How to build an Emergency Kit at Home? Here are 5 Must-Have Items

In light of the recent escalation between Israel and Hamas, it has become increasingly evident that being prepared for unexpected events is crucial. Stocking up on essential supplies and making mindful purchases can provide a sense of security during uncertain times. Whether it’s ensuring you have enough food, medical supplies, or even basic household necessities, staying ahead can help avoid the last-minute rush and shortages. This blog will guide you through the most important items to have on hand and offer tips on how to plan your purchases wisely.

Here is how you can build an emergency kit or a survival kit at home. You need to concentrate on 5 essential products apart from medical supplies that you can purchase from our website.

1. Batteries

The Importance of Stocking Up on Batteries During Global Crises

In times of global crises, such as wars, floods, and hurricanes, being prepared is crucial. Batteries are among the essential items to stock up on because they ensure that many of your critical devices remain functional during emergencies. Whether it's keeping communication lines open, powering lighting sources, or running medical equipment, having the right batteries on hand can make all the difference.

Batteries for Everyday and Emergency Devices

Here are some important battery types and their uses in various devices:

• CR 2032 Round Batteries from Duracell: These 3V lithium batteries are commonly used in small electronics like watches, calculators, and medical devices like glucometers. They’re essential for ensuring precision in personal health monitoring during emergencies.

• MN21 and A23 Cylindrical Batteries: These 12V batteries power remote controls, doorbells, and car alarm systems, ensuring security measures are maintained even when larger electrical systems fail.

• CR2025 3V Button Cell Batteries: These batteries are commonly used in key fobs, calculators, and small portable electronics. Having a good stock can be helpful during emergencies when quick access to devices is critical.

• AAA Alkali-Manganese/Alkaline Batteries (1.5V): These are essential for powering flashlights, radios, and portable chargers, which are crucial during power outages caused by floods or hurricanes.

• Super Alkaline GP D Batteries (1.5V): Ideal for powering larger devices like lanterns, radios, and heavy-duty flashlights, these are key in prolonged power outage situations, especially during storms or war-related disruptions.

Why You Should Stock Up on Batteries

Wars, natural disasters like floods, and hurricanes often lead to power outages and damaged infrastructure. In such situations, having the right batteries allows you to keep your essential devices running, ensuring you can stay informed, communicate, and take necessary safety precautions. Batteries like the CR 2032, MN 21, A23, CR2025, AAA, and GP D ensure that you are prepared for various emergencies, providing power to everything from medical devices to everyday essentials.

2. Hygiene and Sanitation 

Hygiene and sanitation are critical in times of crisis. Keeping yourself clean and maintaining a sanitary environment can prevent the spread of diseases, particularly when healthcare systems are overwhelmed. While most people immediately think of toilet paper when preparing, there are several other overlooked items in your home that can be equally useful. Below are some essential tools that can help maintain hygiene during emergencies.

Useful Household Items for Hygiene and Sanitation

• Hot Water Bottle : Though primarily used for warmth, a hot water bottle can also be used for maintaining hygiene by providing warm water for cleaning or sterilizing surfaces when regular access to hot water is disrupted.

• First Aid Kits (EHBO-kits): Having a well-stocked first aid kit is vital in any crisis situation. Not only does it help treat wounds and prevent infections, but it also allows you to safely administer care when professional medical help might be limited.

• Masks: Masks have become an essential item in recent years, especially in the wake of the global pandemic. Whether it’s to protect against airborne diseases or dust during disasters, having masks readily available ensures you can protect yourself and others.

Why You Should Be Prepared

In times of crisis—whether it's a war, natural disaster, or pandemic—access to essential hygiene supplies may be limited. Stocking up on overlooked but highly useful items like a Warmwaterkruik, EHBO kits, and masks can make a significant difference in staying healthy and safe. These simple items, which you may already have at home, can help you maintain basic hygiene when other supplies run short.

3. Crisis Survival: Like a Camping Adventure

Facing a crisis, whether it's a war, hurricane, or natural disaster, is much like going on an unexpected camping adventure. The unpredictability and need for survival skills make it essential to have key items at hand. Just as you would on a camping trip, you need to be prepared for anything. Below are some critical items that can help you survive and stay safe during a crisis.

Essential Survival Items

• Water Bottles: In any crisis, access to clean drinking water may be limited. Having multiple water bottles stocked up ensures you stay hydrated when water sources are compromised. You can also use them to collect rainwater in emergencies.

• Emergency Lamps: Power outages are common during crises like hurricanes or conflicts. Emergency lamps can provide light when you need it most, helping you navigate through the dark safely. LED emergency lamps are especially useful due to their long battery life.

• Umbrellas and Raincoats: Weather can be unpredictable during any crisis, and staying dry is key to avoiding illness. A raincoat keeps you warm and protected, while umbrellas offer portable shelter. Both are crucial for staying healthy, especially if you need to move through areas affected by storms or floods.

