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The only thing you can expect in life is that the unexpected can and eventually will happen. So, it’s worth making sure that you and your household are prepared for any accidents or disasters. From putting out fires to healing injuries, these trusty 15 items can save your life, and you should seriously consider having all of them in your possession.
Fire Extinguisher
Having a fire extinguisher on hand in the kitchen, garage, and next to the fireplace should be a no-brainer. A multipurpose fire extinguisher, like the Kidde FA 110, will protect your home and family in the event of a fire. It’s effective as a first defense against common combustible fires, as well as grease and electrical fires. If that’s not enough reason to stock a fire extinguisher at home, consider this: Your home insurance provider will likely give you a better rate if you have this device at home.
Get the Kidde FA 110 at Amazon for $19.98.
Fire Escape Ladder
When disaster strikes, it pays to have a plan. You can save your life and the lives of your family by establishing an escape route to use in case of fire or other emergencies. Once you’ve identified your best exit route, create a backup plan. Example: If your preferred method of escape involves taking the stairs, give yourself an alternative means of exit through an upstairs window. For that you’ll need a fire escape ladder. It can be stored compactly in a closet or under a bed, and deploys quickly and easily by attaching to most common window types. With a price point around $30, you can buy one for each upstairs bedroom and sleep a lot easier.
Get the Kidde Escape Ladder at Amazon for $43.97
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Since there’s no way to see or smell this deadly gas, it’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector that can alert you to rising CO levels, giving you time to evacuate the house. The Kidde KN-COPP-3 Nighthawk, a plug-in carbon monoxide detector with a battery backup, is a solid choice. It can be installed into any standard power outlet, which means it can go anywhere in your home, or with you while you travel.
Get the Kidde KN-COPP-3 Nighthawk on Amazon for $35.70.
Super Glue
You might already employ super glue as a cure-all for bonding broken household items. But did you know you can also use it in a pinch to close a small wound? Doomsday preppers, hunters, and tradespeople have used this little secret for years. If you have a clean cut that’s not too deep and don’t have bandages available, put a small amount of super glue over the wound and spread it evenly before it dries. It will create a web-like sealant over the area that will keep the wound closed until new skin forms. Any cyanoacrylate formula glue will work, including Gorilla Super Glue.
Get Gorilla Super Glue at Amazon for $4.83 (or a 24-pack for $104.99)
Anker Portable Charger
Everyone relies on their mobile devices for driving directions, information, and emergency contacts, which means a dead battery can leave you lost and stranded. Investing in a portable battery pack like this one from Anker means you’ll never be left with a dead phone again. The Anker Portable Charger fits in your pocket and has a 10,000mAh battery, allowing it to charge modern iPhones twice when it’s fully charged. It’s handy to have during road trips, major storms, or even just those times you forget to power up before you leave home.
Get the Anker Portable Charger at Amazon for $16.19
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlet
Electrocution may seem like a hazard reserved only for electric company linemen and storm chasers, but home appliances, in-pool lighting, and even Christmas lights can cause electrocution, too. The best way to stay safe against electric shock is to install GFCI outlets. These receptacles monitor the difference in the electrical current flowing in and out of a light fixture, tool, or appliance. If that difference exceeds 5 milliamps, the GFCI shuts off the current almost instantly, which could save your life or prevent a fire, should a ground fault occur. If your home doesn’t have GFCI outlets where they are required by the National Electric Code, you can retrofit them with any number of models available today.
Get the 3Grace Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlet at Amazon for $9.90
Fire Blanket
An emergency fire blanket is a must-have for the kitchen, car, or your next camping adventure. Not only can it suppress a variety of fires (including grease and liquid) by smothering, but you can also wrap it around yourself and use it as a heat shield, should you need to escape a fire. The Tonyko Fiberglass Fire Blanket will not only put out a kitchen fire with less mess than an extinguisher but will also create a fireproof barrier between you and the flames. Without a doubt, every home should have one.
Get the Tonyko Fiberglass Fire Blanket at Amazon for $13.99.
Gas/Water Shut Off Tool
In the event of a natural disaster, being able to quickly and easily turn off the gas or water supplies could save both lives and property. With a multifunction utility tool like the Green Goods 4-in-1 Emergency Tool, you can shut off your gas or water mains, pry open doors and windows, and dig through rubble. Keep an emergency essential like this close to your gas meter. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but if you do, you’ll be prepared.
Get the Green Goods Gas/Water Shut-Off Tool at Amazon for $20.49
Plastic Wrap
It’s likely that you already have cling wrap somewhere in your kitchen cabinets, but you might not know that it can do more than preserve food. It can also help to heal minor burns. After running cold water over the burned area to take away the heat, wrap it in cling wrap. That will help keep the area clean and hydrated while covering the exposed nerve endings that are screaming in pain.
Get Cling Wrap at Amazon for $12.88 for a 2-pack.
