One of the most challenging things about emergencies is that they always strike when they’re least expected.
Whether you’re hit with a sudden injury, a natural disaster, or an accident involving other people, the experience is often traumatic and jarring.
Without the proper resources, the situation can go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye.
That’s why it’s so important to compile a tool kit of life-saving emergency supplies and keep it on hand and ready for worst-case scenarios.
Here are eight life-saving emergency supplies that could keep your head above water the next time disaster strikes.
A survival knife0
If you buy survival knives ahead of time and keep them stocked in your kit, you’ll have the edge over a wide variety of emergency scenarios.
Survival knives can help if you find yourself stranded, trapped in a car, or in need of a weapon to defend yourself.
You can also use a survival knife to open canned foods or build a fire in a pinch.
Survival blades with solid and sturdy handles and full tangs are excellent for hammering stakes or breaking a window if needed.
A battery-free flashlight
From losing power in your home to breaking down on the side of the road in the middle of the night, a battery-free flashlight is a dependable light source when no electricity or charging capabilities are available.
Most battery-free flashlights combine solar and hand-crank power so that even when the sun goes down, the light doesn’t have to.
You can count on this source of light if you need a road flare or a way to see around your house in a power outage.
A water-proof tarp
Although many people might automatically associate a water-proof tarp with shelter-building, you can also use it to help seal up a broken windshield or even a leaking roof.
Keeping the water and cold out gives you one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to keep your wits.
Beyond that, it can be used as a stretcher or an emergency blanket. Tarps are typically economical, so there’s no excuse not to carry a few around in your emergency kit.
A lighter
Whether you need to build a fire, keep warm, sanitize medical supplies, sterilize wounds, or even cook food, a source of heat is critical in an emergency.
The size and style of the lighter will dictate its capabilities, but any lighter at all will help you navigate survival in a disaster.
A first-aid kit
This entry probably goes without saying, but keeping a well-stocked first-aid kit can make a massive difference in the outcome of an emergency situation.
A first-aid kit can even mean the difference between life and death if there’s no access to professional medical attention.
An emergency blanket, packets of aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, and other Red Cross recommended items can help keep your first-aid kit ready for the worst.
Don’t forget to check expiration dates and replace expired items regularly.
Keep a stocked first-aid kit in several places: in your home, in your car, and at your workplace.
You should also have a list of all current medications and healthcare providers with contact info in each of your first-aid kits.
An ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure.
A power bank
In today’s technological world, we’re often inseparable from our phones. Phones can connect you with help in an emergency, but they’re no good to you if the battery dies.
That’s why it’s wise to keep a rechargeable power bank charged and ready with the rest of your emergency supplies.
Power banks come in all shapes and sizes, from small ones that hold enough charge to keep your phone working to larger ones that can help see you through outages.
Although costs can vary wildly, having a power source in a disaster can be a tremendous help for accessing rescuers and other survivors.
Duct tape
This versatile product is a must-have in any emergency kit.
Heavy-duty duct tape will adhere to most surfaces, whether smooth or rough, and you can cut it with your teeth or your bare hands.
If you need to secure your bumper after an accident, attach two tarps for a larger surface area, or even stabilize a sprain, duct tape is a great starting point.
If you want something with more lasting power, go for a weather-resistant version that can stand up to rain or shine in more severe emergencies.
Extra water and emergency food
Whether it’s having extra gallons on hand or stocking up with water-filtration straws, having access to fresh water is an essential factor that can determine the outcome of a disaster situation.
Not only is it necessary for hydration, but clean water is also critical for flushing wounds if someone sustains an injury.
Make sure to have some emergency food on hand as well, as you might be in a situation with limited access to food.
Clean water and food may not be the first thing on your mind when creating a kit of life-saving emergency supplies.
Still, it will undoubtedly be one of the most valuable resources if you’re trapped for more than a day or two.
Final thoughts
It can be easy to think that a disaster will never happen in your life, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Stock up these eight essential emergency supplies to give yourself peace of mind and stay calm when disaster strikes.