15 Safety Tools That Are Impossible to Replace in an Emergency
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Emergencies happen and time is your most precious asset, so having the right items at your disposal can make the difference between order and chaos. From a natural disaster, to a power outage, or even a roadside breakdown, being prepared isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. It’s a bit like building a safety net and without the right tools you may find yourself free falling into trouble.
Safety experts and survivalists have put together lists over the years of must have tools in case something happens. There is no one size fits all, but there are tools which we all, universally, use. These are essential tools you won’t want to be without when life throws you a curveball.
Flashlight
Fumbling around in the dark for that light switch in a blackout or a stormy night can result in unnecessary accidents. Your best friend in all these situations is a sturdy, reliable flashlight. If possible, get a waterproof one, and of course LEDs with long battery life are key. The National Safety Council reports that falls are one of the most common injuries during power outages, and often due to inadequate lighting. A flashlight can help you avoid turning your living room into an obstacle course.
First Aid Kit
Accidents don’t RSVP. A well stocked first aid kit is a life line that can provide immediate care for cuts, burns or worse injuries until advanced help arrives. The American Red Cross recommends things like bandages, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers. Be sure to update expired items regularly and keep it in an easy to access spot.
Multi-Tool
Think of a Swiss Army knife on steroids. This pocket size lifesaver is a handyman’s dream complete with screwdrivers, scissors, pliers, and even mini saws. If you have ever been stuck in your car with a jammed seatbelt or need to open a can of food at a camp, this tool will save the day.
Portable Power Bank
Dead phone battery is something that can happen to anyone and oftentimes emergencies come with a dead phone battery leaving you stranded and without a way to call for help. With a portable power bank, you’ll never be disconnected, even when the power grid gets disconnected. Choose ones with multiple charges and universal compatibility. According to one Pew Research Center study, most Americans use their phones to stay updated on emergency info, so a full battery phone can be a 21st century life saver.
Fire Extinguisher
It’s not just movies that have fires, they can start in kitchens, garages, even cars without warning. A compact home or vehicle fire extinguisher can be the game changer in containing small fire before it gets out of hand. One of these could make all the difference, and remember safety starts with preparation.
Emergency Whistle
If you’re trapped or lost, your voice will not travel far but a piercing whistle can be heard over long distances. This tool is invaluable for alerting rescuers to your location, because it’s lightweight, easy to carry, and won’t break if you drop it. Moreover, they require less energy.
Thermal Blanket
The thermal or emergency blanket may look like tinfoil, but it could save your life in extreme weather. If you find yourself in freezing cold temperatures, it’s a must have designed to retain body heat. If you’re snowed in the car (or stranded in any other way), staying warm is not up for debate.
Dust Mask
The air can become a choking hazard during emergencies such as wildfires or building collapses. Dust masks will filter out harmful particles to make it safer to breathe. Health officials have recommended N95 masks, which are particularly effective, during wildfire seasons throughout the US.
Duct Tape
What can’t duct tape fix? This versatile tool patches up broken items, seals drafts in an emergency shelter, and earns its place on the list. In survival moments and situations, creativity serves as a close ally and duct tape as the ultimate enabler of on-the-hop fixes.
Weather Radio
When the internet and cell towers are down, you stay informed with a hand crank or battery powered weather radio. Up-to-date weather alerts are broadcast by the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and will keep you informed as to when to hunker down or head out. In tornado prone areas, minutes of warning can save lives, which makes this tool very important.
Water Purification Tablets
A disaster may close access to water, and dehydration is a fast track to trouble. Water purification tablets are an easy way to clean unsafe water. They’re sworn by backpackers and survivalists alike, because they weigh next to nothing and can treat large quantities of water in minutes.
Fire Starter
Matches and lighters may be old school, but the ability to start a fire when you need it is invaluable. Warmth, light, and a method of cooking food comes from fire. Waterproof matches or a magnesium fire starter are better choices in less than ideal conditions.
Rope or Paracord
Tarps, towing, or even makeshift shelters can all be lifesavers, and a sturdy rope or paracord will do the trick. Ropes are the unsung hero in survival stories and they come through time and time again. Paracords have high tensile strength and are lightweight, so they are particularly useful.
Knife
One of the oldest and most reliable survival tools is a good quality knife. It’s an all purpose solution, cutting through tangled debris as well as preparing food, and earns its keep. Your knife could be your lifeline in emergencies, so keep it handy.
Portable Water Container
During an emergency, if you have to evacuate, clean water storage is critical. Collapsible water containers are a space saving solution, that when full, offer ample storage, but when empty fold flat. This way, you have these available to stock up on water when you can.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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