Disaster Preparedness 101: What to Include In Your Emergency Kit
Learn how a home backup generator can help
When a major storm, power outage, or natural disaster hits, the last thing you want to do is scramble for essentials. Consider how your day-to-day life will be affected when you don’t have a functioning refrigerator, cooking appliances, Wi-Fi, phone charger, or other essentials that you use daily. The average length of a power outage in the US is 5.5 hours according to the Energy Information Administration, but it’s not uncommon for power outages to last for a full day or more in the greater Philadelphia area, particularly in the wake of a prolific weather event or other natural disaster. Pennsylvania and New Jersey aren’t immune to tornados, flooding, and other events that can cause prolonged outages.
When you need to shelter-in-place during or after a disaster, having essential supplies on hand can make an enormous difference. That’s why having a well-stocked disaster preparedness kit — and a reliable home generator — can make all the difference. Whether it’s a winter blizzard, summer hurricane, or a sudden power grid failure, being prepared ensures your family’s safety and peace of mind. In this blog, we’ll break down what to include in your emergency kit and how a home generator installation fits into your overall preparedness plan.
Why Disaster Preparedness Matters
Disasters can strike with little warning and may leave you without power, access to clean water, or emergency services for hours—or even days. At McClain Bros., we know that the best way to navigate a disaster is by being prepared for the worst. After all, if you stay ready then you don’t have to get ready! By taking the time to prepare now, you can:
- Stay safe and warm (or cool) when utilities are down
- Keep communication lines open (phones, radios, etc.)
- Avoid last-minute store runs and panic
- Provide for family members, pets, or neighbors in need
- Have peace of mind knowing that you and your family are safe
What to Include in a Disaster Preparedness Kit
A good emergency kit should be portable, easy to access, and contain the essentials you need to survive for at least 72 hours. Here’s what you should have in your kit:
Food and Water
Without a reliable power source, you won’t have a way to cook food during an emergency situation. So, you’ll want to have a small stockpile of non-perishible food items that will stay viable in storage and be ready to eat in the event of an emergency. You should aim to have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day, which can be used for both drinking and sanitation purposes. You’ll also want to have a manual can opener for canned goods that lack a pull tab. For food, you’ll want to have a supply of canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter, and dried fruits and nuts. Rice and dried pasta can also be extremely handy should you have access to a small propane-powered stovetop or hot plate.
Medical Supplies
It’s always a good idea to include a variety of simple medical supplies in your emergency kit. A first-aid kit is always a good place to start. You can buy these prefabricated or assemble one yourself, but it should include bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, and gauze. Aside from these essentials, you will want to ensure that you have a supply of prescription medications that you need daily, though you need to regularly check the expiration dates on these to ensure that they will be viable. And finally, collect a variety of over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cold medicine, and electrolyte tablets.
Lighting and Communication
Being without power can be a real pain, and lack of consistent lighting can make everyday tasks challenging. It’s always wise to have a supply of candles, matches and lighters on hand – these are a classic lighting solution for a reason. And while many people will default to using their phone flashlight as an easy light source, this will quickly drain your phone battery. In order to conserve this energy, stock up on flashlights and extra batteries. You may want to invest in a hand-crank radio in order to stay informed even if your cell phone dies. Also, having a set of walkie talkies can be incredibly effective in an event where you can’t use your cell phone. Finally, an emergency whistle can help you signal for help if you’re caught in a tight situation.
Clothing and Bedding
It’s always a good idea to have an emergency supply of clothing for everyone in your home, since you won’t be able to do laundry to have a fresh rotation of clean clothes. Ensure that you have some clothes for every season, though you may want to prioritize thermals and coats for the winter. Additionally, you’ll want to have a backup supply of towels, blankets, and sleeping bags. To ensure that you can maintain sanitary conditions, you’ll also want to have a supply of face masks to help with dust or contaminated air, moist towelettes, and garbage bags.
Important Documents and Cash
Invest in a waterproof lockbox that can contain vital documents and a supply of cash that you can use in an emergency. Documents that you may want to have on hand include copies of your identification cards, insurance policies, and medical records. It’s also wise to have small denominations of cash in case ATMs or credit card machines are down.
Miscellaneous Essentials
A portable charger can be a crucial piece of equipment in your emergency arsenal – just be sure to keep it charged regularly! You can often find chargers that have charging cables built into them, allowing you to easily charge your phone and other devices that are compatible with a USB-C cord. If you have animals in your family, be sure to have plenty of food stored for them – and factor them into your water supply. It also never hurts to have some simple items that will allow you to secure your immediate surroundings in case you need to shelter in place; duct tape, plastic sheeting, tarps, etc. And since you won’t have access to a dishwasher or laundry, be sure to stock up on paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, paper plates, and plastic cutlery.
The Role of a Home Generator in Disaster Preparedness
While a kit helps you survive the basics, a home generator allows you to live more safely and comfortably during an extended outage. If you’ve been considering a home generator installation in Bucks County, then you likely have a lot of questions about the process. We’ve already answered some FAQs about home generators, but here is some information to help you understand how vital a generator can be in an emergency situation.
- Automatic power during outages — no need to lift a finger
- Keeps refrigerators, freezers, and medical equipment running
- Allows use of heating or cooling systems
- Prevents basement flooding by powering sump pumps
- Maintains home security systems, lighting, and internet access
When it comes to long-term safety and convenience, a standby generator is the gold standard for home preparedness.
Peace of Mind Starts with Planning
Putting together a disaster preparedness kit doesn’t have to be overwhelming — and once it’s done, it can literally be a lifesaver. Pairing your emergency supplies with a professionally installed home generator gives your family an extra layer of protection and comfort when disaster strikes.
At McClain Bros., we specialize in home generator installation and maintenance across Bucks County, Philadelphia, Montgomery County, and Berks County. Let us help you power through any storm with confidence. Contact McClain Bros. today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward being truly prepared.
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