{"id":58971,"date":"2025-07-10T09:34:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T16:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/?p=58971"},"modified":"2025-07-10T14:56:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T21:56:08","slug":"build-an-emergency-tool-kit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/news\/build-an-emergency-tool-kit\/","title":{"rendered":"Build an Emergency Tool Kit Before You Need It"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"article\">\n\t<header class=\"header\">\n\t\t<span class=\"type\"><\/span>\t\t<h1>Build an Emergency Tool Kit Before You Need It<\/h1>\t\t<time>July 10, 2025<\/time>\n\t<\/header>\n\t<div id=\"block_1b992e575bc18cafbafa6735985a50a0\" class=\"shs-block block-news-article entry-content\">\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<p>In a world full of possibilities, being ready for the unexpected is both smart and important to your safety. From power outages to natural disasters and everyday surprises at home, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEmergencies come in all shapes and sizes, and when disaster strikes, it often causes chaos, stress and anxiety,\u201d said Tyler Smith, Emergency Management coordinator. \u201cThat\u2019s why we\u2019ve put together a list of essential emergency tools every household can benefit from, so you can face whatever comes your way with confidence, knowing you have the right tools for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Household Items for an Emergency Tool Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gas and water shutoff wrench.<\/strong>&nbsp;Know how to turn off utilities in an emergency. In the event of a natural disaster, fire or plumbing issue, knowing how to safely shut off your utilities can prevent further damage and ensure your family&#8217;s safety. Many people don&#8217;t realize the importance of these steps until it\u2019s too late.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flashlight and batteries.<\/strong>&nbsp;When the lights go out, a reliable flashlight becomes your best friend. Stock up on high-quality flashlights and extra batteries. Rechargeable LED models are energy-efficient and long-lasting, providing a bright beam when you need it most.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife.\u00a0<\/strong>A compact multi-tool can save the day in countless situations. Whether it\u2019s tightening screws, opening bottles or cutting rope, these versatile tools come equipped with everything from knives and pliers to screwdrivers and can openers. Keep one in your emergency kit and another in your vehicle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Battery-powered radio.<\/strong>&nbsp;A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is vital for staying informed during emergencies. Whether it&#8217;s a severe weather event or power outage, radio broadcasts can provide critical information when other communication systems fail.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emergency blanket.<\/strong>&nbsp;When temperatures drop, staying warm is essential. Emergency mylar blankets reflect heat and provide warmth without the bulk of traditional blankets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water filtration system.<\/strong>&nbsp;Having a portable water filtration system is critical when the water supply is contaminated. Whether a natural disaster or compromised water supply, being able to purify water can be a lifesaver. This can be as simple as purifying tablets or a purifying straw. Take a look at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/samhealth.sharepoint.com\/sites\/Well-Informed\/SitePages\/Emergency-Management--Water-During-a-Disaster.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Emergency Management: Water During a Disaster<\/a> for more tips on water during an emergency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Portable phone charger.<\/strong>&nbsp;Cell phones are lifelines during emergencies and keeping a portable charger ensures you can stay connected during a power outage.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTake time now to ensure your household is ready, and don\u2019t forget to check your supplies regularly,\u201d Smith said. \u201cStay safe, stay prepared, and feel free to reach out to Samaritan\u2019s Emergency Management team if you need further advice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<aside>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/emergency-preparation-car-kit-CO.jpg\" class=\"attachment-cta size-cta wp-post-image\" alt=\"Man putting an emergency took kit in his car. His basket includes water, a radio food and other supplies.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/emergency-preparation-car-kit-CO.jpg 360w, https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/emergency-preparation-car-kit-CO-300x250.jpg 300w, https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/emergency-preparation-car-kit-CO-120x100.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/checklist-of-emergency-items-CO.jpg\" class=\"attachment-cta size-cta\" alt=\"A list for an emergency tool kit along with various supplies on a table.\" \/><\/figure>\t\t<\/aside>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"block_e0af68a08d7a7829c7b80df5c4efa261\" class=\"shs-block block-section grid-container has-blue-light-background-color\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-content\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Resources to Build an Emergency Tool Kit <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many excellent resources for building an emergency kit. Planning ahead will help you have what you need when it matters most \u2014 so you focus on how to respond to an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/disability-emergency-preparedness\/people-with-disabilities\/build-a-kit.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Building an Emergency Kit<\/a> (CDC).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redcross.org\/get-help\/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies\/survival-kit-supplies.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Red Cross Supply List<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/owlie\/emergencysupplieskit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Emergency Supplies List &#8211; National Weather Service<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ready.gov\/kit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Build a Kit &#8211; Ready.gov<\/a> (Additional languages available).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.state.gov\/global-community-liaison-office\/crisis-management\/packing-a-go-bag-and-a-stay-bag\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Packing a Go &amp; Stay Bag &#8211; U.S. Department of State<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A disaster can strike without warning. Preparing an emergency tool kit can keep you ready when it matters most. Learn what to pack and why preparation can make a difference when every second counts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":59113,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_shs_workflow_notes":"","_shs_exclude_from_navigation":false,"_shs_promote_article_on_blogs":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"news-topics":[293],"news-types":[270],"services":[230,265],"specialty":[57],"class_list":["post-58971","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","news-topics-wellness","news-types-feature-article","services-cardiac-rehabilitation","services-walk-in-same-day-care","specialty-critical-care"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58971","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58971"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58971\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58971"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58971"},{"taxonomy":"news-topics","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-topics?post=58971"},{"taxonomy":"news-types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-types?post=58971"},{"taxonomy":"services","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services?post=58971"},{"taxonomy":"specialty","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samhealth.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/specialty?post=58971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}