Confession… I have trouble controlling intrusive thoughts when it comes to weather emergencies.
Over the last few years, I have often described mother nature as being “off her meds”. What I meant was that she is becoming more and more "bi-polar" and unpredictable in nature. Extreme highs and lows in temperatures, explosive storms developing from seemingly out of nowhere and large magnitude earthquakes which can trigger tsunamis are truly what my nightmares are made of.
I’m a self-described control freak and the simple fact that no matter what I personally do will have zero effect on what mother nature will do, truly gives me a really uneasy feeling. I live in New England, and Mother Nature has thrown snowstorms and warm sunshine out on the same day like a meteorological mixtape.
If any of the above triggered you, I encourage you to keep reading. Below are my TOP 10 items that I would regret not having on hand in a natural disaster or emergency. Not only to relieve my anxiety, but to seriously prepare myself and family to weather any storm.
#1 Emergency Food Supply:
Now the fact is, we all can survive a long time without food. I’m talking weeks depending on your general health but let's face it, nobody wants their children and spouse turning into the worst version of the hangry monster you've ever seen during an already elevated time of stress. Malnourishment can lead to weakness, fatigue, brain fog and a myriad of other negative side effects so why go through this if you don't have to? Covid taught us all about supply chain and how quickly the things that we take for granted most in this world like toilet paper can become the hottest commodities. If a scenario like that were to occur again and you throw in a couple of weather emergencies, the chances of you being able to sustain your family for long are very low. Thankfully, there are really legit companies out there like For My Patriot Supply and others that offer amazingly easy to store food options from proteins to fruits and vegetables that last over 25 years in proper storage. Below are options for packages that have all the essential food groups covered so that you can keep even the pickiest of hangry monsters at bay.
#2 Emergency Water supply and Filtration System:
Unlike food, water is something that we cannot live long without. The general consensus is that people can survive an average of 3 days without water, with estimates typically ranging from two days to a week. Only 3 days! Just take a moment to think about the size of your family and how much water you currently have in storage at your home. How long would you last? Now that I've most likely got you thinking, how hard would it be to stock up on water now that it's free flowing from your faucet and store it in barrels underneath your stairs, in your basement or garage? The answer is, pretty darn easy. There are easy to stack and store options available to ship direct to your house today. Here are some of the top options that I have found on the market.
While you are at it, I would throw in a filtration system as well. You don't want to be stuck sipping from puddles without a personal filtration straw or worse, going to battle with your neighbor over the last barrel under your stairs. Here are some examples of the best water filtration systems and counter units on the market today.
#3 First Aid Kits:
Nothing says "I'm prepared" like a well-stocked first aid kit. You’re going to need bandages for boo-boos, pain relievers for headaches (and annoying family members), and other things like antiseptic wipes – because germs don't take a break during disasters.
Now you could always run down to your local Walmart and grab a standard first aid kit but in my opinion, those are the ones you keep underneath your bathroom sink in case your kid scrapes their knee or you get a splinter when you're doing yard work. For anything worse, we rush off to the local emergency room or clinic and rely on the professionals for further care. But what if you couldn't get to the local hospital or worse, they are already at full capacity with more severe cases. It got me thinking that I wanted a more inclusive kit, like a full backpack with items that could help me handle much more of a crisis on my own. I found a couple of arbitrary yet essential items that I will be sticking inside my kit like stick on stitches and natural antibiotics but for overall preparedness, this was my favorite find! They even include a deck of playing cards because anyone who has been stuck in a room with kids and no entertainment for a long period of time understands that boredom can become a disease too!
#4 Flashlights and Batteries:
Let there be light! Seriously, when the power goes out, you'll be glad you have a flashlight, lanterns and a mountain of batteries. Bonus points for LED flashlights and solar powered items. they're energy-efficient and perfect for dramatic storytelling during blackout nights. Now I don't know about you, but I need more than a romantic glow when there has been an emergency. The night is just eerie, and you can not only hear a pin drop in your house but also the coyotes and fisher cats mating in your backyard. When I am already on edge, the last thing I need is a good ole, jump scare so I found the items that use the least amount of power while offering the most amount of lighting, Check out my favorite find here! BONUS it has a power bank!!!
