# So, what should a home emergency kit contain? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 2, 2005, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692 "2005-09-02T03:14:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Excalibre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@Excalibre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Excalibre)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/21 "2005-09-02T16:16:01Z")
> [@CynicalGabe](#): > > condoms, semiautomatic weapons, and several bottles of vodka You could have a good time in Vegas with that stuff. \ ---
**Author:** ![FlyingRamenMonster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@FlyingRamenMonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyingRamenMonster)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/22 "2005-09-02T16:39:43Z")
Back in Vancouver we were told to keep some glowsticks in our kit in case gas lines were ruptured after an earthquake, in which case the spark from a torch might cause an explosion. Basically, you were supposed to use glowsticks until you were sure the gas was fine. I’m not talking about those carnival things either, I’m talking about the big, thick kind specifically designed to provide light. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/23 "2005-09-02T16:51:29Z")
Here’s what I have in mine: [ul] [li]fire extinguisher[/li][li]flare gun and flares[/li][li]two empty five gallon cans, suitable for gas or water[/li][li]25 gallons of water[/li][li]water distillation kit and purification tablets[/li][li]two can-openers[/li][li]one case Sterno cans[/li][li]15 pounds canned Spam[/li][li]15 pounds canned tuna[/li][li]30 pounds canned assorted cooked vegetables[/li][li]powered milk and baby formula[/li][li]2 complete first aid kits, including syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal[/li][li]1 sting kit with epinephrine[/li][li]small collection of antibiotics and sulfa powder[/li][li]supply of batteries[/li][li]battery-operated shock-resistant radio [/li][li]handheld CB radio[/li][li]tool kit[/li][li]six rolls duct tape[/li][li]waterproof matches[/li][li]candles[/li][li]Coleman lantern and fuel[/li][li]compass and handheld GPS[/li][li]toilet paper and moist towelettes[/li][li]tampons[/li][li]three sleeping bags[/li][li]rain ponchos[/li][li]work gloves and work boots[/li][li]utility and hunting knives[/li][li]shovel, pick, spade[/li][li]12 ga. shotgun and shells - buck and birdshot[/li][li]15 Canadian maple-leaf gold coins[/li][li]$1500 cash[/li][/ul] On the budget to buy this year: satellite phone. I firmly believe luck favors the prepared. ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/24 "2005-09-02T16:59:57Z")
Water and food are obviously important. But once people learn that you have these things, you home _will_ be raided. That’s why **guns** and **ammo** should be at the _top_ of your list, as they are tools to help protect your _other_ stuff. Everyone should have at least one center-fire rifle and at least 1000 rounds of ammo. Personally, I wouldn’t feel safe without a .308 main battle rifle (such as an M-14 or FAL) and at least 10,000 rounds of ammo. But that’s just me. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/25 "2005-09-02T17:07:54Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > Water and food are obviously important. But once people learn that you have these things, you home _will_ be raided. > > That’s why **guns** and **ammo** should be at the _top_ of your list, as they are tools to help protect your _other_ stuff. Everyone should have at least one center-fire rifle and at least 1000 rounds of ammo. Personally, I wouldn’t feel safe without a .308 main battle rifle (such as an M-14 or FAL) and at least 10,000 rounds of ammo. But that’s just me. 😃 I own other firearms. But the shotgun is part of the emergency kit for a reason: four-ought buckshot is good out to about 60 yards, and whatever you hit is going DOWN. I believe it’s an excellent tool to defend the home against even a marauding gang. As tempting as my supplies might be… it would quickly be apparent that it would be cheaper to find them elsewhere. I have to admit that the past week has been kind of spooky. I’ve kept an emergency kit for over fifteen years, always knowing how unlikely it was in this country that I’d ever actually need it. This week, I’ve reconsidered that likelihood. Very sobering. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Woo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7c8e57/32.png) [@Dr.Woo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Woo)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/26 "2005-09-02T22:47:36Z")
