What Emergency Supplies Should You Have?

By Ben Slaughter January 21, 2025

Emergencies are unpredictable, but preparation isn’t.

Whether you’re facing a natural disaster, a power outage, or an unexpected crisis in the outdoors, a carefully curated emergency kit can provide you with the peace of mind you need to face uncertainties with confidence.

That said, you may wonder, “What emergency supplies should I have?” We discuss that, and more, in this essential guide.

Components of an Emergency Supply Kit

When stocking your emergency supply kit, there are a few essentials you don’t want to be without.

Water

Water is non-negotiable. When dehydration sets in, you’re likely to battle with¹:

Temperature dysregulation
Fatigue
Extreme thirst
Mental irregularities
Low blood pressure

After three days without water, our bodies start to shut down, which can lead to organ failure and death.²

To avoid the effects of dehydration during an emergency, you need at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days, covering both drinking and sanitation needs.

That said, in an emergency, clean water sources may become scarce, and contamination risks rise. ReadyWise’s emergency water filters and storage solutions are a smart addition to your emergency supplies. We also recommend our emergency water pouches, which:

Have a long shelf life
Are compact for easy storage
Eliminate the need for last-minute bottled water scrambles

Food

Hunger compromises decision-making and energy levels—and starvation can lead to death in about a week’s time.² During the starvation phase, your body will begin to break down muscle to fuel itself, leading to weight loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.

To avoid starvation during an emergency situation, stock your kit with nutrient-dense options that will sustain energy and morale.

ReadyWise offers a variety of freeze-dried meals and snacks designed for emergencies, boasting up to 25 years of shelf life. They also require minimal preparation, making them ideal when resources are limited.

Flashlight

When the power goes out, light becomes a lifeline. This is why a reliable flashlight is essential for your kit (along with extra batteries).

ReadyWise provides solar-powered flashlights that eliminate battery dependency. They charge in daylight and work when you need them most, ensuring you’re never left in the dark.

First Aid Kit

Accidents don’t wait for medical assistance. A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating minor injuries and stabilizing more serious ones, if they occur.

ReadyWise offers emergency first aid kits that include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and more, ensuring you’re prepared to handle whatever comes until professional help arrives.

Extra Batteries

Battery-operated devices are only as useful as their power source, so it’s essential to stock extra batteries for:

Flashlights
Radios
Home appliances
Personal care items

Rechargeable battery packs are also a wise investment, as they can keep you connected in power outages or when traditional power sources fail.

Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape

If conditions require you to shelter in place, plastic sheeting and duct tape can create a protective barrier against:

Contaminants
Leaks
Harsh weather

Specifically, they can be used to seal off rooms, cover broken windows, or create makeshift shelters.

Moist Towelettes, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties

Hygiene is critical, even in emergencies. Without running water, sanitation can quickly become a problem. Moist towelettes help maintain the cleanliness of your body, while garbage bags and plastic ties allow for proper waste disposal, reducing health risks.

These simple supplies also help control odors, prevent contamination, and keep living spaces more manageable. In disaster situations, maintaining proper sanitation can prevent the spread of bacteria and illness, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

Manual Can Opener

If you’re stocking up on canned food, don’t forget a manual can opener—electric openers can become useless during power outages or when you’re in the wilderness. ReadyWise’s freeze-dried food options eliminate this concern, but having a manual opener ensures access to any canned goods in your supply.

Local Maps

Technology can be unreliable in crises, particularly if GPS and cell towers fail.

To avoid feeling directionless, carry a printed local map with you on adventures. This will ensure you can navigate, find shelters, or locate resources even when digital navigation is unavailable.

Cell Phone with Chargers and Backup Battery

Communication is critical in any emergency. A fully charged phone and backup battery can help you contact emergency services, receive updates, and stay in touch with loved ones.

That said, solar chargers are a great backup, ensuring your devices remain powered even during prolonged outages.

Additional Supplies to Consider

Depending on your personal circumstances, health status, or location, you may want to consider additional supplies to top off your emergency supply kit.

