Emergency Packing List
When to use: You should have this list for any trip whether it is a trip or a long trip especially when you are going to remote areas or going on road trips or going camping or traveling to another country.
Priority: This is very important. You should pack this emergency kit first. Keep it where you can get to it easily.
Why You Need This List
You never know when an emergency will happen. If you have a packed emergency kit you can handle things like getting hurt, weather getting lost the power going out or not being able to communicate with anyone without feeling scared.
You should keep this kit in your day bag or in your car or in the luggage you carry with you on a plane. Never check it in with the rest of your bags on a flight.
Core Emergency Items
1. First Aid & Medical
You will need a first aid kit that has things like bandages, gauze, wipes that can clean cuts and tape.
You should also have some pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
You should have some antihistamines in case you have an allergy.
If you take any medicine every day you should have an extra with you like a three day supply.
You will also need some tweezers and some small scissors.
You should have two pairs of disposable gloves.
2. Light & Power
You will need a flashlight or a headlamp and you should check the batteries before you leave on your trip.
You should also have two sets of batteries or a flashlight that you can charge with a USB cord.
A power bank is an idea and you should charge it all the way before you leave and bring a cord to charge it.
A glow stick is also an idea because it does not need any batteries.
3. Fire & Warmth
You will need some matches or a lighter.
An emergency blanket is an idea because it can keep you warm even if it is cold outside.
If you are going to a place you should have some hand warmers, like two pairs.
4. Tools & Repair
A multi-tool is an idea because it has a lot of different tools in one like a knife some pliers and a screwdriver.
You should also have some duct tape, like a roll that you can wrap around an old card.
You should have a few zip ties, like two or three.
5. Communication & Navigation
A whistle is an idea because it is loud and can help people find you if you are lost.
You should have a list of phone numbers for emergency services in the place you are going. You should write them down not just keep them in your phone.
A small notebook and a pen that can write even if it is wet are also an idea.
If you are going to a place or another country you should have a map of the area.
6. Water & Food
You should have a bottle of water like one that holds 500ml and you should replace it every six months.
You should also have a couple of energy bars or granola bars. You should check the dates when they will go bad and replace them.
If you want you can have some water purification tablets, which can be useful.
7. Personal Safety & Documents
You should have a copy of your passport or ID. You should keep it in a waterproof bag.
You should also have some cash, like 50 to 100 dollars in bills and some coins.
If you are traveling alone a personal alarm can be an idea.
Packing Tips for Emergency Kit
You should use a bag that is a bright color so you can find it easily if it is, in a dark bag.
You should keep the emergency kit on top of your bag so you can get to it quickly without having to unpack everything.
You should check the dates when things will go bad every three months, like your medicine, your batteries, your food and your water.
You should not pack much in your emergency kit because it should be light enough to carry with you every day.
What NOT to put in an Emergency Kit
You should not put anything in your emergency kit that you do not know how to use.
You should not put knives in your emergency kit because they are not allowed in many places.
You should not put aerosols in your emergency kit.
You should not put documents like your passport in your emergency kit. You should only keep copies.
