Prepping for a disaster is important now more than ever, and everyone should have an emergency kit with tools and supplies for any situation. We recommend putting together your own emergency kit that is ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Think about the situations you may be put in such as natural disasters, emergencies, and extended stays in the wilderness. Write a list of items you might need in your emergency kit, including any food, personal items, and tools.
Disaster Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should contain a bare minimum of items, and we recommend using this list from the Red Cross as a starting point:
- Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- Deluxe family first aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
Disaster Prepper Must-Have Tools
The Red Cross list contains a multi-purpose tool. Since there are numerous multi-tools on the market, you should think about the situations you may find yourself in. We recommend having a tactical multi-tool for rescue and entry, and multi-tool that can easily fit in your pocket.
The Best Tactical Multi-Tool
Rescue and Entry Tool – The CTAX
When a disaster hits, you want a lightweight, durable tool that can help you navigate a variety of situations. The CTAX has four tools in one, a tanto-style axe blade, hammer, gas valve wrench, and pry bar. At about 5 lbs and 18 inches long, the CTAX can be carried in a backpack or on a tool belt for easy accessibility.
It can be used during natural disasters to enter or exit buildings, break locks, lift heavy objects, break glass, and the list goes on. It’s durable enough to be used by first responders to rescue individuals who are stuck in buildings or vehicles.
Put the CTAX in your emergency to-go bag so you are ready for any situation you may face during a natural disaster. Learn more about the CTAX rescue and entry multi-tool.
The Best Pocket Multi-Tool
Pocket Multi-Tool
Also in your emergency kit, you want to carry a multi-purpose tool that can fit in your pocket, such as the Leatherman Surge Set. This pocket multi-tool should have a knife, screwdriver, can opener, pliers, and wire cutters at minimum.
You will need all of these tools during a disaster, and it’s easier to have them all in one tool to conserve space and reduce weight.
Be Prepared for Any Disaster
With these two multi-purpose tools, you will be ready for even the worst disaster situations. Keep them both in your emergency kit and have another set for everyday use.
Being prepared helps to reduce anxiety because you know you have the right provisions and safety tools for any disaster. It is simple to put your disaster emergency kit together, so start today. Get your own CTAX rescue and entry tool today!