31 Must-Have Items for Your Home Emergency Kit

What It Does: Can hold up to 2L of water, keeps kindling dry 
Est. Price: $2-$6 per box*
Sold At: Drugstores, gas stations, Target, Walmart, online retailers 

We all know what condoms are usually used for, but it turns out that they are far more wide-ranging than you might expect. Condoms are elastic and super-stretchy, and they can hold up to two liters of water if you handle them properly. Though very elastic, even a prick from a blade of grass will cause it to burst, so be careful when DIY’ing them as a water-holder.

Condoms ©M-Production/Shutterstock.com

Condoms can also be used to protect your tinder from getting wet. The weather may be clear now, but it won’t be at one point, and the latex will shield tinder from becoming wet and impossible to use.

What It Does: Strong and durable cart that can carry up to 120 pounds
Est. Price: $100*
Sold At: Amazon

While no one likes to think about scenarios in which they need to quickly leave their home with all of their most prized belongings, scenarios like that do actually happen to people around the world all the time. One thing that can make an emergency like that easier is a strong utility cart to load the heavy stuff off your back.

VersaCart Utility Cart @nymag/Pinterest

The VersaCart Utility Cart can be purchased on Amazon where it is advertised as water-resistant, super strong, and durable, and when it isn’t used it can be compactly folded away. Sure, you can always bring your suitcase, but loading a cart is much easier and quicker which can be crucial in life-threatening situations.

What It Does: Provides a portable bed 
Est. Price: Price: $127*
Sold At: Amazon

Having a comfortable and durable sleeping bag is crucial for anyone who loves the outdoor life. This one by North Face is not only comfy and warm, but it has “integrated shock cords to prevent sleeping pads from wandering during the night.”

North Face Cat's Meow Sleeping Bag ©GearLab

Investing in a great sleeping bag is something no one ever regretted, and in case of an emergency you also always have a portable bed to bring with you in case you need to find shelter somewhere underground. You can find North Face Cat’s Meow sleeping bag (which folds into a backpack) online on Amazon as well as at stores like Target.

What It Does: Quickly patches up any holes
Est. Price: $4.84*
Sold At: Amazon

Having ultra-strong duct tape at home and bringing it to any camping trip can certainly help quickly patch up holes in tents, inflatable boats, or any other objects that need a quick fix. Not to mention that using duct tape at home tends to make everyone’s life easier.

Duct Tape ©amazon.com

This Gorilla Tape is super durable yet can be ripped by hand, it’s weather-resistant which is very important, and it’s also affordable. According to the brand, it can also “withstand moisture, UV rays, and extreme temperatures.” You can buy it online or at stores like Home Depot.

What It Does: You can recharge your batteries quickly
Est. Price: $35*
Sold At: Amazon

Rechargeable batteries are another must-have household item that can be very useful in unexpected situations. Survival Frog batteries are easily charged—all you have to do is open the cap and “plug it into any powered USB port to start charging it.” Every battery gives over 500 charges which means you buy them once and you’re set for years.

Survival Frog Rechargeable Batteries ©amazon

Yes, we may live in a world run by Apple products, but old-fashioned batteries are still used for plenty of products like flashlights, alarm clocks, or remote controls. Having rechargeable ones can certainly come in handy in a pinch!

What It Does: Provides lighting without an outlet
Est. Price: $22.99*
Sold At: Amazon

A solar-powered lantern is yet another product that is not only environmentally friendly but can also be extremely useful. They are great to have in gardens and on balconies, but they can actually be even more useful on camping trips and nature hikes at night. 

Solar Powered Lantern Suleyman Delil ©Karakurt/Shutterstock.com

Solar-powered lanterns are sold in tech stores like Best Buy, and the best part about them is that they can last for a very long time. Since they are meant to be used outdoors, they are weather-resistant which makes them very durable as well. A set of two can be purchased for under $30 dollars.

What It Does: Temporarily helps with teeth problems
Est. Price: $15*
Sold At: Amazon

While most people think of having a first aid kit at home, not many consider having a special kit for their teeth. Yes, dental first aid kits exist, and their purpose is to temporarily help with dislodged dental crowns, lost dental fillings, and the prevention of thermal shock. 

