Checklist of Household Essentials
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that every household maintain at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and sealed drinking water. A three-day supply of food includes about 6,000 calories per person, while a corresponding supply of water is three gallons per person. Canned tuna, vegetables and beans are nutritious and inexpensive food options. Salted nuts, beef jerky and honey add diversity to a non-perishable food store. Keeping a packet of iodine tablets on hand allows for easy water purification in cases of emergency.
- Food and water go only so far without preparation and eating utensils. Essential to all households are at least one pot and pan, silverware and tableware, cutting knives, a can opener, towels and drinking glasses. Most households will also want at least a combination refrigerator-freezer, oven and microwave. Having an electric hotplate or propane stove on hand is useful in case of natural gas disruptions or power outages. FEMA also recommends that households keep travel mess kits on hand.
- Every household needs basic hygiene and sanitation products. Sealed, liquid soap lasts almost indefinitely and can clean most household items. Homes should also contain a supply of toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, chlorine bleach, feminine products and garbage bags. Considerate homemakers will maintain a store of extra hygiene products for visiting family and guests. Be sure to keep diapers and other baby products on hand if your household hosts infants.
- Tea tree oil is an effective topical antibiotic, even against MRSA.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Nearly all municipalities' building codes require homes to have multiple fire alarms. Having an easily accessible fire extinguisher is also a good idea. Homes should also have at least one first-aid kit and more in cases of large households. First-aid kits should include disinfecting towels, sterile wound dressings and bandages, sterile gloves, saline solution, medical tape, antibiotic and burn ointment, thermometer, scissors, antihistamine tablets, acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen and any prescription medications. Additional essential safety items include dust masks, leather gloves and extra blankets or heavy clothing. - At some point almost everyone needs the help of a tool to complete an essential household task. Households that have the following tools on hand will be prepared for most situations: Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, screws, hammer, nails, measuring tape, hand axe, shears, shovel, adjustable wrench and pliers. Electronic tools -- at least a phone, flashlight and radio -- are also important, and plenty of extra batteries should be kept on hand for all electronic devices. Other emergency supplies include copies of important documents, spare cash, matches, several waterproof containers, rain gear and maps.
