Prepare
for random wildfires and earthquakes by assembling a few essential
pieces of equipment. You may never have to use your emergency gear,
but it feels good to own the important survival items every family
needs. The following are five must-have items to add to your
emergency supply kit.
1.
Axe
A
sharp axe can be a true lifesaver. Axes can be used to clear debris
from an evacuation route or driveway, fight fire, open up a collapsed
building for search and rescue, escape a roof, and chop firewood.
You
may believe that a chainsaw is a more practical choice for tree and
limb removal. However, a chainsaw has several drawbacks that make it
useless in some emergency situations. For example, chainsaws can't be
used when fuel (or power) is not available or when conditions are too
dry for sparks.
In
addition, a chainsaw is more difficult to sharpen or carry in your
vehicle when evacuating. A well-made axe is easy to sharpen and
transport when you need to escape or help others.
2.
Shovel
A
shovel is another highly useful tool to have on hand during
disasters. Shovels help you perform a number of tasks before, during,
and after emergencies.
Use
a shovel to:
- Dig a dirt trench
to limit fire spread.
- Move hot coals to a
metal bin.
- Throw dirt on top
of small flames.
- Dig through rubble.
A
long-handled shovel is useful for moving trash, decayed animal
carcasses, and other unpleasant items after a disaster. You can use a
shovel to clear hot embers and branches from your roof as long as you
also have a safe ladder and another person to spot you.
3.
Hand Tools
A
fully-stocked hand-tool kit is a great resource during an emergency.
If you don't have a tool kit, start building a set of useful items
now.
For
example, you may think you'll never need a 12-inch crescent wrench.
However, a crescent wrench turns out to be one of the most useful
tools when you need to quickly shut off water mains and other
utilities. No other hand tool compares. You may only need to use the
wrench once a year, but the tool will make easy work of the task at
hand.
Additional
tools to acquire for emergencies include:
- Small handsaw
- Set of screwdrivers
with assorted tips
- Set of sockets and
socket wrench
- Small and large
pliers
- Hammer and mallet
- Utility knife and
scissors
- Staple gun
When
you have a full selection of tools, you can assemble and disassemble
furnishings, board up windows, and do minor repairs on household
items. In emergency situations, your tools aid in your survival until
help arrives.
4.
Rope
Sturdy
rope can get you out of a lot of pinches. Use rope to secure the dog,
pull a fallen tree limb off the road, erect a temporary shelter, or
rescue someone in deep water.
Experts
recommend that you purchase 1/2-inch nylon rope with a minimum length
of 50 feet. The long run of rope can be used to secure a tarp on a
damaged roof or tow a disabled vehicle for a short distance when
clearing roads for first responders.
5.
Water and Sanitation Tools
Purchase
a large, food-safe container to hold water during emergencies. Find a
container with a drain and an easy-to-use spout for cooking,
cleaning, and hygiene.
If
your water service or well is out of commission, you may be able to
flush toilets by pouring water directly into the bowl. However,
you'll use a lot of water, and your drainpipes may clog if your
septic pump or sewer lines are damaged.
Assemble
your own disaster restroom kit. Purchase a portable toilet made of a
seat and five-gallon bucket. Purchase several bales of cedar shavings
or other animal bedding. Use the shavings or sawdust in the bucket to
help the waste materials clump, and empty the soiled sawdust in trash
bags or your compost heap (if allowed in your area).
Gather
the preparedness tools you need by contacting Koontz Hardware today.
Browse the tools
in our West Hollywood, California, store,
or call us and tell us what you need shipped to your address.
