Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, disrupting our daily lives and potentially putting us in dangerous situations. Being prepared with the right tools and materials can make a significant difference in your ability to cope with and recover from these events. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top must-have portable tools and materials that are both affordable and essential for disaster preparedness.
Essential Tools:
Multi-tool
A high-quality multi-tool is perhaps the most versatile item you can carry. Look for one that includes pliers, wire cutters, a knife, screwdrivers, and a can opener. These compact devices can handle a wide range of tasks, from minor repairs to food preparation.
Folding Saw
A folding saw is lightweight, portable, and incredibly useful for cutting through branches or wooden debris. It can help clear paths, build shelters, or gather firewood.
Pry Bar
A compact pry bar can be invaluable for forcing open doors, windows, or removing debris. Choose one that’s sturdy yet lightweight for easy portability.
Shovel
A collapsible or folding shovel is essential for digging trenches, clearing debris, or even creating emergency latrines. Look for one with a sturdy metal blade and a comfortable grip.
Axe or Hatchet
A small hatchet or camping axe can be used for chopping wood, clearing brush, or even as a hammer in a pinch. Ensure it has a secure sheath for safe transport.
Flashlight and Headlamp
Reliable lighting is crucial during power outages. Opt for LED flashlights and headlamps, which offer bright illumination and long battery life. Choose models that are water-resistant and durable.
Safety Equipment:
Work Gloves
Sturdy work gloves are essential for protecting your hands when handling debris, using tools, or performing rescue work. Leather gloves offer good all-around protection.
Safety Goggles
Eye protection is crucial when working with debris or in dusty conditions. Choose shatter-resistant goggles that provide wrap-around protection.
Dust Masks
N95-rated dust masks can protect your lungs from harmful particles in the air after a disaster. Ensure they fit snugly and provide a good seal.
Men should consider a smooth facial hair shave for best results.
Hard Hat
A construction-style hard hat can protect your head from falling debris. Inspect it regularly to ensure the internal suspension is in good condition.
Communication and Power:
Walkie Talkies / 2-way Radios
These portable communication solutions offer simple flexibility in a local area. Make sure to have a plan with your friends and associates to know what channels to use. Consider searching information online for FRS, GMRS & ham radio frequency cheat sheets and guides to get familiar with use cases. And don’t forget that the better line-of-sight you have to another person’s location, the farther your transmission can go. Solid obstructions greatly diminish the signal towards the direction you are trying to reach.
Hand-Crank Radio
A hand-crank radio allows you to stay informed about emergency situations even when the power is out. Look for models that also include a flashlight and USB charging port.
Portable Power Bank
A high-capacity power bank can keep your essential devices charged during extended power outages. Choose one with multiple USB ports and fast-charging capabilities.
Solar Charger / Battery Bank
A compact solar charger can provide a renewable source of power for your devices. Look for models with built-in batteries for storing energy.
Most all-in-one battery power banks that contain power inverters use lithium iron phosphate battery cells. These are the safest consumer lithium type.
They will almost never catch on fire. Even if you try to get them to explode. They are safer, but not as lithium ion or lithium polymer. But they tend to last the longest!
Cell Phone
You could have no service or signal in an emergency situation, but that doesn’t mean a phone is useless. As long as you have a good working phone or tablet with GPS,
you can download a variety of free or paid offline GPS apps. Just make sure to go into the menu and look for options to download maps/tiles for the region you live in, or other places you often visit. If service is out, keep your devices in airplane mode to save battery power.
Shelter and Warmth:
Emergency Blanket
Compact and lightweight, emergency blankets (also known as space blankets) can provide crucial warmth in cold conditions. They can also be used to create makeshift shelters.
Tarp
A sturdy tarp has multiple uses, from creating temporary shelters to covering damaged roofs or windows. Choose one made from durable, waterproof material.
Paracord
Paracord is incredibly versatile and strong. It can be used for securing tarps, creating clotheslines, or even as makeshift shoelaces. Carry at least 50 feet.
First Aid and Hygiene:
First Aid Kit
A comprehensive first aid kit is essential. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications. Ensure you know how to use all items in the kit.
Personal Hygiene Kit
Maintain hygiene to prevent illness. Include items like hand sanitizer, soap, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products.
Food and Water:
Water Purification Tablets
These tablets can make untreated water safe to drink. They’re lightweight and take up little space in your kit.
Portable Water Filter
A compact water filter can provide an additional layer of protection against waterborne illnesses. Look for models that can filter out bacteria and protozoa.
More expensive water filters generally offer better quality.
Non-Perishable Food
Pack canned meats, energy bars, and other non-perishable foods that provide high energy and nutrition. Meats generally have higher nutritional density than non-meats, which can be a strategic advantage to your energy expenditure.
Additional Items
Duct Tape
Duct tape has countless uses in emergency situations, from patching holes to creating temporary fixes.
Fire-Starting Tools
Waterproof matches, a lighter, and fire-starting tinder can be crucial for warmth and cooking.
Cash
Keep a small amount of cash in small bills. ATMs and credit card machines may not work during power outages.
If you are of the mind who also considered long term crisis such as world financial chaos, then having some gold and silver coins and bullion can help.
Important Documents
Store copies of important documents (ID, insurance policies, medical information) in a waterproof container.
Your Consideration
Being prepared for natural disasters doesn’t require expensive or specialized equipment. By assembling a kit with these affordable and portable tools and materials, you’ll be better equipped to handle a wide range of emergency situations. Remember to regularly check and update your kit, replacing any expired items and ensuring all tools are in good working condition. While having the right tools is important, knowledge is equally crucial. Familiarize yourself with basic survival skills, first aid techniques, and your local emergency procedures. With the right preparation, you can increase your resilience and ability to cope with whatever challenges nature may bring.
