TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Living in Tornado Alley, emergency preparedness is a way of life. You never want the worst-case scenario to happen when severe weather strikes, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the possibility. Building an emergency kit and having a plan in place can make all the difference in these stressful, potentially life-threatening situations.
If you’re starting your emergency response preparations from scratch, Walmart’s Emergency Prep hub is a great place to start on your shopping list. This secret storefront has everything you need in times of disaster, with speciality departments for those facing a variety of severe weather conditions, whether that’s a hurricane, storm, wildfire, or blizzard.
How to create an emergency plan
For those new to the world of disaster prep, it’s hard to know where to start. Walmart suggests following the “3 C’s” as a guideline when creating your emergency plan: communication, core supplies, and caring.
Communication, the first step, focuses on setting up emergency alerts on your phone so you’ll get a faster warning when severe weather arrives. If your electricity goes out and your smartphone battery eventually drains, you’ll need a way to stay informed. A hand-crank radio is incredibly practical at this stage and should be one of the first items in your emergency prep kit. Also, consider how you’ll communicate with emergency responders if you do need help, adding a loud whistle to your go bag.
Core supplies, like bottled water, shelf-stable foods, a light source, and a power bank, should be the next items on your list. When you’re stuck sheltering in place, having these staples is a necessity for survival.
Caring for every member of your household, including people and pets, is essential in an emergency. You should have a plan and the necessary amount of supplies for each individual in your household.
Stocking your emergency go bag
Creating an emergency go bag with all the supplies you’ll need in a disaster can be the key to survival. When you’re in an actual crisis, there’s rarely time to gather food, water, and first aid supplies. Instead, you should put all your emergency items in a duffle bag or large plastic bin and have them ready to go in an easily accessible place.
To get a better sense of what your stockpile should include, TikTok influencer @heybrooklynb documented packing a home emergency preparedness kit for her family.
@heybrooklynb How to build a kit for emergencies 🚨 #naturaldisasters #emergencypreparedness #hometips #prepper #fyp
What you’ll need in your emergency kit will vary depending on your location. For example, you generally won’t need warm layers, like in the above video, if you’re in a hot climate. However, there are ten items that every emergency kit should include, according to Walmart.
- Water. Hydration is crucial, and if your water source is interrupted or contaminated, bottled water or safely stored water will be vital. You can also opt for a water filter, like the Lifestraw, which is portable and removes the majority of bacteria and parasites from water.
- Shelf-stable food. Shelf-stable foods will keep you nourished and your spirits up in times of disaster. If you opt for canned foods, be sure to add a can opener so you can access them. Additionally, you can opt for protein and granola bars, but they won’t have as long of a shelf life. If you really want to go all out, you can get survival food rations that last up to 25 years, like the ReadyWise 84-Serving Emergency Food Bucket.
- A flashlight or lantern. If your power goes out, you’ll need a light source. A flashlight is helpful if you’re on the go, but if you’re sheltering in place, a lantern will be more practical. The Ozark Trail 3-Way Rechargeable Solar Camping Lantern can be powered by solar and a hand crank, so you don’t have to worry about running out of light.
- A portable power bank. After flooding or a hurricane, emergency responders may not be able to immediately help, depending on the outdoor weather conditions. You don’t want your cell phone to be drained during this time frame, so a portable power bank is extremely helpful.
- A NOAA weather radio. A hand-crank or battery-powered radio means you can stay informed. You can even find options, like the Topvision Emergency Radio, which doubles as a power bank, flashlight, and alarm beacon.
- A first aid kit.Every house should have a first aid kit, and keeping it in your emergency prep kit means it’s ready when you need it.
- Batteries. If your flashlight or radio requires battery power to operate, you’ll want to ensure you have the right batteries accessible to keep them powered.
- Blankets. Wrapping yourself in a blanket doesn’t just keep you warm, as it can also provide comfort during a distressing time.
- Duct tape and basic tools. You never know what will happen in an emergency, and having a basic set of tools and duct tape adds an extra layer of practicality to your kit.
- Hygiene supplies. If you’re stuck for multiple days, you will want to have toilet paper, sanitary products, a toothbrush, hand sanitizer, and other essential hygiene supplies ready to go.
Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
ReadyWise 84-Serving Emergency Food Bucket
Ozark Trail 3-Way Rechargeable Solar Camping Lantern
Topvision Emergency Radio
Band-Aid Brand Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit
Ozark Trail Emergency Survival Camping Blanket
Pre-made emergency kits for convenience
If you don’t have the time or bandwidth to start an emergency kit from scratch, Walmart has several pre-made options available. These may not be complete with everything you’ll potentially need, but they’re a helpful starting point, and you can add other necessities from there.
Ready America 2-Person Emergency Kit
First Aid Only Comprehensive 260-Piece Emergency First Aid Kit
Kaqinu 238-Piece Emergency Survival Kit
Elite First Aid and Emergency Essentials Kit
Emergency Zone Power Outage Emergency Kit
TheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use. Read more about our Editorial Standards and How We Choose Our Shopping Deals.