Portable Car Jump Starter
A portable jump starter can come to the rescue if your battery dies in an empty parking lot late at night. Compact enough to store in your glovebox, the DBPOWER Peak 1600A 18000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter has jumper cables attached. It features a built-in compass that will help you find your way if your other devices are out of battery.
Get the DBPOWER Portable Car Jump Starter at Amazon for $58.39
Combination Compass/Firestarter/Whistle
Campers, hikers, and survivalists know that being able to start a fire can save you if you’re stranded in bad weather. A multifunctional survival tool like the Survival Spark Magnesium Survival Fire Starter with Compass and Whistle is a triple-pack of protection. The magnesium fire starter rod will help you get a flame going, the compass will give you direction, and the whistle will help you signal distress. It’s the kind of essential that should be packed in every emergency bag.
Get the Survival Spark Magnesium Survival Fire Starter with Compass and Whistle at Amazon for $10.99
Drinking Water Storage
Whether you’re camping, or preparing for a storm, a supply of fresh water is essential for survival. The Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container is suitable for both outdoor activities and emergency water storage. It has a hideaway spigot for easy water dispensing, and conveniently stacks when it’s empty. Consider keeping a few stored away to fill in the event of an emergency.
Get the Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container at Amazon for $15.92.
Water Purifying Straw
You can’t survive more than a couple of days without a supply of clean drinking water. The LifeStraw Personal Water Filter can filter up to 264 gallons of contaminated water, removing 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and protozoan parasites. Perfect for hiking, camping, traveling, or emergency preparedness, millions have used it around the globe since 2005.
Get the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter at Amazon for $19.95.
Security Alarm
Gain peace of mind with inexpensive, easy-to-install, window and door alarms. Not only will the GE Personal Security Window/Door Alarm sound an alarm should an intruder try to gain entry into your home, but it can also alert you with a chime should someone (like a small child) leave the house. It takes only minutes to install and activate, and because it requires no wiring, it’s perfect for homeowners and renters alike.
Get the GE Personal Security Window/Door Alarm at Amazon for $11.24 (set of two).
Propane Heater
In the wintertime, if the power goes out, so does your heat. If the electricity stays off for anything more than a few hours, a back-up heat source is crucial. That’s where a Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy can save your skin. Powered by propane, and safe for both outdoor and indoor use, it will heat up to 225 square feet, and can keep you and your family comfortable in an emergency.
Get the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy at Amazon for $79.99
Emergency Radio
An emergency radio is an essential tool during a major storm or power outage. When you don’t have access to the internet to get safety or weather updates, this handy device transmits NOAA emergency alerts. It offers a variety of power methods, with a built-in rechargeable battery, a hand crank, a solar panel, and the ability to use AAA batteries.
Get the Raynic Emergency Radio at Amazon for $39.99
Water Testing Kit
During major storms and floods, your home’s drinking water can become contaminated with a variety of dangerous substances. The SJ Wave 16 in 1 Drinking Water Test Kit analyzes your water and tests for pH, hardness, and a variety of common contaminants like lead and chlorine. It provides results in just a couple of minutes and includes 100 test strips so you can regularly check to ensure the water you’re drinking is clean and safe.
Get the SJ Wave 16 in 1 Drinking Water Test Kit at Amazon for $21.99
First Aid Kit
Every home needs a well-stocked first aid kit, and this all-purpose option from Johnson & Johnson includes everything you need to handle minor injuries including bug bites, scrapes, burns, and rashes. Inside you’ll find gauze, non-stick pads, tape, cleansing wipes, antibiotic cream, bandages, and much more. It all comes in a convenient carrying case, ensuring it’s portable so you have it whenever you need it.
Get the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit at Amazon for $13.99
Smoke Detector
Every home needs smoke alarms. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that there should be a smoke alarm on every floor of your home, as well as a smoke alarm outside all of the home’s bedrooms for optimal safety. This First Alert Smoke Alarm is tamper-resistant and has an ionization sensor for top-notch accuracy.
Get the First Alert Smoke Alarm at Amazon for $9.97
Emergency Food Supply Kit
Many people know to keep extra water on hand in case of an emergency, but it’s just as important to consider your food supply. This extensive kit includes non-perishable food that should last for 30 days or 200 meals, depending on the number of people in your household. You just need to add water, and you’ll have tasty and nutritious meals when you need them.
Get the Augason Farms Deluxe 30-Day Emergency Food Supply at Amazon for $99
Smart Security Camera
Ensure your home is safe from intruders using a smart security camera link the Blink Mini. It offers round-the-clock monitoring with motion detection and two-way audio, enabling users to interact with people and pets from a smartphone. The device sends motion-triggered alerts and allows for customized detection zones. The Blink Mini integrates with Alexa for voice commands and comes with a camera, mounting kit, USB cable, and power adapter.
Get the Blink Mini Smart Security Camera at Amazon for $19.99
