Disasters happen every day, which is why everyone needs to be prepared for the unexpected. In the past week alone, Michigan was hit by three tornadoes, while Baltimore was uncharacteristically the site of two earthquakes. Fortunately, neither of those natural disasters resulted in fatalities, but many lives were turned upside down, and having the right medical kits, emergency water supplies, and canned foods can make a terrible situation more tolerable.
Bob Newman, a Batten Safe expert and former Navy SEAL who has trained in survival under inhospitable conditions, says, “Disasters come in every imaginable form and often are unimaginable. You have to be ready before they happen, not after.” “Everything from basic medical supplies to food and water has to be in your possession in case you find yourself in the crosshairs of a disaster,” notes Newman. He adds, “Practically every day in America, there’s another tragedy, and with a little readiness, it need not be catastrophic.”
Newman recommends a variety of products, which are available through affiliates on Batten Safe. There are several first aid kits that range in price and in a number of supplies that he handpicked for the company. On the lower end is the compact and water-resistant MyMedic: Solo First Aid Kit for just $50.
The kit comes with 45 supplies, including bandages, antibiotics, pain relievers, sunburn medicine, scissors, a tourniquet, and more. “It’s a real value,” says Newman. “Thankfully, no one was killed by the recent disasters, but a small first aid bag like MyMedic’s certainly can come in handy for those who sustained injuries during them,” adds Newman.
In the mid-price range is MyMedic’s more robust Advanced First Aid Kit, which features 400 disaster supplies at a cost of $100. It has everything in the solo kit, along with medical products for treating severe burns, bleeding, sprains, and fractures. “It’s got scalpels, splints, tubing to clear nasal passages, sterilizers, a light stick, a thermometer, a whistle, a survival blanket, you name it,” shares Newman. And for military and first-responder grade disaster assistance, there’s MyMedic’s Recon Med Kit for $250.
Batten Safe’s disaster expert says, “Even if there are no serious injuries, often following a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake, food supplies and water contamination come into play.” Among Newman’s top picks is WaterBasics’ 60-gallon collapsible water tank. Easy to fold up and store anywhere, the box-shaped emergency water vessel comes with a filter that’s certified to EPA and NSF/ANSI standards to ensure desperately needed water is virus-, pathogen-, and bacteria-free.
The system also reduces chemicals and chlorine in the water to make it more potable, with less odor and more taste and clarity. “Yes, it costs $200, but that’s the price of peace of mind,” offers Newman. He also shares, “The WaterBasic’s product is very easy to hand pump the water out of when needed.”
On occasion, food is also in short supply during a disaster. One simple solution is the variety of products from Nutrient Survival. The 72-hour food kit for $280, for instance, can easily feed a family of four for three days.
Complete with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, the canned meals come in a number of popular flavors, including, Triple Cheese Mac, Homestyle Scramble, and Southwestern Medley, as well as assorted treats such as Maple Almond Grain Crunch and Chocolate Grain Crunch. Plus, they can be easily stored for as long as 25 years. Batten’s expert Newman stresses, “Having canned food that provides enough energy for you is a must during disasters.”
While there’s often no way to anticipate a natural disaster, like the recent earthquake and tornadoes, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be ready for one. Regardless of the specific products you buy, it’s crucial each home has sufficient first aid supplies, food, and drinkable water. “Although you cannot fully protect yourself against a disaster, you can 100 percent prepare for them,” advises Newman.
Prepare today for peace of mind tomorrow.
Get occasional tips about keeping your family and home safe — delivered to your inbox.
Disclaimer: Batten Safe receives a portion of sales from the products mentioned in the above article. However, the company only sells products that it has thoroughly tested and is satisfied meets its high criteria.
Preparation is the key to resilience in the face of disasters. The variety of emergencies we face today, each with its unique challenges, demands a tailored approach to readiness. From compact first aid kits for immediate medical response to durable water tanks ensuring safe drinking water, the right tools can significantly mitigate the impact of any crisis. Given that FEMA emphasizes the importance of being prepared for at least 72 hours following a disaster, having a well-thought-out plan and the necessary supplies on hand is crucial for survival and recovery.
– Eddie Penney Emergency Prep Expert
SOURCES:
Rahal, Nour. “NWS Confirms Three Tornadoes in Michigan Following Severe Storms.” Detroit Free Press, 27 June 2021.
Croft, Jay. “2 Earthquakes in 3 Days Rattle… Baltimore.” CNN, 27 June 2021.
Bob Newman’s biography is in the “About Us” section of the Batten Safe website.
