Bargain Babe: DIY Emergency Kit for Less Than $25

By Julia Scott, April 26, 2010

Does the recent rash of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, mudslides, and tornadoes have you running for cover or worrying that you won’t have supplies in an emergency — or that they’ll be sold at a premium?

The good news is, at least the rash of major earthquakes across the globe is just a coincidence, experts say. “With six major earthquakes striking in the first four months of this year, 2010 is well within the normal range,” according to a press release from the United States Geological Survey. It’s normal to have 16 earthquakes per year, and the globe has seen 18 major ones within the past 12 months.

Just to be safe, I put together an emergency disaster kit, which everyone should have even if they don’t live in earthquake country. I put together my disaster kit for less than $22 — with 49 items in it! A good place to stash your emergency kit is in your car, which is usually with you.

Use this list as a starting point for assembling your own disaster kit. You’ll be surprised how many items you have sitting around your house. (I pulled the following from my closets and shelves.)

Clothing
Include an extra pair of shoes, socks, T-shirt, light sweater, underwear, old towel, large wrap that can be used as a blanket or a skirt, and a very sturdy reusable bag to hold everything.

Toiletries
Pack an extra toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, lip balm, bar of soap, lotion, an elastic bandage, ear plugs, rubbing alcohol, and common medicines (aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, an OTC sleep aid, generic Zyrtec, generic Excedrin).

Miscellaneous
A gallon jug of water, a chocolate bar, three plastic bags, my old pair of eyeglasses and a Frisbee, which can be used as a plate, sunshield, water collector, and levity.

Then I headed to my local dollar store, spending less than $22 on:

Medical Supplies
A pack of five face masks (natural disasters often create bad air quality), antibiotic ointment, gauze rolls, medical tape, a mini-first aid kit, band aids, and a tube of hand sanitizer

Food
Four cans of tuna, a peel-away tin of fish steaks, corn nuts, beef jerky, mini-100 Grand candy bars, and a can of peanuts. I have extra food and water in my basement. When estimating how much water you will need, plan for one gallon per person per day. To sterilize water, bring it to a rapid boil for 5 to 10 minutes.

Tools, Etc.
Three bungee cords, a roll of toilet paper, and matches.

Cash & VIP Papers
I also put $100 cash in low bills into an envelope (which actually makes my disaster kit $122 total). My emergency kit is still missing a spare pair of pants, more water, additional first aid bandages, a flashlight and batteries, a whistle, and a can opener. I also need to make copies of important papers like my medical and car insurance, birth certificate, doctor’s name and phone number, and passport.

It’s obviously better to have an emergency kit than to not have one. If assembling a disaster kit isn’t practical for you, buy one. Bargain Babe readers get 10 percent off at EmergencyCafe.com with coupon code VAL10 through May 31, 2010. You can also find ready-made emergency kits at national chain stores like Costco.

Aside from having food, water, and other necessary supplies, you can prepare for an emergency by creating an evacuation plan with your family. Check to see what the evacuation plan is for your child’s school or public buildings. Know where your home’s shut-off valves are located for your gas and water lines and know how to use them. Keep a gas shut-off tool next to your gas line. Teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1, police or fire departments, and which radio station to tune in to for emergency information.

No matter what, if you find yourself in a disaster situation, remain calm.

Here are some additional suggestions from BargainBabe.com readers:

Cindy reminds us to pack extra food for our pets, as well!

Karla points out that some communities have annual safety fairs, at which you can find free emergency kit items like rubber gloves, water bottles — even flashlights.

Bobbi considers Duct tape and a sewing kit both musts, the latter of which is usually free from a hotel stay.

E. says parents should think about packing a deck of cards and/or small toys to keep kids entertained.

Junie suggests packing a pocket knife.

Cori suggests a solar radio/cell phone charger.

Do you have an emergency kit ready? What’s in it? What must-have items did we miss?