#5 Emergency Radio/ communication:
Stay tuned in, folks! During a natural disaster, communication can become a lifeline, and radio communication, including CB radios, play a crucial role in keeping people connected and informed. Unlike other forms of communication that may rely on infrastructure prone to failure during disasters, radio signals can often penetrate through adverse conditions. CB radios and walkie talkies, in particular, provide a direct and reliable means of communication, allowing individuals to relay essential information, coordinate rescue efforts, and receive updates on emergency services and weather conditions. In situations where power outages or disrupted networks limit other communication methods, CB radios can be a vital tool for maintaining contact and ensuring safety during a natural disaster. I wanted something that was less intimidating, fun to use but also provided the access to communication I needed. After going through hundreds of items, my overall pick is the Cobra RX680 waterproof walkie Talkie. It's waterproof, rugged, has a long 38-mile range, 60 preset channels, 24/7 access to NOAA weather channels and oh did I mention it's totally affordable at only $89 a pair on Amazon. At that price, you could buy an extra package to give to your bestie that lives in the next town over so that you can stay in touch and on top of the “tea” even when disaster strikes.
#6 Portable Power Banks/ Generators:
Now this is pretty self-explanatory. We rely on electricity in my household more than I'd like to admit. If my kids received a dollar for every time they heard, “turn off the lights, we don't own the electric company” they may in fact be able to purchase the electric company right now. In all seriousness, losing power can have major financial consequences such as food spoilage, burst water pipes, failed sub pumps and more. Keeping your essential appliances going during an outage can be easier than you think. In recent years, there have been major upgrades in solar powered generators and home batteries that charge off of solar panels that can keep your whole house running for days during an outage. In a world of convenience where we often take electricity for granted, id like you to try and imagine the feeling you might get when your iPhone is on 3%, you have no access to a charger, and you are waiting for the most important phone call of your life. Take that anxiety and multiply it by 100. That's how I'd feel with no power knowing that there are so many affordable and easy to use options out there on the market. Check out my top 3 picks for emergency power sources below.
#7 Multi-Tool Kit:
Now when it comes to this, I wanted something that MacGyver would be proud of, and Bob Villa would promote so I went on a journey to find the most All-inclusive pack I could find. I was looking for a Swiss Army knife on steroids but easy for even me to use. I also wanted this kit to include a fire starter, compass, and other essential items needed for survival off the grid should it come to that. After lots of searching and reading reviews, I found a backpack that looks easy to carry and has all the components I would need. Bonus, they also come with some additional survival items like bandages and medical supplies as well. The links to the items I decided to purchase are here.
#8 Warm Clothing/Blankets
Baby, it can get cold outside so when the power is out and your boiler isn't kicking on, having a ready to go supply of blankets, hats, mittens, wool socks, water resistant coats and covers are essential for survival. Most of us, especially if you live in the Northeast and colder climates like me already have these items on hand. In the fall, make it a habit to pack up and keep aside in a plastic bin an extra winter coat, long underwear or cold gear and wool socks for everyone in your family. Even if you are an over-packer like me, during an emergency we aren't as worried about changing our socks every day or fashion, so honestly, only a couple of pairs of wool socks and a hat per person will do. I'd also throw a couple of hand/feet warmers as well as emergency mylar thermal blankets in there so that you are protected from the elements no matter what. Bonus tip: Getting hugs out of my teenagers isn't as easy as it used to be, snuggling for warmth is not only practical but also a forced bonding experience!
#9 Emergency Shelter:
Sometimes, home isn't where the heart is – it's where the storm isn't. From a foot of water in your living room to a tree smashing through your roof or even scarier yet a tornado that rips through your neighborhood taking all the roofs with it, having additional shelter can truly be a life saver. Depending on your demographic area, a simple tent may work for your family. Lightweight emergency shelters like this tent or tarp can be your temporary oasis amidst chaos. Plus, it adds a touch of adventure to your survival story. On the other hand, you may live in tornado alley and a permanent steel shelter in your backyard may be the route you feel most safe with. These stable shelters can double as a storage area for your preparedness items as well. Some of the safety shelters come with a higher price tag but when you think about what we spend on health, automobile and home insurance every year, what amount is too much when you can be 100% confident that your family will survive a tornado regardless of if your house doesn't. That type of insurance policy is worth every penny in my book!
#10 Personal Documents and Cash:
Because adulting never takes a day off. Cash is KING in an emergency. With the potential for power outages, bank closings and the inability to get to an ATM, keeping an emergency stash under your mattress or as I would like to suggest in a fireproof/waterproof easy to carry, unassuming bag is essential. I would also take copies of your will, and any other important documents like your passport that you would need to access. There are some really great and inexpensive items here that will certainly do the trick. Bonus, most options do not look like a traditional safe which helps keep my paranoia of being robbed at bay as well.
So, there you have it, folks – the top 10 items you absolutely, positively need during a weather emergency. Whether you're a seasoned prepper or just someone who likes to be ready for anything like me, these essentials will keep you and your family safe, comfortable, and maybe even entertained during mother nature's tantrums. Stay prepared, stay safe, and remember, there is always a solution in the face of adversity!
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