Putting together an emergency kit: what should be in it?
A prolonged power cut, a failure in the drinking water supply or extreme weather: it does not happen often, but when it does you want to be prepared. The Dutch government advises households to prepare for an emergency so that they can manage on their own for 72 hours. An emergency kit helps with that. In this article you will read what belongs in it.
Checklist: this belongs in your emergency kit
Water and food
- Drinking water: count on at least 3 litres per person per day
- Long-life food you can eat without cooking, such as crackers, nuts and tinned goods (do not forget the tin opener)
- A water filter as a backup
Light and power
- A torch, preferably one that works without a socket
- Spare batteries
- A charged power bank
- Candles and matches or a lighter (never leave candles burning unattended)
Information
- A radio running on batteries, solar power or a wind-up mechanism. In a power cut the internet and TV often stop working, but the radio keeps you up to date with official announcements.
- A list of important phone numbers on paper
Warmth
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Emergency blankets: they take up almost no room
First aid and hygiene
- First aid kit and any medicines
- Toilet paper, wet wipes and bin bags
Documents and money
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof pouch
- Some cash: in a power cut card payments often do not work
Handy Travelhawk products for your emergency kit
- Travelhawk Emergency Radio with solar panel and power bank function, so you can listen to the radio without a socket.
- Wind-up torch: a dynamo torch that works without batteries.
- LED torch 2 pieces: runs on AAA batteries, so you have a spare straight away.
- Camping lamp 4 pieces: small lamps to light several rooms.
- Emergency blanket 4 pieces
- Water filter 1000L: small, light and designed to filter bacteria and parasites out of water.
Tips for keeping your emergency kit in order
- Keep everything together in a fixed, easy-to-reach place and tell the people you live with where it is.
- Check your emergency kit twice a year. A handy moment is when the clocks change.
- Replace food and water before the use-by date passes.
- Charge power banks and the radio regularly and check the batteries in your torches.
- Agree with your household what you will do and where you will meet if you cannot reach each other.
Frequently asked questions
How much water do I need in an emergency kit?
Count on at least 3 litres of drinking water per person per day. For 72 hours that is 9 litres per person.
Why a radio in your emergency kit?
In a power cut the internet and TV often go down. A radio running on batteries, solar power or a wind-up mechanism still lets you hear official announcements.
Can I make tap water safe with a water filter?
A water filter is designed to filter bacteria and parasites, but does not remove chemical contamination. If there are problems with the drinking water, always follow the advice of your water company.
How often should I check my emergency kit?
Twice a year is a good habit. Check the shelf life of food and water then and charge all devices.
Being prepared starts today. Take a look at our emergency kits and everything in the emergency category. Free shipping from €40, 1-2 working days delivery and 30 days free returns.