ID cards is not the first thing people usually think about during an emergency. However, you should have it with you owing to some important reasons. During such a critical situation, you will have to show your ID if you want access to your bank accounts and want to claim your assets. Also, during evacuations, officials keep records of people who are rescued or moved. So make a copy of your ID and keep it in a waterproof pouch.
After a disaster, the chances are high that no one will be able to accept your credit card due to a technical issue. However, you’ll require money for various things like fuel, transport, food, clothes and so on. So, it is advisable to have at least A$ 300 to A$ 350 in your bag. In the absence of cash, you can face a lot of difficulties.
Experts believe that in a state of an emergency, you are most likely to require at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking as well as sanitation. So, we should keep one full bottle of water in your bag, but it will last for half a day and maximum one day. You will need a convenient and smart way to purify water. In case you don’t know, a compact purification tube can clean up to 1,000 litres of water.
After the natural disaster like an earthquake, we have seen and heard about numerous cases where people get trapped in buildings. In such a scenario, you will require something to signal the rescue workers. You can’t ask for a better tool than a whistle, which can help you save your voice and precious energy. An emergency whistle is very cheap and comes with a waterproof fire starter and compass.
Perhaps the most common risk in an emergency – be it an earthquake, hurricane or tornado is getting injured (especially on the head). Thus, you should always have a first aid box with you, and it should include pain killers (sprays and pills), hydrogen peroxide, gauze, scissors, bandages, tape, and other medications you require. Also, consider taking extra contacts and contact solution and if you want to see clearly. Anyone can purchase a ready-made first aid box.
Although hygiene is always important, it becomes critical during an emergency. If you fail to maintain it for yourself and your family, the chances are high that anyone from your family can get infected or contaminated. So, it is vital to keep a few essential things in your bag like one or two rolls of toilet paper, mouthwash and soap, hand sanitizer, etc.
One of the most useful things that you could have during the hurricanes is essential gadgets like phone charger and a solar-powered radio. As there is no internet or television signal, you can know about the weather condition through exchanges of text messages with your family, friends and neighbours. A solar-powered radio can be very helpful as you will know what government officials are planning.
It is also important to keep some lightweight cloths handy with you. These clothes include clean underwear, a poncho, a light jacket and a hat. Also, try to keep essential things at your place as per the climate and region. For instance, if you are in an environment that is cold enough, do not forget to keep lightweight blankets for an emergency. On the other hand, if you are in a warm and mosquito-ridden climate, keep bug spray with you, particularly if the bugs in your area have a virus.
During an emergency, you never know about the availability of food in the nearby supermarket. Thus, you should have a backup of food in your pantry and a stock that can last around 4 to 5 days. You can have some high-calorie foods such as trail mix, dried foods and chocolate. Pop-top cans of tuna fish and meals-ready-to-eat are also pretty good options. These foods have an expiry date, so check before consuming and replace them from time to time.
