The home is designed to be a haven, but just as in the outside world emergencies can occur within its walls. This might be an accident that results in injury or something as simple as the lights going out. Ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected situations with a stocked safety kit that covers you for all eventualities.
List of emergency contacts
First and most importantly, make sure that your home emergency kit has a list of emergency contacts.
This should include the telephone numbers of your nearest healthcare providers such as your GP, pharmacy, dentist and hospital. You might want to add national numbers like 111 and 999 as well which, despite being designed to be memorable, are all too easy to forget in a moment of panic.
Don’t forget to keep an up-to-date list of your personal emergency contacts too including your next of kin, nearby family members and reliable neighbours.
Sources of light
One of the most common home emergencies is the power going out, leaving us without electricity. During the day this is frustrating, but as the sun goes down this can be downright distressing and make other situations more stressful.
Keep light sources like a battery-powered torch and a box of matches and candles in your kit to ensure vision even at night. If you have a fireplace, maintain a stock of wood and kindling so that you can light a fire and stay warm when you lose power.
No electricity doesn’t just mean no lights: it also leaves us completely disconnected from the internet and with no ability to charge digital devices. Consider keeping a power bank and portable hotspot device to keep you connected in times when you’re most in need.
A first-aid kit
Everyone should have a comprehensive first-aid kit in the home and travel with a portable version wherever they go. Being able to keep cuts clean, stem blood flow, and treat allergic reactions can be lifesaving steps in some circumstances.
Essential items for your first-aid kit include wound dressings and bandages, plasters for smaller cuts and grazes, gloves and a mask, and cleansing wipes and antiseptic cream to protect against infection.
Other useful things to have include adhesive tape, pins and clips to keep dressings secure, scissors to cut through clothing and bandages, and an aluminium blanket to help retain body heat and provide security in cases of shock.
Emergency rations
Complete your home kit with a healthy stock of emergency rations to keep you going in times of extreme weather where shopping may not be possible.
The best emergency food supplies are ‘just add water’ meals beloved by campers as these give you access to warming hot food with just a kettle. Non-perishables or items with a long shelf life are also a must like canned goods, dried meat and fruit, and high-sugar items.
Don’t forget to include a good supply of bottled water to ensure hydration if you lose your mains water supply.
