches - These are made of multilayer laminated plastic and aluminum.

Full size plastic garbage cans - These could be used for bathing or washing dishes/ clothes.

Freezer - Okay, if the electric goes out this won't help. But if it doesn't, a freezer and refrigerator in the area you plan on setting down is prudent (remember that if we're talking about a fallout shelter of sorts, it will have to be in an accessible place).


Now, the food

Here's the short answer: Have enough food and water on hand for at least a month which will involve stocking up on things. Particularly, you'll want to look into dry foods because they last well. Dry beans, rice, milk, and anything else you can find will be beneficial. Further, stock up on water in a big way. Along with this, once you get a significant amount of it H2O, buy a new jug every now and then to so as to keep your supplies fresh (and replace the old with the new).


Other must haves in any emergency supply kit

From gathering food, to hunting for it, to keeping abreast of an emergency situation, to caring for those you love, here are some other things to have on hand.

1. Firearms - You may not believe in guns, but in an emergency situation there may be nothing better to have. Remember that if you have supplies and other starving families don't, well, what wouldn't you do to keep your family alive?

2. Fishing pole - If you don't have food, maybe you can gather it.

3. Bait

4. Crabbing gear - Only if you live in an area where crabbing is an option.

5. Camouflage clothing - If you're going to hunt, do it right.

6. Hunting knife - This and a good buck knife for cutting rope, etc. may be prudent.

7. Radio- Keep extra batteries around as well.

8. Cutlery, plates, tin openers, bowls, etc.

9. Extra bedding

10. Extra warm clothing

11. Extra bathroom supplies- Beyond this, you may want to know where you will toilet in advance when thinking about a fallout shelter. A fallout shelter is only needed for one kind of emergency (nuclear). Still, it's unfortunately looking like nuclear problems are more and more of a possibility these days.

12. Soap

13. First Aid Supply Kit

14. Tarps and tents- In case you need to build a shelter. Also, tarps can be used to trap water if you run out.

15. Flashlights, candles, and matches- If there's no electricity, what else will you use? The flashlight is another reason to have extra batteries on hand.

16. Portable stove- A propane BBQ may be the way to go if electricity dies. Along with this, you'll want spare propane tanks. Keep them away from your home while waiting, however, as they could go up with an explosion.

17. Towels, brushes, brooms, even mops for cleaning.

18. Stationary - There's no telling how long you may be in a predicament. Thus, books, paper, and pens/ pencils may be needed to fill time and communicate with others.

19. Building supplies - What if your house or property needs fixing? A hammer, nails, axe, and saw could be as important to you as clothes themselves.

20. Alternative transportation - If cars won't work because of gas or oil shortages, bicycles, scooters, and anything and everything else that moves and isn't motor powered may be what the doctor ordered.

21. Backpacks and hiking boots - These could come in handy if you need to get going in a hurry. Also remember that if you're going for a hike, pack that tent of yours along with some food.

In sum, having an appropriate and versatile set of emergency supplies at your home and/ or workplace could mean the difference between living and dying in the coming years. We've all seen the potential for devastation out there (unfortunately, some of us have seen more than potential devastation). Now is the time to get ready for it.

Oh yeah, and don't forget to have enough emergency supplies for everyone in your home (not just one or two of you if you have five people living with you).

The last thing you want to have to do is make choices about who lives or dies.