Emergency kit: 10 essential things to stock up at home to stay safe, be prepared for the worst

Emergency home supplies list: Keep a basic medical kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relief tablets, burn cream, gloves, and any important medicines your family takes regularly (Image: Canva)

In times of conflict or uncertainty, being prepared isn’t just about peace of mind. It is also about survival. If infrastructure breaks down or supplies become scarce, having key items at home can make all the difference, helping you and your family stay safe and manage through difficult days.

Here’s a list of useful things to keep at home and be prepared for uncertain times:

1. Long-lasting food: During any crisis, shops might be closed or shelves can get empty fast. So it’s good to store items like milk (in tetra packs), rice, noodles, canned food, cheese, peanut butter, dry fruits, and seeds. These don’t spoil quickly and are easy to cook or eat directly.

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Home survival essentials: Keep your power banks charged, and store extra batteries for torches and radios. If possible, buy a small solar charger, it helps a lot during long power cuts

2. Drinking water: Clean water is very important. Try to store at least 4–5 litres per person per day for a few days. You can also use things like Fitkari (alum) to clean water, or keep water purifying tablets and portable filters handy in case the water supply gets cut off.

3. First aid box: If someone falls sick or gets injured, you may not be able to go to a clinic. So, keep a basic medical kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relief tablets, burn cream, gloves, and any important medicines your family takes regularly.

4. Power banks and batteries: When electricity goes, you’ll need a way to charge your phone and use a torch. Keep your power banks charged, and store extra batteries for torches and radios. If possible, buy a small solar charger, it helps a lot during long power cuts.

5. Flashlights or emergency lights: In case of a blackout, don’t depend on candles (they can cause fire). Use LED torches, battery-operated lamps or even head torches to move around safely in the dark.

6. Cash, especially change: ATMs might stop working, and online payments may not go through. Keep some cash at home, especially small denominations, so you can buy food, medicine, or fuel from nearby vendors.

7. Personal hygiene items: During difficult times, staying clean helps you stay healthy. Keep extra soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, handwash, sanitary pads, wet wipes, and diapers (if needed). These things often run out quickly in emergencies.

8. Important documents: Keep photocopies and originals of your Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, property papers, and medical files in one folder. Preferably use a waterproof or fireproof bag or box so you can carry them safely if needed.

9. Emergency radio: If mobile networks and the internet go down, a small battery- operated or hand-crank radio can keep you updated with news, government instructions, or weather alerts.

10. Basic tools: Simple tools like a screwdriver, rope, duct tape, scissors, knife, and a manual can opener can be really helpful, whether it’s for small repairs or opening tin cans when you can’t cook.