Before October Arrives, Check Your Emergency Kit — There Are a Few Things You Shouldn’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Replace
Fall can feel like one of the calmest times of the year. The temperatures begin to drop, routines return to normal, and summer seems far behind us.
But changing seasons can also bring severe weather, power outages, flooding, strong winds, and other emergencies that can happen with little warning.
That’s why September is a good time to take another look at your emergency supplies — especially if your emergency kit has been sitting untouched for months.
You may already have a flashlight and a few bottles of water stored away. But when was the last time you actually checked what’s inside?
Batteries can expire. Food can go out of date. Phone chargers can stop working. Important medications may need to be replaced. And something as simple as a missing can opener can suddenly become a major problem when the power is out.
Here are the things worth checking before the weather turns.
1. Water Should Be at the Top of the List
Water is one of the first things families should think about when preparing for an emergency.
A commonly recommended guideline is about one gallon of water per person per day, with enough stored for several days.
Remember that water may be needed not only for drinking, but also for basic food preparation and hygiene.
If you have children, elderly family members, pets, or anyone with special needs, consider their additional requirements as well.
2. Check Your Emergency Food
Your emergency food supply should include items that can stay safely stored and don’t require complicated preparation.
Think canned foods, shelf-stable meals, crackers, peanut butter, dried foods, and other non-perishable items your family will actually eat.
And don’t forget the simple detail many people overlook:
If you’re storing canned food, make sure you also have a manual can opener.
There’s no point having a cabinet full of canned food if you can’t open it when the electricity is gone.
3. Test Every Flashlight
Don’t assume your flashlight works just because it worked last year.
Turn it on.
Check the batteries.
Make sure you have extra batteries stored with your emergency supplies.
It’s also worth having more than one flashlight, especially if several people live in the home.
4. Don’t Forget Your Phone
A working phone can become extremely important during an emergency.
Keep an extra charging cable and portable power bank with your emergency supplies.
If the electricity goes out for an extended period, having a fully charged backup battery can make a huge difference.
5. Keep a First-Aid Kit Ready
Your emergency kit should include basic first-aid supplies such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic supplies, gloves, and other essentials your family may need.
Check the contents regularly and replace anything that has expired, been used, or damaged.
If someone in your household takes prescription medication, make sure you have a plan for keeping an adequate supply available during an emergency.
6. Prepare for Cold and Wet Weather
Fall storms don’t always mean hurricanes.
Depending on where you live, you could face heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, cold temperatures, or even early snow.
Keep blankets, warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes, gloves, and other weather-appropriate items somewhere easy to reach.
A few extra blankets may seem unnecessary when everything is normal.
They won’t seem unnecessary if the heat stops working on a cold night.
7. Keep Important Documents Protected
Important documents should be protected from water and kept somewhere you can access quickly.
Consider keeping copies of important identification, insurance information, medical information, emergency contacts, and other essential documents in a waterproof container.
You may also want important phone numbers written down rather than relying entirely on your phone.
8. Think About Everyone in the Household
An emergency kit shouldn’t be designed only for the average adult.
Families with babies may need formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.
Children may need comfort items, books, games, or familiar toys.
Older family members may have specific medical or mobility needs.
And don’t forget your pets.
Food, water, medication, a leash, identification, and other pet supplies should be considered part of your emergency planning.
9. Add a Few Basic Tools