Dentanurse First Aid Kit ©amazon.com

A Dentanurse First Aid Kit can be bought on Amazon, and it can be a lifesaver in those hours (or days) before the dentist appointment. Of course, the kit is just there to help temporarily, one should always visit a professional as soon as possible.

What It Does: Provides a way to maintain personal hygiene without access to water
Est. Price: $13*
Sold At: Amazon

In today’s modern society we are so used to always having access to water, but there are scenarios where water supplies can be cut off. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your personal hygiene needs to suffer.

No Rinse @karousell.com

There are a plethora of hygiene products that don’t require rinsing — whether it’s micellar water from Walmart to cleanse your face, or a more advanced alcohol-free No-Rinse Body Wash from Amazon. Having a couple of products that allow you to stay clean without using water is great to have in your stash of emergency products.

What It Does: They retain up to 90% of body heat
Est. Price: $17.98*
Sold At: Amazon

Thermal blankets are definitely another affordable product that is great to have in an emergency kit in your car or with you while camping. They are lightweight and easy to carry along and they can come in very handy when having to deal with unexpected weather.

Weather Resistant Thermal Blankets @ella777111/Pinterest

They might not look as cute as the blankets from Bed, Bath, and Beyond, but they are much more efficient. They are not only water and windproof but they also retain to up 90% of body heat. Because they are so durable and resistant, they can also be used to make emergency shelter tents.

What It Does: Can help in minor medical emergencies
Est. Price: $24.09*
Sold At: Amazon

A first aid kit should always be a staple at any household as well as on any trip, but unfortunately not many people take this seriously. Having bandages, pads, sterilization wipes, and other medical tools can not only help with small injuries but can help alleviate pain and prevent infection until proper medical care can be given to the person.

First-Aid Kit ©New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Getting a first aid kit is easy as different kinds are sold at stores like Target, any pharmacy, as well as online on Amazon. A good kit contains bandages, sponges, pads, gloves, sterilization wipes, and small medical tools.

What It Does: They are able to start a fire in damp conditions
Est. Price: $3.99*
Sold At: Bass Pro Shop

No one should ever underestimate the need to start a fire safely while outdoors camping or in emergency situations. However, starting up a fire in damp conditions can be tricky, which is why having a pack of waterproof matches can be a lifesaver.

Waterproof Matches @vat19/Pinterest

They can be bought cheaply at stores that sell camping attire or online on Amazon. Apart from the matches, it’s also a good idea to invest in a waterproof case for them, as people have reported that they don’t work as well after getting submerged in water.

What It Does: Provides clean drinkable water in case of water shortage
Est. Price: $3.48 for a pack of 24*
Sold At: Home Depot

Bottled water may not be very environmentally friendly, but having an emergency stash of it in your at-home survival kit is recommended. It is best to have a three-day supply of clean water for each person living in the household.

A Supply Of Clean Water ©LightField Studios/Shutterstock.com

Of course, bottled water can be purchased almost anywhere, and places like Target, Home Depot and Walmart have big selections of brands. Bottled water can last for years and in the case of water shortage, having some bottled water at home can definitely help for a couple of days. In case of emergency do try to ration the water carefully until you have another source of it.

What It Does: Filters water to make it drinkable
Est. Price: $14.34*
Sold At: Walmart

Another amazing invention that anyone who loves going into nature should consider investing in is a portable water filter. One of the most famous ones is LifeStraw which actually looks like a straw but it filters “99.9% of bacteria and parasites”. It also removes “the smallest microplastics found in the environment down to 1 micron.”

Life Straw @gogoebikes/Pinterest

The straw can be purchased online as well as in stores like Walmart, and priced under $20 it’s certainly a steal for what it does. While bringing enough water on any hiking trip is important, knowing that if you run out you can drink from a stream or lake is certainly a huge relief.

What It Does: Provides a distraction while waiting
Est. Price: $25*
Sold At: Amazon

When we think of emergency kits we usually immediately think of medical utensils, food, water, and something to keep us warm. However, in situations in which you have to wit for help or remain at a shelter for a while, having something to occupy your mind is also very important.

Wilderness Survival Playing Cards @rubysretros/Pinterest

Bringing a deck of cards is the easiest way to provide entertainment in situations in which all you (and the people with you) can do is sit and wait. Plus, a deck of cards is light and incredibly versatile as one can play numerous different games. It can be purchased online or at stores like Target.