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first aid kit
A first aid kit is essential when on the road, especially if there are no hospitals or medical centers in sight. Peggy and Marco Lachmann-Anke/ Pixabay

The past few years have proven that anything bad can happen at any time, be it an earthquake, hurricane, long power outages, a fire or a loved one suddenly falling ill. Of course, it goes without saying that this applies to your household. In any case, it is a good idea to have emergency equipment and supplies ready for use at home should disasters or mishaps arise.

From weather radios to even basic first aid supplies, these are some of the emergency preparedness and survival kit essentials every home (including yours) must have:

1. Kaito KA500 Voyager Radio
(photo from amazon.com)

Water-resistant radios such as the Kaito KA500 are perfect for emergencies and disasters as they come with features needed in any emergency situation. It has a comprehensive coverage of AM, FM, 2-band shortwave and 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather channels for entertainment, sports and breaking world news, and can also double as an emergency mobile battery charger for charging phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and more.

2. Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator
(photo from amazon.com)

Generators such as the Westinghouse WGen7500 are great for providing a backup power source in the event of a power outage. It produces 9,500 peak watts and 7,500 running watts, operating for up to 11 hours on a 6.6-gallon gasoline fuel tank, and comes with a remote start key fob so that you can turn it on from a distance.

3. Kidde Fire Escape Ladder With Anti-Slip Rungs
(photo from amazon.com)

Kidde's fire escape ladder is handy in the event of a sudden fire. Available in 13 and 25-foot options, this ready-to-use ladder is simple to set up, only needing to be attached to a window before releasing the rungs, themselves made with zinc-plated steel carefully designed to offer secure footing and prevent slips, allowing you and others to descend safely.

4. Augason Farms Lunch And Dinner Emergency Food Supply
(photo from amazon.com)

With a shelf life of 10 to 30 years, Augason Farms' Lunch and Dinner Variety Emergency Food Supply Kit is a good choice for emergency meals in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. It contains 11 easy to prepare varieties of entrees and soups, which are enough for 92 servings and equivalent to 21,170 calories and 557 grams of protein, and comes in a 4-gallon pail.

5. Potable Aqua Germicidal Water Purification Tablets
(photo from amazon.com)

Used by military and emergency organizations around the world, the Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets can make questionable water at home bacteriologically suitable to drink within 35 minutes. When used as directed, they are effective against Giardia lamblia, a parasite found in food and water contaminated with feces from infected humans or animals.

6. Gerber Dime Mini Multi-Tool
(photo from amazon.com)

With an impressive list of features, Gerber's Dime Mini Multi-tool ensures that you are ready for anything. It features 12 useful tools, including stainless steel pliers, wire cutters, a fine edge blade and a file, in addition to a unique blade for safely cutting and scoring plasting packaging and a bottle opener that is exposed even when the tool is closed.

7. Coast G19 LED Penlight
(photo from amazon.com)

The Coast G19 LED Penlight is a handy tool when checking every nook and cranny all around the house. Its inspection beam optic offers clear and consistent edge-to-edge brightness capable of illuminating a specific hard-to-reach area or objects at up to 30 feet. The flashlight needs only one AAA alkaline battery to operate and comes with an adjustable pocket clip for easy access.

8. Streamlight Septor LED Headlamp With Strap
(photo from amazon.com)

With the Streamlight Septor LED Headlamp, you can ensure that you can see things at home without fail, whether in the dark or when repairing stuff. It features 7 shock-impervious and ultra-bright 5mm white LED lights for wide task lighting and three power modes, and can run for up to 3 hours depending on the task.

9. Quick Dam Water-Activated Flood Barrier
(photo from amazon.com)

Keep flood water away from your household with the Quick Dam Flood Barrier. Featuring a dual-chamber design to prevent it from rolling out of place, it grows up to 3.5in high in minutes just by getting it wet, and is used to protect doorways, garages, leaking hot water tanks and more, in addition to preventing water damage and controlling and diverting leaking water.

10. Primacare Foil Mylar Rescue Blanket (10-Pack)
(photo from amazon.com)

A great addition to any first aid kit, thermal blankets such as the Primacare Emergency Foil Mylar Thermal Blanket provide easy protection from both hot and cold weather. Waterproof and weatherproof, it can maintain up to 90% of body heat inside during disasters, and has a durable Mylar insert for insulation. This one comes in a pack of 10.

11. Google Nest Protect (2nd Generation)
(photo from amazon.com)

When there is fast-burning/smoldering fire or carbon monoxide build-up at home, the Google Nest Protect will let you know straight away in a friendly voice. This smart alarm has a 6-color RGB light ring that changes color to give you an early warning, alert you of emergencies or otherwise let you know if everything is clear, and also sends you a message when there is a problem or if batteries are running low.

12. Kidde FA110 Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher
(photo from amazon.com)

A US Coast Guard-approved emergency tool, the Kidde FA110 Fire Extinguisher fights all kinds of fires: fires caused by wood, trash and paper; those caused by liquids such as gasoline; and those caused by faulty electrical equipment. Its features include a gauge that lets you know if it is charged and ready to use, an easy-to-use safety pin and a commercial-grade metal valve and trigger, in addition to instructions on how to operate it properly.

13. Energizer Max AAA Batteries
(photo from amazon.com)

Keep your essential emergency devices and equipment at home powered up and prepared for any unexpected situation with the Energizer MAX AAA Batteries. These longest lasting batteries can hold power for up to 10 years in storage, and are leak-resistant for up to two years after being fully used.

14. Rayovac Brite Essentials Floating Lantern
(photo from amazon.com)

With the Rayovac Brite Essentials Floating Lantern, you can put up much-needed light to the areas you are in during power outages or when outdoors. This lantern can shine for up to 410 feet of beam distance to illuminate any space anywhere and has a run time of up to 30 hours through an included 6-volt battery.

15. First Aid Only 299-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit
(photo from amazon.com)

The First Aid Only 299-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit is your friend if someone in your household has cuts, scrapes, bruises, minor aches and pains. It contains 298 essential first aid supplies, including 15 antiseptic towelettes, 14 alcohol wipes, 10 cotton tip applicators, 1 cold pack, 6 aspirin tablets, 6 ibuprofen tablets and 6 extra-strength non-aspirin tablets, all in a lightweight nylon case.