Kits, Kits, and More Kits!
Emergency preparedness kits are essential tools that can help us stay safe during unexpected or expected disasters. Whether it is a natural event like a hurricane, earthquake, or wildfire, or something human-caused such as a power outage or civil unrest, having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference. When thinking about preparedness, there are multiple types of emergency kits we can put together depending on the scenario we are preparing for, such as home kits, car kits, and personal go-bags. Each kit serves a unique purpose, and it is important to tailor them to meet our specific needs.
Home emergency kits are generally the most comprehensive. These kits should have enough food, water, and supplies to last each member of the household for at least 72 hours. Key items include non-perishable food, water purification tools, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and communication devices. Car emergency kits are slightly different and may focus more on vehicle-related issues. For instance, we would want jumper cables, a spare tire, tools to fix a flat, and flares, along with basic survival items like water and blankets in case we get stranded. Personal go-bags, or “get-home-bags,” (I do not like the term "bug-out bags") are meant to be lightweight and portable, containing essentials like a change of clothes, a multi-tool, cash, personal documents, and a basic first aid kit, so we can grab them quickly in an evacuation.
When it comes to acquiring an emergency preparedness kit, we have two primary options: buying a prepackaged kit or assembling our own. Prepackaged kits can be convenient, as experts typically design them to cover the basics for a certain amount of time. They save us time and ensure that no critical items are overlooked. However, one drawback of pre-made kits is that they are often generic. They might not contain everything we personally need, such as prescription medications, specific tools, or unique dietary items. Sometimes the items in prepackaged are not of the highest quality and may break/wear out/rip/etc. during normal use. Customizing a prepackaged kit can also be costly if we need to add or replace items that are not a good fit.
On the other hand, creating our own emergency kit allows for greater personalization and flexibility. We can select items based on our location, family size, and specific health needs. Additionally, building a kit ourselves helps us become more familiar with the contents, ensuring that we know where everything is when we need it most. However, the downside is that creating a kit from scratch can be time-consuming. It also requires us to research what supplies are essential, and there is a risk we might accidentally overlook something crucial. There is also the potential for higher upfront costs if we purchase premium or specialized gear, but you may save money in the longer run by acquiring higher quality items to start with.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing between prepackaged kits and building our own. For those of us who are short on time or are new to preparedness, a pre-made kit might be a good starting point, with the option to add personal items later. For those of us with more specific needs, taking the time to build a custom kit from the ground up ensures that every base is covered. No matter which route we choose, the important thing is to have a kit ready and to periodically check it to ensure supplies are still fresh and functional.
In the end, what matters most is that we are prepared. Emergencies often come without warning and having a well-thought-out emergency preparedness kit could be the difference between safety and hardship. By taking the time to either purchase or create a kit tailored to our needs, we are making an investment in our safety and the well-being of those around us. Preparedness is peace of mind, and that is something we cannot put a price on.
As mentioned, one may start with pre-packaged kits, then end up supplementing with our own items. The container or pack the kit comes in may not suit our needs, so we find one that works and start moving the items over. Always test and use the items you acquire. During the emergency is not when you want to be using something in your emergency kit for the first time.