When it comes to preparing for an emergency, there are two paths for packing the essentials: a go bag or stay bin. You might have already guessed this, but a go bag is for when you need to evacuate your home and a stay bin is for when you will be sheltering in your own home.
If you're looking to pack a go bag you can check out our guide, but here we'll be tackling the stay bin. The first thing to do before gathering any supplies for your bin is to decide how the items will be stored. If you'll be sheltering in the basement, for instance, where you might be free to roam around then you can store everything in a single closet (you might want to lock it to keep from the household using those items when not in emergency). But let's say you'll be sheltering in a room or in a makeshift shelter at the center of the house, then you will want to put everything in a few bins you can carry with you to where you’ll be hunkering down.
Onto the supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
Food & Water
A two-week supply of food and water, according to The New York Times. Water is measured as one gallon per-person per-day (this will be used for both hydration and sanitation). Look for non-perishable foods like: ready-to-eat canned foods (meat, fish, veggies, fruits), protein bars, dried fruit, dry cereal and granola, nut butters, non-perishable pasteurized milk, dried meat ( jerky or freeze-dried). If you have a pet or infant, pack a two-week supply for them as well.
Hygiene Items
Toilet paper and other hygiene items like soap or hand sanitizer, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products. Recommended even if you'll have easy access to your bathroom that way no one uses them. Imagine thinking you have spare toothpastes in the medicine cabinet only to find out when you're stuck in your house that they';ve all been used up. Not great.
Medical Supplies
Being medically prepared is extremely important during an emergency, so pack an extensive first aid kit. If you’re using a kit already in the house, be sure to check that nothing’s missing before packing. Also include personal medical items like prescription medication, EpiPens, and inhalers.
Phone Chargers & Batteries
Every go bag needs some fully-charged backup batteries and phone chargers in case you have limited or no power. Load up and pack them in your bag and maybe get some extra for everyday use so you’re not tempted to grab one from your emergency bag and then forget to replace it.
Flashlights & Batteries
Whether you anticipate being without power or not, have some flashlights handy because you really never know. Better safe than sorry and don’t forget some spare batteries.
Tools
It’s always smart to have a good multitool handy in case you need it. Also make sure to have a safety whistle for everyone in your household in case emergency personnel need to find you.
Radio
Don’t rely on your phones or the television for information, you could be without power and internet. Instead get a hand crank radio so you can stay up-to-date on the conditions outside.
Bedding
You’ll want to have some blankets, pillows, and maybe even sleeping bags depending on the bed situation.
Personal Items
In prepping for an emergency your focus is going to be on essentials like medical supplies, food, and water, especially when you are planning to be in your house. But don’t forget clothing. You don’t know what the conditions will be, have some spare outfits handy just in case. Socks and underwear too.
Entertainment
You could be stuck sheltering for a while, have some things to entertain you and your family with like books, games, cards etc.
Since these items are being stored in your home, you have more room to customize than a go bag. Feel free to add any additional items that your family might need or that might bring them comfort. There’s no such thing as being too prepared.