Let’s explore some handy supplies that you may want to add to your arsenal.

Prescription Medications

If you rely on daily medications, a seven-day supply should be included in your emergency kit. Pharmacies may be closed, and refills may be delayed in a crisis.

Ensure that you keep medications in a waterproof container and check expiration dates regularly to make sure you have everything you need in an emergency.

Pet Food and Extra Water

Your pets rely on you for survival. Fortunately, ReadyWise offers emergency pet food kits to ensure your furry friends are cared for. Store extra water for them, too, and don’t forget any medications or comfort items they may need, such as:

Toys
Blankets
Beds

Cash or Traveler’s Checks

During power outages, ATMs and card readers may be useless, leaving you without access to funds. Keeping cash on hand allows you to purchase essentials like food, water, and fuel. Additionally, some small businesses or remote areas may only accept cash, reinforcing the importance of having physical currency available.

Traveler’s checks provide additional security, as they can be replaced if lost or stolen, making them a reliable backup when cash isn’t an option.

Planning ahead ensures you won’t be caught off guard in an emergency, giving you peace of mind when electronic transactions are unavailable.

Important Family Documents

Vital documents should be easily accessible in an emergency. Store copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. Also, consider digital backups on a secure, password-protected USB drive.

Sleeping Bag or Warm Blanket

Exposure to cold can be dangerous. Each person in your household or camping party should have a warm blanket or sleeping bag. For that, ReadyWise provides high-quality, compact emergency blankets designed to retain body heat while being easy to store and carry.

Fire Extinguisher

A small fire can escalate quickly, especially in chaotic situations or situations in which you’re unprepared. That said, a fire extinguisher is an essential safety tool that can prevent minor incidents from becoming major disasters.

Before packing your fire extinguisher away, make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it and where it’s located in an emergency.

Matches in a Waterproof Container

Fire provides warmth, cooking capabilities, and light, so make sure to keep waterproof matches or a fire-starting kit in your emergency supply.

ReadyWise offers emergency fire-starting kits that make ignition effortless, even in damp conditions.

Mess Kits, Paper Cups, Plates, Plastic Utensils, Paper Towels

You’ll want to stock mess kits for long-term emergencies and paper products for short-term convenience. Specifically, disposable dishware and utensils can simplify meal prep and cleanup in an emergency situation when water is scarce.

Books, Games, Puzzles, or Other Activities for Children

Keeping morale high is crucial in emergency situations, especially for children who may feel scared or uncertain. Boredom can also add stress to an already tense situation.

Fortunately, books, games, and puzzles can provide distraction, comfort, and a sense of normalcy during uncertain times.

Maintaining Your Emergency Supply Kit

Stocking your emergency supply kit isn’t a one-and-done activity. It must be regularly maintained to ensure your food supplies are fresh and your equipment is usable.

For that, we have a few tips.

#1 Regularly Check and Replace Expired Items

An emergency kit is only useful if it’s up to date. To that end, make sure to regularly check expiration dates on food, water, and medications. (ReadyWise simplifies this process with clearly labeled, long-lasting products designed for emergencies.)

#2 Store Items in a Cool, Dry Place

Heat and humidity can degrade supplies over time. Keep your emergency kit in a cool, dry location to extend shelf life and ensure everything remains in optimal condition.

#3 Keep the Kit Accessible

A well-placed kit can save precious minutes in a crisis, and emergencies don’t wait for you to rummage through storage.

Ensure your kit is in an easy-to-reach location, and make sure all household members know where to find it.

Be Prepared and Stay Safe with ReadyWise

A thoughtfully assembled emergency kit provides security, reduces stress, and ensures you and your loved ones are ready for whatever comes your way.

At ReadyWise, we offer a wide range of expertly designed emergency supplies to help you stay safe, prepared, and confident in any situation. From multi-function flashlights to water pallets and water drums, we have the tools you need to safely navigate an emergency. We also offer a range of freeze-dried meal kits, which include everything from sweet breakfasts to savory pasta dishes, that are just as nutrient-dense as they are delicious.

Stock up now and turn uncertainty into readiness.

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