Emergency Preparedness Kits: Bug-Out Bags, First Aid Kits, and More

Posted on August 24, 2017 By Alison P
Lighting in sky with

No one wants to think about the next big storm, flood or emergency that could leave you and your family without power or trapped within your home. That's why it's so important to be prepared for anything and everything - even the zombie apocalypse! Yes, we know the chances of the walking dead happening is pretty much zero, but when it comes to any disaster, it never hurts to be over-prepared.

In any disaster scenario, it's important to have a well-stocked emergency supply kit and backup power source. Use our disaster preparedness guide for a complete list of supplies to have on-hand in case an emergency arises.

How to Prepare for a Power Outage

One of the most common issues during a bad storm or heat wave is a power outage. Consider investing in a portable generator to help support most, if not all, of your home's power needs. For those with health issues that rely on electric-powered machinery, it could be a lifesaver, but you need to make sure you know how to use a generator safely.

If you don't have a generator or your residence doesn't permit the use of one, there are other supplies that will aid you when the lights go out. Here are some basic supplies you should keep in your home in case of a power outage:

  • Flashlights
  • Emergency lantern
  • Candles
  • Lighter/matches
  • AM/FM radio
  • Batteries

Losing power can be frustrating, but the more you're prepared, the less stressful the situation will be.

What to Pack in a First Aid Kit

Even if there isn't a disaster, it's important to always have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. You may not always be able to get medical attention quickly and may need to address injuries on your own until you can access help. Minor injuries could become worse if not properly and immediately treated.

Here are some basic supplies that you should have in your first aid kit:

Dressings and Bandages

  • 25 adhesive bandages of various sizes
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 3 inches)
  • Gauze roll
  • Eye shield or pad
  • Roll of adhesive tape
  • Elastic bandage for wrapping wrist, elbow, ankle and knee injuries (3 to 4 inches wide)
  • 2 triangular bandages for wrapping injuries and making arm slings
  • Sterile cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs

First Aid Equipment

  • 2 pairs of medical gloves
  • Instant cold pack
  • 5 safety pins to easily fasten splints and bandages
  • Turkey baster or other suction devices to flush out wounds
  • Aluminum finger splint
  • Syringe and medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers to remove ticks, insect stingers and small splinters
  • Scissors for cutting gauze
  • Breathing barrier for giving CPR
  • Blanket
  • Hand sanitizer (liquid and/or wipes)
  • First aid manual
  • List of emergency numbers

Medicine for Treating Injuries

  • Antiseptic solution or wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment that contains ingredients such as bacitracin or mupirocin
  • Sterile eyewash or saline, such as contact lens saline solution
  • Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
  • Hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion for itching

Other Medicines

  • Pain and fever medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
  • Antihistamine to treat allergies and/or swelling
  • Decongestants to treat nasal congestion
  • Anti-nausea medicine to treat motion sickness and other types of nausea
  • Anti-diarrhea medicine
  • Antacid to treat upset stomach
  • Laxative to treat constipation
  • Prescription medications (for people and pets)

Keep in mind the special needs of your household, such as children or the elderly. Does anyone in your household have specific allergies or an illness? Add supplies specific to these conditions. Be sure to check your supply kit monthly, refill as needed and check expiration dates on medication.

What is a Bug-Out Bag?

Bug-out bag is just another term for an emergency supply kit that could help you survive if you need to evacuate, or bug-out, in the event of a disaster. This 72-hour pack is a grab-and-go disaster preparedness kit that usually contains enough essentials to last three days. Below is a convenient list of everything you will need for the perfect bug-out bag.

Quality Backpack

It's important to make sure you can actually carry what you pack, especially if you need to be agile in a flood. Backpacks make a great option for stashing supplies because they leave your arms free and balance the weight of the load on your back for easier carrying. You need one for yourself and one for each member of your household, with enough storage capacity for three days' worth of supplies for everyone. Don't forget your pets, too!

Water

FEMA recommends three gallons of water per person to last 72 hours. However, that recommendation includes cleaning water as well as drinking water. With three gallons of water weighing in at 25 pounds and that's a lot to carry. Consider purchasing a two-gallon water carry bag, making it less weight and easier to store. You may also want to consider something with electrolytes and carbohydrates like Gatorade or Powerade.

Food

You will want to pack non-perishable items with far-off expiration dates, such as:

  • Peanut butter
  • Whole wheat crackers
  • Nuts and trail mix
  • Cereal
  • Granola bars and power/protein bars
  • Dried fruit
  • Canned tuna, salmon, chicken or turkey
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned soups

Make adjustments to the food you pack for each individual's kit. Maybe you have an infant who requires formula, or a child that has specific allergies to certain foods. Remember to check expiration dates every six months on the food you've packed and replace as needed. You may want to consider packing some multivitamins as well.

First Aid

In addition to the comprehensive first aid kit described above, all your kits should have small individual first aid packs that include the basic first aid supplies and a first aid manual. Check out small camping first aid kits for purchase, or for an idea of how to assemble one yourself. Remember to think of the individuals in your household. Does anyone require specific medications? Be sure to add that to their kit.

Additional Supplies

Flashlights - Put small, water-resistant flashlights for everyone's packs.

AM/FM Radio - Either battery-operated or hand-cranked models will work. You do not need to store a radio in everyone's pack if you plan to be together. One per family is fine.

Pocket Knife/Multi-Tool - It's always good to have at least one per family.

Can Opener - If you packed canned food, you will need this!

Shelter - Invest in an instant pop up shelter or tube tent. At the very least, consider space blankets.

Personal Supplies and Toiletries

Extra Clothing

  • Seasonal/rain gear
  • Socks and sturdy shoes
  • Diapers and wipes for babies
  • Senior necessities
  • Toilet paper (remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Folding brush
  • Soap
  • Mini hand sanitizer
  • Travel size toothbrush and toothpaste

Pet Supplies

    • Water
    • Kibble/canned food
    • Bowls
    • Collar with updated tags
    • Leash
    • Medication
    • Carrier/crate

Extra Cash

Emergency Numbers

Map of Local Area

Garbage Bag

Important Documents (Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.)

Pen and Paper

We hope this guide will help you get started with preparing you and your family for a possible disaster. In emergency situations, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in a few hours or it could take days, and that is why it's so important to be prepared.

For more information about being prepared and keeping your family safe during an emergency, check out the American Red Cross preparation resources. You can also follow our 'Emergency Preparedness and Prevention' board on Pinterest for additional tips and tricks. Stay safe!