Sure, you have a first-aid kit and a couple cans of garbanzo beans. But, in our experience, it's always better to be over-prepared than not. Here, 22 things to keep on hand so you're ready for fire, flooding, zombies, cute zombies...anything that life throws your way.
Related: 7 Simple Storage Hacks That Cost $0
1. Three days' worth of nonperishable food
Protein bars, peanut butter and canned meats (think: tuna) work well.
2. Can opener
Because that would suck...
3. Water
The rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day for at least three days. (Four people in your family = 12 gallons of water on hand.)
4. Extra pet food and water
Because you don't want to share your peanut butter with Fido.
5. Flashlights and batteries
For the next storm, or shadow-puppet entertainment sesh.
6. Waterproof matches
We like Coghlan's, and for five dollars, it seems well worth the peace of mind.
7. Candles
Because you don't want to waste all your flashlight batteries, now do you?
8. Fire extinguisher
Ya know, 'cuz of the candles. And maybe watch a YouTube video on how to use it.
9. Fire escape ladder
Unless you're on the first floor...in which case: flood preparations.
10. Change of clothes in a knapsack
Quick: grab an outfit and a bag and run! Yeah....not that easy for us, either.
11. Extra set of house and car keys
Tucked away in a safe place that you won't forget.
12. Duct tape
For a quick busted pipe (or anything) fix.
13. Blanket
Winter is coming.
14. Copies of important documents in a waterproof container
Like your passport, insurance cards and any pertinent medical documents.
15. Pocket knife
For opening that awful battery packaging (or zombies).
16. Roll of toilet paper
You just never know.
17. Water purification tablets
OK, call us crazy, but if you forget the water...
18. Hand-crank radio
It's also just kind of adorable.
19. Notebook
This crazy thing people used to remember stuff with before apps.
20. Wipes
God forbid the toilet paper runs out.
21. Wine
Whether it's the end of the world or the end of the longest day of your life...one day you'll thank us.
22. Lipstick
In case the zombies are actually really hunky.
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