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- An emergency kit is something you should have around, in case an unexpected dangerous event happens.
- You can make your own, or purchase a preassembled kit that has everything you may need.
- The Sustain Supply Co. Four-72 Emergency Survival Kit is our top choice because it not only covers the critical needs like water, warmth, sustenance, and first aid, but it also has lots of redundancies.
Statistically speaking, it's unlikely that you will ever find yourself in a situation calling for an emergency preparedness kit, but it's that word "preparedness" that's the operative. Normally, you can count on fresh water from the tap, warmth, and shelter provided by your home, food at arm's reach in the fridge or pantry or a short drive down the road to the grocery store, and medical aid a quick phone call away. But now and then ... you can't.
Should a disaster strike, whether in the form of an earthquake, tornado, civil unrest, a major storm, or what have you, you may well find yourself cut off from outside help, relying on your wits and depending on the rations and supplies you have on hand. If that ever happens, you'll be glad some rations have a multi-year shelf life, and that your supplies include first aid materials, light sources, fire starting tools, and other such essentials.
One reason many people fail to adequately prepare for an emergency situation is that they overestimate the circumstances required to temporarily disrupt the standard function of society. Something as simple as a ruptured water main could leave you without access to safe drinking water or a major power outage could render all the food in your fridge and freezer spoiled within a day.
In short, it's not the zombie apocalypse that's likely to see you breaking open the emergency prep kit, but instead, a storm that brings trees down across your street, barring your access to commodities and preventing authorities or medical personnel from finding their way to you. In the event of a more pronounced emergency that forces evacuation - such as raging wildfires, a hurricane, or a terror event - you'll also be glad you planned ahead.
But remember, buying an emergency preparedness kit is only the first step in readying yourself and your household to respond to a crisis properly. As my chosen emergency prep kit comes from Sustain Supply Co., I reached out to the brand for some insider insight. I spoke to Brent Stern, founder of Sustain, who offered some sage advice for making the most of your kit.
"When you're in a stressful situation, your ability to problem solve is going to be diminished," Stern said. So he advises people to not only procure supplies but to study what they have. "Take some time, at least a half hour, to go through your kit. Know what's in there and where things are in the bag. And put some cash in ... and any prescription drugs or specific first aid needs" you or a family member might require."
Ultimately, according to Stern, "a good survival kit gives you the ability to be self-sufficient." The emergency prep kits on our list each allow you and a small group to do just that, fending for yourselves for a few days as you wait for the restoration of civil support systems in your area or else hike your way to a safer region.
Here are the best emergency kits you can buy:
Updated on 04/18/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Added additional related guides relevant to emergency situations.
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