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Home is where the heart is — and it’s also where we eat, lounge, sleep, express our creativity, and make memories. So it’s no mystery why keeping our havens safe, secure, and ready for anything is a big topic of conversation.
According to a 2023 FEMA survey, 89% of people had read, seen, or heard information in the last year about how to better prepare for a disaster. However, people over the age of 60 were “less likely to have taken many preparedness actions compared to people between the ages of 18 and 59.”
No matter your age, there are tangible steps you can take to put yourself in a more empowered position, on the chance you one day need to hunker down, evacuate, or keep a pulse on an evolving situation.
While preparation looks different for everyone and the items you might need in an emergency can run the gamut, these essentials will help keep you covered (literally) and connected. Best case scenario: You never end up needing most of them!
Arkfeld Flashlight
Whether you’re dealing with a power outage or just need extra illumination, a flashlight is always a good thing to have on hand. This Arkfeld model ticks many boxes: It’s waterproof, rechargeable, and super lightweight (only 4.2 oz), so it can easily slip into your pocket. Plus, it provides three light modes, including a green laser and UV light.
Ring Battery Doorbell
Doorbells have come a long way; they can now be a second set of eyes on the scene in front of your home. Ring’s newest model offers “head-to-toe video,” two-way talk, real-time motion detection alerts, and a built-in rechargeable battery, so no wiring is required. It also features color night vision to make it easier to see what’s going on no matter the time of day.
Amerex Fire Extinguisher
Take it from the U.S. Fire Administration: “Fire extinguishers can save lives and property.” If you don’t have one or haven’t updated yours in a while, check out this two-pack: The devices feature a highly durable valve, brackets for easy mounting, and a 6-year warranty. And while we hope you never need to use them, if you do, remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, aim low, squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, and sweep the nozzle from side to side.
Hausse Retractable Fire Escape Ladder
A fire escape ladder is high on the list of “things you hope to never need.” But in the unlucky event that a fire does break out in your home, it could be a lifesaver. No assembly is required: It simply attaches to a window frame and its slip-resistant rungs drop down 13 feet, allowing you to evacuate from the second floor. When not in use, it folds up, so you can stash it in a closet or under a bed. If you have a third floor, consider this longer model.
First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
A two-in-one device, this alarm detects both smoke and carbon monoxide. It provides early warning in the event of a home fire emergency and voice and location alerts, so you’re aware of the source of the danger and its location. Tip: Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement, as well as in every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area.
Eufy Security Camera
Of the items on this list, Eufy’s outdoor camera is one of the larger investments, but it comes with a long list of perks for anyone looking to set up smart security cameras. With a color 4K camera and 360-degree viewing, it allows you to identify a license plate up to 30 feet away, and its AI feature can track moving objects, like people and vehicles. Plus, it features a solar panel and battery, so no wiring is necessary, and offers uninterrupted connectivity via 4G and/or Wi-Fi.
Kidde Permanent Key Lock Box
There are a lot of ways to hide spare keys (under mats, in fake rocks, etc.), but Kidde’s permanent “KeySafe” kicks security up a notch. With wall-mount storage, the safe can be firmly attached to any flat surface, making it less susceptible to theft compared to portable options. It also features a customizable combination lock and easy-to-use push buttons for kiddos and adults alike.
Kwikset Juno Keyed Entry Door Knob and Deadbolt
When it comes to home security, the humble door lock is a staple. However, not all locks are created equal: This Kwikset model features a deadbolt, which provides an extra layer of security as opposed to standard doorknob locks, and a “SmartKey Security” feature that allows you to secure the lock in seconds.
Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket
Made from 100% flame retardant material, this blanket can extinguish small fires quickly (without the mess of a fire extinguisher) or keep you warm in a pinch. It also doubles as a “heat shield” if you need to escape a dangerous situation. In other words, it provides a lot of peace of mind for a $25 price tag.
BougeRV JuiceGo Portable Power Station
With the capacity to fully charge a cell phone up to 13 times over, this portable power station hits the sweet spot of keeping myriad devices on — like laptops, lamps, and CPAP machines — with a small footprint. At just over 6 pounds, the JuiceGo is great for anyone making the most of small spaces. Added perk: It can charge five devices at the same time.
S.O.S. Emergency Water Packs
Having an emergency water stash of water is key to being prepared for anything. These lightweight and compact sachets of emergency purified water can be easily tucked into a duffel bag or backpack and have a five-year shelf life, so it’s one less thing to think about for a while. Tip: The CDC recommends storing at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day for 3 days.
Ready America 72-Hour Emergency Kit
As far as pre-packaged emergency kits go, it doesn’t get much more thorough than this backpack from Ready America. Inside, you’ll find a bevy of essentials for two people, including a first aid kit, glow sticks, gloves, hand warmers, a whistle, and food rations — all in one nicely condensed backpack. One reviewer writes, “The peace of mind it provides is pretty much priceless.”
Emergency Crank Weather Radio
Part radio, part flashlight, and part power source, this workhorse product is a must-have for emergency prep. It allows you to receive weather and emergency updates and provides backup illumination sources, a power bank, and an SOS alarm. Reviewers also praise the multiple power options — solar, hand crank, and USB — which ensures it’ll keep you covered when you need it.
Alen BreatheSmart HEPA Air Purifier
According to the EPA, the concentration of pollutants is often two to five times higher indoors than outdoors. Air filters can be a game-changer for keeping a space clean — and our lungs as healthy as possible. This model absorbs gases from wildfire smoke and harmful chemicals, and captures dust, allergens, and mold. It’s effective in rooms as big as 1,400 square feet and features smart sensor technology that automatically adjusts the fan speed when particles are present, so you don’t have to worry about it. Bonus: Alen purifiers emit “soothing pink noise” which may help improve sleep.
AirNow Mobile App
EPA’s AirNow mobile app is like weather apps — but for air quality. The app automatically displays the current Air Quality Index for your local area or any area you want to check and stores the location for easy reference. Useful for anyone, but especially for those with health conditions like asthma or emphysema, it serves as a guide as to whether or not it’s safe to go outside.
Bonus Tips:
- Stockpile important medication
- Keep extra copies of important documents (as the saying goes, two is one and one is none)
- Create a disaster plan for common emergency scenarios
- Keep a list of important contacts and email addresses on paper
- Sign up for emergency alerts from FEMA, the Red Cross, or a local alert system
- Walk through your home and/or apartment building to identify safest spots to ride out a storm, fire extinguishers, utility turn-offs, and emergency exits
- Check your kit every three months to make sure everything is intact and good to go
RELATED: Prepare Your Home for Winter With This Detailed Guide
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