Things to Consider When Assembling a Collection of Emergency Supplies

There's no time set for disasters and emergencies since they can occur at any time. Are you prepared for the next earthquake? Will food and clean water be readily available during an emergency evacuation? What if they lack first aid supplies? From blocked roads to utilities being cut off, emergencies can be life-threatening.

This is when it becomes essential for people to make plans to be ready, be it at home or work. This is where a first-aid box comes in, regardless of the incident. Don't know where to start? Before we deep dive into this, let's understand the importance of keeping supplies well-stocked.

Importance of Keeping Emergency Supplies Well-Stocked

In an emergency, nobody wants to be without food, drink, or medical attention. Some situations would also make it impossible for you to obtain necessities. In some cases, there could also be delays in support.

This is where a first-aid box comes in. With the right supplies, it can provide food and health care for your family while you wait for more assistance. In simple words, the right supplies can make a huge difference when needed the most.

What to Consider When Assembling Emergency Supplies?

Most people know the essential items that should be included in a first-aid box. However, people still frequently make mistakes when it comes to gathering items. To assist you, here are the factors that you should take into account when assembling emergency supplies:

Assess Needs and Risks

The first step in assembling emergency supplies is to assess the individual's or family's unique needs and dangers. This involves taking into account factors like:

If you live in an area that is prone to dangers like hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods, then prioritise adding supplies that address these particular dangers.

If you are a larger family or with young children, the elderly, or pets, then store up more food, water, and prescription drugs.

Gather Supplies

Gathering the emergency supplies is the next step you need to take. If you lack knowledge, then opt for pre-assembled first-aid kits. You can also seek recommendations from experts on what ought to be included as well. However, first-aid kits usually consist of items like:

Stock non-perishable foods like energy bars, tinned products, and dried fruits and nuts. This will sustain people in the worst scenarios.
Store a supply of clean drinking water for each individual. You must have at least one gallon available each day.

Include essential supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers and prescription drugs, if any. The right emergency supplies will help you treat both minor wounds as well as more critical health problems.

To stay connected in an emergency or find your way around, you must also include cell phones, flashlights, two-way radios, and additional batteries.

Additional Items

In addition to assembling emergency supplies, there are a few more things you must consider adding. This includes:

To maintain personal hygiene and prevent sickness, include items like toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and hand sanitiser.

To perform several tasks in an emergency, add items to your survival kit like screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, etc.

In the event of an emergency, it is important to store copies of crucial records, like IDs, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.

Keep it Handy

Imagine having a well-stocked first-aid box but not being able to access it when in need. If your first aid kit isn't conveniently accessible, it won't help you. Therefore, you must consider where it should be kept.

A wise decision would be to have multiple kits to store at various locations. This includes your house, car, or place of employment. Besides, make sure to choose an appropriate storage or carry bag, depending on the size.

Customise Your Kit

Buying a first-aid box directly from the store is great until the supplies inside don't meet your needs. This is where customisation comes into play.

The emergency supplies you and your family need to survive an emergency must be included in first-aid kits. Remember, the ideal emergency kit for you is one that is customised to your particular requirements and surroundings.

Maintain and Update

When it comes to being prepared for emergencies, your task doesn't end with just assembling supplies. Yes, to be prepared at all times, it is crucial to maintain and update your first-aid kit. To ensure the supplies remain effective, you must:

Regularly check expiration dates or medicines that are not needed.
Swap out damaged or expired goods, and update supplies to meet evolving risks and needs.

Emergency Preparedness is Your Way to Survive

At MedGuard, we are the leading supplier of medical supplies and tools. Be it for earthquakes or minor injuries, we have all the necessary accessories you might need during an emergency. We can also customise first-aid kits as per your needs and requirements. For more personalised assistance, you can reach out to us at any time.