> [@CynicalGabe](#): > > condoms, semiautomatic weapons, and several bottles of vodka Ha! When I got home immediately following the Loma Prieta quake in 1989 my husband was out on the front lawn with the following items: - The kid - The dog - A bottle of Scotch and crystal (!?!) glasses - All the camping equipment - The Mossberg “abbreviated barrel” shotgun The Scotch definitely came in handy later on. I must say that all this time I’ve kinda given him the hairy eyeball about the gun, but after seeing this week’s events in NO, I must concede that an important part of any disaster kit is some form of self defense. I believe Bricker mentioned cash: this is very important. ATMs will likely not be working after a disaster. The other thing I would include that I didn’t see on any lists on this thread is pet food and any medication/peripherals for your pet. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/27 "2005-09-02T23:14:47Z")
[QUOTE=Bricker] [li]1 sting kit with epinephrine[/li][/QUOTE] I have just spoken to a state-licensed Pharmacist in Reston, Virginia. He informed me that it is a violation of Virginia law to possess epinephrine in any form unless prescribed by a physician. Furthermore, according to this gentleman ( and confirmed in a call to a second pharmacy in Virginia), it is illegal to _obtain_ it by any means other than a prescription issued by a physician. Period. So either you’ve got Epi-Pens laying around in your emergency shelter kit that are A) legally prescribed and B) not expired ( according to the Pharmacist I just spoke with, their shelflife is roughly 12-18 months), or you might need to just cross epinephrine off that list. Benadryl, as I mentioned in my list, is a reasonable substitute and is an over-the-counter medication readily available in most if not all states in the USA. ( Dunno about other countries, perhaps you can indeed purchase epinephrine over the counter ). Cartooniverse ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/28 "2005-09-02T23:17:11Z")
Added thought- Helpful tip to anyone who **does** have an Epi-Pen or other syringe-delivered epinephrine at home: The expiration dates are a good thing to go by, but the first Pharmacist informed me that it is usually good to use even if it’s past date, as long as there is no brown coloring to the liquid. Once it starts to attain a brownish tinge, it is not safe to inject at all. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2005, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/29 "2005-09-02T23:19:49Z")
Freakin’ cut and paste. Argh. This shoulda been up there. Upon a bit of thought, it’s worth mentioning that Benadryl does NOT replace epinephrine. Benadryl will certainly help to control a mild to moderate allergic reaction. It cannot suppress anaphylaxis fast enough to save you from choking on a blocked airway. Epinephrine is what ya want there ( and, a few new sterile syringe sets ) - but as I mentioned above, it’s not over the counter. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/30 "2005-09-03T00:35:46Z")
Minimally, duct tape. Beyond that, equip based on your knowledge and training for anticipated situations. If all else fails, just start licking some morphine sulphate. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/31 "2005-09-03T00:36:35Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Here’s what I have in mine: > > [ul] > [li]15 Canadian maple-leaf gold coins[/li][li]$1500 cash[/li][/ul] Uh… where did you say you live again? Street address should be enough… ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/32 "2005-09-03T01:18:51Z")
> [@Sam Stone](#): > > Snoop Dogg, is that you? One must always be prepared for a disasterizzle. ---
**Author:** ![Innuendo\_Hunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Innuendo\_Hunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Innuendo_Hunter)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/33 "2005-09-03T01:44:58Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Here’s what I have in mine: > > [ul] > [li]fire extinguisher[/li][li]flare gun and flares[/li][li]two empty five gallon cans, suitable for gas or water[/li][li]25 gallons of water[/li][li]water distillation kit and purification tablets[/li][li]two can-openers[/li][li]one case Sterno cans[/li][li]15 pounds canned Spam[/li][li]15 pounds canned tuna[/li][li]30 pounds canned assorted cooked vegetables[/li][li]powered milk and baby formula[/li][li]2 complete first aid kits, including syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal[/li][li]1 sting kit with epinephrine[/li][li]small collection of antibiotics and sulfa powder[/li][li]supply of batteries[/li][li]battery-operated shock-resistant radio [/li][li]handheld CB radio[/li][li]tool kit[/li][li]six rolls duct tape[/li][li]waterproof matches[/li][li]candles[/li][li]Coleman lantern and fuel[/li][li]compass and handheld GPS[/li][li]toilet paper and moist towelettes[/li][li]tampons[/li][li]three sleeping bags[/li][li]rain ponchos[/li][li]work gloves and work boots[/li][li]utility and hunting knives[/li][li]shovel, pick, spade[/li][li]12 ga. shotgun and shells - buck and birdshot[/li][li]15 Canadian maple-leaf gold coins[/li][li]$1500 cash[/li][/ul] > > On the budget to buy this year: satellite phone. > > I firmly believe luck favors the prepared. Wow, that’s some disaster kit! :eek: Good job. