The Best Emergency Kit

Pest Strategies

From natural disasters to medical emergencies, having an emergency kit is key to overcoming these unfortunate incidents. Pest Strategies researched the best emergency kits on Amazon to help you stay prepared. Keep reading to learn more about our top picks.

1 Best for warm meals
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722L37PL

Sustain Supply Co. Emergency Kit

What We Like: Whether you’re awaiting search and rescue or marking time until your power comes back on, this backpack comes with a variety of supplies to get you through. It includes the basics, such as bandages, as well as more advanced supplies, such as blankets.

2 Best for biohazards
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00149VP14

Ready America Emergency Kit

What We Like: This is a practical emergency preparedness kit for those who work in a laboratory or industrial setting where the use of volatile chemicals is common. This deluxe kit also includes a stainless steel multitool as well as a four-function power station. Everything is neatly packaged in a small and relatively lightweight backpack, so it’s easy to transport and access when needed.

3 Best basic first aid kit
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EG3J430

SHBC Emergency Kit

What We Like: This emergency kit is durable thanks to its shockproof molded exterior. It is easy to carry with its attached rubber handle and can be used to stock classrooms, offices, boats, and more.

4 Best lasting food supply
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DROSC7O

ReadyWise Emergency Kit

What We Like: This emergency kit provides weeks’ worth of nutrition using 14 unique styles of cuisine. Contained in an airtight bucket, this variety pack is designed to last up to 25 years when it’s stored in a dark, temperature-controlled environment. The freeze-dried meals are simple to prepare by adding hot or cold water.

5 Best first aid kit
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CQ8JVC7

SURVIVEWARE Emergency Kit

What We Like: This pack includes many useful first responder items, such as an ice pack and a splint, without being much larger than a traditional first aid kit. It also comes with an advanced first aid information guide to help users make decisions in panicked situations.

Buying Guide

Emergency kits aren’t one-size-fits-all, so consider the following information to find the best kit for your needs.

First Aid: Most emergency kits contain basic first aid supplies in case someone gets hurt. Common first aid supplies include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze pads.

Roadside Emergencies: Especially important if you live in a rural area, having an emergency kit in the back of your car can help when you get into an accident or break down. Common roadside supplies include jumper cables, flares, and mini fire extinguishers as well as survival supplies, such as non-perishable meals and sleeping bags.

Non-Perishable Food: Some emergency kits provide non-perishable food to keep you and others nourished even without access to electricity. The food supplies usually come in the form of sealed energy bars or freeze-dried meals.

Tools: If the power goes out, having a flashlight will illuminate the area around you. Other useful tools to have during an emergency include a wind-up radio, pocket knife, screwdriver, and can opener.

Toiletries: Personal hygiene may not be on the top of your mind during an emergency, but if you’re waiting out a natural disaster, it’s good to have basic toiletries on hand. Your kit could include toothbrushes, soap bars, shampoo bottles, combs, razors, and feminine pads.

Container/Size: While many emergency kits are packaged in a backpack, others come in an airtight container or zipper case. Consider where you’ll store your emergency kit and what you’ll need it for to determine the size and type of container that’ll work best.

FAQs

What are the most important items to have in an emergency kit?

Though many emergency kits are designed to provide aid for specific situations, you’ll find several overlapping items. Look for basic first aid supplies, such as bandages and gauze, as well as useful tools, such as flashlights, gloves, whistles, and scissors. Regardless of what happens, items like these will be valuable.

What else can I do to prepare for potential disasters or emergencies?

We recommend setting aside some time to meet with those who live with you to form an emergency plan. While it’s easy to think you’ll know exactly what to do when an emergency situation arises, panic often settles in, preventing you from making rational decisions. With a clear emergency plan, you’ll be able to make it out safe with your emergency kit.

Is it better to have multiple smaller emergency kits or one larger emergency kit?

Buying a larger kit with supplies that come in a single container can cut down on waste and space. However, if you and your loved ones are typically separated or you want to prepare for multiple types of emergencies, such as medical and roadside, consider more than one kit.

Pest Strategies provides reviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, and other objective criteria. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for non-professionals. Because pest control products can be dangerous to your family if mishandled, we always recommend consulting with an exterminator, even if just to ask for advice on how to apply pest control products yourself.