7 Things to Include in Your Emergency Supply Kit

Medicine

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Medicine

During an emergency, you are unlikely to be able to get to the pharmacy if you run out of medication. If you take prescription medications, look into obtaining an emergency supply. If you are unable to keep an emergency supply or do not take prescription drugs, you should still keep a supply of over the counter medications on hand for emergencies. Basic emergency supply medications include both acetaminophen and ibuprofen because acetaminophen and ibuprofen have slightly different properties. Both act as pain killers, but acetaminophen also works as a blood thinner and an excellent fever reducer.

Antihistamines and cough or mucus control are also a good idea to keep in an emergency kit. No one wants to be snowed in with a sinus infection and no medication.

An emergency kit should also include a number of digestive “helpers” such as laxatives, antacids and Pepto-Bismol. In an emergency situation, you are unlikely to be eating the sort of food your body is used to digesting which can lead to any number of unpleasant digestive issues. You should keep a stock of vitamins in your emergency supply kit for a similar reason. Depending on how long you are effectively trapped, you could be at risk of a vitamin deficiency. Keep a bottle of basic multivitamins in your kit as well as bottles of vitamins that are less likely to be found in non-perishable foods such as vitamin B-12.