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/34 "2005-09-03T02:04:36Z")
> [@Cartooniverse](#): > > I have just spoken to a state-licensed Pharmacist in Reston, Virginia. He informed me that it is a violation of Virginia law to possess epinephrine in any form unless prescribed by a physician. Furthermore, according to this gentleman ( and confirmed in a call to a second pharmacy in Virginia), it is illegal to _obtain_ it by any means other than a prescription issued by a physician. Period. > > So either you’ve got Epi-Pens laying around in your emergency shelter kit that are A) legally prescribed and B) not expired ( according to the Pharmacist I just spoke with, their shelflife is roughly 12-18 months), or you might need to just cross epinephrine off that list. I have a family member who is allergic to beestings. My sting kit was procured and is possessed legally. ---
**Author:** ![CBEscapee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b19c9b/32.png) [@CBEscapee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CBEscapee)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/35 "2005-09-03T02:24:03Z")
Add a good mosquito repellant to the above kits. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/36 "2005-09-03T02:31:41Z")
> [@CBEscapee](#): > > Add a good mosquito repellant to the above kits. That’s a good idea. I, personally, seem to have little luck with mosquito repellant – whatever I put on just seems to act as a flavor enhancer for the little bastards. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/37 "2005-09-03T02:46:15Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > That’s a good idea. I, personally, seem to have little luck with mosquito repellant – whatever I put on just seems to act as a flavor enhancer for the little bastards. You want the stuff with the highest content of DEET you can find. It’s the only thing that works. Take it from someone who spent several summers planting trees in interior BC. Personally, I think I’ll stick with my farm strategy for the emergency plan. ---
**Author:** ![rainy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c2a13f/32.png) [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/38 "2005-09-03T03:14:13Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > I have a family member who is allergic to beestings. My sting kit was procured and is possessed legally. I’m a (relatively new) beekeeper and have been told by others in our beekeeping club that you can go to your doctor and tell them you want to have a pen on hand in case anyone gets stung on your property and they don’t have their own pen. If this is true (I haven’t tried to do so yet, but should) could you explain your need to your doctor and get a prescription for one? -rainy ---
**Author:** ![rainy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c2a13f/32.png) [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/39 "2005-09-03T03:21:12Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Here’s what I have in mine: > > [impressive list] > > I firmly believe luck favors the prepared. Obviously this is a holed up in the house kit (and an impressive one I might add) but this week’s events point out either having a way to haul such a collection of survival goodies, or a pre-packed smaller version to take to the rooftop with you. Anybody got any good ideas for ways to make these things really portable? -rainy Because you never know when…cue Burt Gummer: “Food for five years, a thousand gallons of gas, air filtration, water filtration, Geiger counter. Bomb shelter! Underground… God damn monsters.” ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2005, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692/40 "2005-09-03T03:24:38Z")
> [@rainy](#): > > I’m a (relatively new) beekeeper and have been told by others in our beekeeping club that you can go to your doctor and tell them you want to have a pen on hand in case anyone gets stung on your property and they don’t have their own pen. If this is true (I haven’t tried to do so yet, but should) could you explain your need to your doctor and get a prescription for one? > > -rainy I have no idea if that’s true or not, and since I didn’t need to explore alternative means to get the kit, I didn’t. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-a-home-emergency-kit-contain/319692.md?page=3)