I grew up spending my summers in South Alabama. A few things you can always count on in a South Alabama Summer are snakes, unbearable heat, and bad weather. If the heat is that bad, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got good air conditioning to help you deal with it. If not, you may want to have a look on a website like https://indoorac.com as they might have the answers you’re looking for. However, when awful heat and bad weather collide, it can make for a miserable day because with bad weather comes power outages. A power outage in the heat is miserable. I have learned to keep a kit with summer emergency supplies to have on hand during the summer for when bad weather does happen.
13 Items to Put With Your Summer Emergency Supplies:
1. Emergency Flashlight.
I have an emergency flashlight like this. I keep it plugged in, and the LED light acts as a nightlight during the evenings as it is charging. The flashlight works for up to five hours. I love that it is a flashlight while it is charging so I don’t have to plug in another nightlight.
2. Emergency Candles.
It’s not always feasible to keep the flashlight on the entire time. Emergency candles can last up to over 100 hours! Many times the emergency candles are smokeless and odorless so they are safer to use than the big 3-wick candles that smell good.
3. Matches.
Be sure to keep a book of matches with your emergency kit. You can use the matches to light candles and to light a grill to be able to cook.
4. Radio.
I know most people check the weather from their phone or TV, but when the power is out, it’s best to save that cell phone battery for an emergency. Be sure to have a radio on hand to keep up with warnings and watches to keep your family safe.
5. Extra Batteries.
When I was younger, a hurricane came through and our power was out for THREE days. It was a LONG three days, and as you can imagine things got boring quickly and batteries died before the power came back on. Although, I doubt the power will be out for three days during this day and age, you never know. It’s always best to keep extra batteries for everything you need. Check to see which size batteries you need for the weather radio, flashlights, portable fans, and other items you may need to have extra.
6. Hand Sanitizer or Sanitizing Wipes.
As I’ve mentioned before, I live in South Alabama and we have a well. No, not that kind of old fashioned well. We just don’t have city water. Most of the time, I love having a well because we don’t have to pay for water. When the power goes out, we don’t have water because the well cannot pump the water into our house. I’ve learned to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes under the sinks in the bathroom and kitchen. When the power goes out, I pull out the bottle so we can still wash our hands but keep the water for when we really need it. Luckily, hand sanitizer is one item you can get for free or super cheap with coupons.
7. Board Games.
Keeping board games with your summer emergency supplies may sound silly; however, when you’re in hour 20 of no electricity and the kids can’t watch their favorite TV show, a board game is a good distraction. ???? Most board games do not use batteries, and your family can sit around a table with a candle in the middle so everyone can see. It’s something fun you can do with the family and it keeps the kids entertained.
8. Grill.
Even if grilling isn’t your thing, having a small grill on hand is a good idea. You never know when a storm will blow through causing you to lose electricity and then what is for dinner? That meat you put in the refrigerator to thaw out for dinner will soon be thaw and will go to ruin if the electricity is out for too long. Having a small grill will allow you to cook dinner for your family, and keep all of the perishables from being completely ruined. It also saves you money on having to eat out. Be sure to have an extra bag of charcoal or tank of propane gas on hand (depending on what kind of grill you have).
9. First Aid Kit.
Hopefully, you won’t have an emergency, but if you do, a first aid kit is a lifesaver. If you have an older first aid kit, make sure the antiseptic creams aren’t expired. You will also want to be sure you have plenty of band-aids, Nitrile Exam Gloves, gauze, and over the counter pain medications. If you’re looking for something more modern and fully-stocked so that you can be prepared for any urgent medical eventuality, then you might want to try this website to see what options they have available. It’s better to be safe than sorry! When choosing items for a first aid kit, you have to bear many things in mind. Of course you’ll need necessities like plasters, bandages, but items like first aid cream may also come in handy too.
10. Paper Goods.
When the power is out, you can’t wash dishes, but you still have to eat. Having paper products on hand is a good idea because it ensures you have items to eat with and on. Not to mention, clean up is easier.
Paper Goods:
- Paper Plates
- Plastic Cups
- Plastic Utensils (forks, spoons, and knives)
- Paper Towels
You don’t have to keep a lot of paper products on hand, but it’s a good idea to keep a small pack/box of each just in case.
11. Non-Perishable Foods.
It’s always a good idea to have some non-perishable foods with your summer emergency supplies. You will want to be sure to have enough foods to cover all day, because you don’t get to choose when the power goes out. Don’t forget to grab a manual can opener so you can open any canned food items.
Non-Perishable Foods Ideas:
- Peanut Butter
- Granola Bars
- Crackers
- Fruit Snacks (Gummies)
- Potted Meat
- Ready Made Meals
- Ramen Noodles
- Bottled Water
- Jerky
- Apple Sauce
12. Generator.
If you can afford it, a generator is a good item to have with your summer emergency supplies. These can be a little costly, but will power up a fan to give you some cool air, or another item you may need to use. You can purchase a small generator for a little over $100.00.
13. Diapers, Wipes, and Baby Products.
If you have a little one, be sure to stick a pack of diapers in your child’s size in your emergency kit. Don’t forget to add a pack or two of wipes, and baby food/snacks. If your baby is still drinking formula, purchase a few bottles of the ready-to-feed formula. It is easier to pack and use if you have to evacuate your house, and doesn’t require extra water.
Don’t wait to start a summer emergency supplies kit right before bad weather is heading your way. You will end up spending more money, and face the possibility of not being able to find these items.
