The Emergency Items You Should Always Have on Hand

It's good to be prepared. As our world has seen recently, the unexpected can happen at any time to change life as we know it. While we can't prepare for every event, we can be armed and ready for things like minor medical incidents or power outages, like emergency lighting Rockland County NY. The following are the top things to keep on hand for emergencies.

Weather Radio
According to the Red Cross, one of the top things you should have for emergencies is a hand-crank or solar-powered NOAA weather radio. You can find multi-use radio, some with a flashlight and SOS alarm, on Amazon or at your local retailer.

Flashlight
Don't depend on batteries to last forever. Make sure to get a hand-crank flashlight that will provide light when you need it. With LED bulbs, these retro tools will give a surprising amount of illumination and only require another crank if they start to dim.

Blankets
If you have an emergency during freezing and wet weather, a typical blanket is just going to absorb water and freeze along with everything else. You'll need to get Mylar thermal blankets to reflect body heat not only to keep you dry but to protect you from hypothermia.

First Aid Kit
Of all the preparedness items, this one will probably be the only one that has to be replenished periodically from frequent use. Antiseptic, antibiotic cream, gloves, tape, bandages, OTC pain relievers and medical tools are all staples of a well-stocked first aid kit.

Non-Perishable Food and Water
In the event of an extended power disruption or a natural disaster, you need to be prepared in case you have to shelter in place. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day for a total of two weeks. Good foods to have available are energy bars or meals ready to eat, also known as MREs.