Why Preparedness is Key

Much like a camping trip, crises require you to be self-sufficient. Water bottles, emergency lamps, umbrellas, and raincoats are not just optional conveniences—they are survival tools. Stocking up on these items ensures you can face the unexpected with confidence and stay safe, no matter what the situation brings. Survival in a crisis is more than just having supplies; it's a technique. Be prepared to adapt to changing situations, whether it’s finding shelter, food, or staying informed. You never know what might happen, so it's essential to stay vigilant and resourceful.

4. Bicycles: The Ultimate Mode of Transportation 

The Netherlands is known for being a land of bicycles, and in times of crisis, bicycles prove to be an incredibly efficient and cost-effective means of transportation. With the rising costs of diesel, petrol, and electricity, many people are feeling the financial strain. In the Netherlands, the average price for petrol is around €2.00 per liter, and diesel is close to €1.90 per liter. On top of this, electricity prices have surged, with households paying an average of €0.40 per kWh. In this context, bicycles offer a cheap, sustainable, and practical alternative.

Why Bicycles Are Efficient in Times of Crisis

• No Fuel Costs: Bicycles require no fuel, unlike cars that run on petrol or diesel. This makes them an ideal option when fuel prices soar. Whether it's commuting to work, running errands, or traveling short distances, a bicycle gets you from point A to B without worrying about rising fuel costs.

• No Electricity Costs: With the rising cost of electricity in the Netherlands, even electric cars and public transportation may become more expensive to operate. Bicycles, on the other hand, run solely on human power, meaning they don’t contribute to your energy bills.

• Eco-Friendly: Bicycles are a green mode of transportation that doesn't contribute to pollution or global warming. In times of crisis, when sustainability is more important than ever, using a bicycle helps reduce your carbon footprint.

• Health Benefits: Apart from being cost-effective, bicycles offer significant health benefits. Regular cycling improves cardiovascular health, boosts mental well-being, and helps maintain physical fitness—vital during stressful crises.

How to Make the Best Use of Bicycles During a Crisis

• Daily Commute: Use your bicycle for commuting to work or school. With bike lanes in almost every city in the Netherlands, you can easily avoid traffic and save both time and money.

• Errands and Grocery Runs: Bicycles with baskets or cargo racks are perfect for running errands or grocery shopping. You can attach bags or even trailers to carry more items.

• Avoid Public Transport Crowds: During pandemics or health crises, bicycles allow you to avoid crowded public transportation, reducing your exposure to illnesses and giving you more personal space.

Bicycles as a Better Alternative

In times of rising fuel and electricity costs, bicycles are not only a cheaper but also a more efficient way to travel. They require low maintenance, can be used in urban and rural areas, and help you avoid the high costs associated with cars or electric vehicles. They’re the perfect mode of transportation for short and even medium distances, making them a practical solution during any crisis.

5. Miscellaneous Items: Essential for Crisis Preparedness

During times of crisis, certain miscellaneous items can be extremely useful. Items like a safety vest (veiligheidsvest), solar lamps, and a tactical backpack can prove invaluable in maintaining safety, mobility, and efficiency. Having these items stocked up and ready is essential for being well-prepared, just like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, who always kept his go-bag ready for emergencies.

Key Miscellaneous Items and Their Benefits

• Safety Vest (Veiligheidsvest): A safety vest makes you visible in low-light conditions or during emergencies where visibility is crucial, such as in car breakdowns or during evacuations. They’re also highly useful in times of crisis like floods or earthquakes, where rescue operations are underway, and it’s important to be seen.

• Solar Lamps: Solar lamps are an excellent alternative to traditional lighting sources during power outages. They charge during the day using sunlight and can provide hours of illumination at night. Unlike battery-powered lights, solar lamps are renewable and don’t require constant replacement, making them more sustainable and economical in the long run.

• Tactical Backpack: A tactical backpack is designed for durability and practicality. It’s perfect for carrying essential supplies like food, water, first aid kits, and clothing. Its compartments allow you to organize items efficiently, ensuring you have quick access to what you need. In crises like evacuations or extended periods without access to stores, having a well-packed tactical backpack is invaluable.

How to Use These Items During a Crisis

• Safety Vest: Wear it during evacuations, while walking or cycling in low-light conditions, or if you need to signal for help. It’s a small item that can make a big difference in ensuring you remain visible and safe.

• Solar Lamps: Place them in areas where natural light can recharge them during the day. They can be used for lighting your home during blackouts, or when camping or evacuating to areas without electricity.

• Tactical Backpack: Pack your tactical backpack with essential items like food, water, clothes, first aid, and important documents. Keep it ready for any emergency, so you can grab it quickly if you need to evacuate or move to a safer location.

Why These Items Are Better

Having a safety vest, solar lamps, and a tactical backpack ensures that you’re not only prepared but also equipped with durable and long-lasting tools that enhance your safety and mobility. Unlike traditional items, these are designed to be versatile and efficient, offering benefits like visibility, renewable energy, and organized storage.

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." – Albert Einstein

In times of crisis, it's important to stay prepared with essential items like bicycles, safety vests, solar lamps, and tactical backpacks. Being mindful of rising fuel and electricity costs and keeping these tools on hand can help ensure your safety and mobility during emergencies. However, staying calm and informed is just as important. Awareness of your surroundings and having a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference in critical moments.