Indispensable items for a home emergency kit

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Certainly, there's nothing worse than finding yourself in an emergency, and you're not fully prepared for it. Whether it's having a first aid kit on hand or storing your important documents safely, you never know when an emergency will happen and hope you're better prepared. And who knows, maybe one day a smart purchase will make a big difference in your life.

Show key points

  • Being prepared for emergencies is crucial, and simple items can make a huge difference when unexpected situations arise.
  • Duct tape is an essential item that can quickly fix holes in various materials during outdoor activities or at home.
  • Thermal blankets are lightweight, efficient tools that retain body heat and can be lifesaving in extreme weather conditions.
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  • A properly stocked first aid kit is invaluable for treating minor injuries and preventing infections until medical help is available.
  • Waterproof gloves protect hands from harmful conditions like contaminated water and cold temperatures during crises.
  • Waterproof matches, preferably stored in a secure container, allow fire-starting in wet conditions, which is key for warmth and cooking.
  • Compact hand axes and saws are indispensable survival tools for cutting wood or clearing paths when shelter or mobility is essential.

1. Duct Tape

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What it does: Quickly repairs any hole

Having very strong adhesive tape at home and bringing it to any camping trip can certainly help quickly plug holes in tents, inflatable boats, or any other things that may need a quick repair. Not to mention, using duct tape at home makes everyone's life easier.

2. Thermal blankets resistant to weather vagaries

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What to do: Retains up to 90% body heat

Thermal blankets are definitely another affordable product, which is great to have in your car's emergency kit or with you while camping. They are lightweight, easy to carry and can be very useful when having to deal with unexpected weather.

These blankets may not look as stylish as Bed, Bath, and Beyond store blankets, but they are more efficient. Not only is it water and wind resistant, but it also retains up to 90% body heat. Being extremely durable and wear-resistant, they can also be used to make emergency shelter tents.

3. First aid kit

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What to do: Help with minor medical emergencies

A first aid kit should always be an essential element present in any home and during any trip, but unfortunately many people don't take this seriously. Having bandages, cotton fillings, sanitizing wipes and other medical tools can not only help treat small injuries, but can also help relieve pain and prevent infection until the injured person is given proper medical care.

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4. Waterproof gloves

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What to do: Keep hands protected from dirt and from pathogen-infested water

Having these gloves is a good idea regardless of the situation, but these waterproof gloves are especially useful in emergency situations. It isolates your hands and keeps them safe from cold, heat, water and anything else that can cause damage to your bare skin in case of contact.

You can find these gloves online, in gear stores and in outdoor stores. They will be especially useful if you have to use them in the event of floods, as floodwaters are known to be infested with diseases. Also, if you're stuck in freezing weather, you'll protect your hands from frostbite if you have a pair of gloves.

5. Waterproof matches

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What to do: it is able to make a fire in wet conditions

One should not underestimate the importance of safely lighting a fire while camping outdoors or in emergency situations. But lighting a fire in wet conditions can be very difficult, so having a set of waterproof matches can be life-saving.

These sticks can be purchased cheaply at stores that sell camping clothes or online on Amazon. Apart from the matches themselves, it is recommended that the person also buy a waterproof box to put them in, as some have stated that these sticks do not work well after being completely immersed in water.

6. Source of pure water

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What it does: Provides clean drinking water in case of water scarcity

Bottled water may not be environmentally friendly, although it is recommended to keep it in your home survival kit for use in case of an emergency. It is preferable to have enough clean water for three days for everyone living in the house.

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Bottled water can remain viable for several years, and in case of water scarcity, having some bottled water at home can definitely help for a few days. In case of emergency, try to ration water carefully until you have another source.

7. Hand Ax And Saw

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What they do: get you the tools needed in case of an emergency

Axes and saws are bulky tools, but if you buy portable models, you can save space while keeping the must-have tool. Axes are good at cutting wood along fiber lineup, and if you're cutting a wooden stump vertically, all it takes is a swing movement. On the other hand, saws are good at cutting wood against the direction of fiber lineup.

Both tools have their own uses, and should be included in your survival kit. Who knows? You may have to build a shelter in the few minutes left or remove obstacles from your path and you are in a situation where you seek to survive. It's best to have these two tools handy, because there aren't many tools that can replace them if you need them but don't.

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