What to include in an emergency backpack and its use

Climate change is making the world an increasingly uncomfortable place. As a consequence of human carelessness or greed, situations arise that force us to be prepared. Floods, waves of polar cold or unbearable heat, tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires, earthquakes… everything forces us to take precautions we didn’t have before. It’s not about being alarmed, but it’s always good to be alert to face the imponderable.

O awesome.club wants to talk about recommendations that will help you put together a backpack with everything you need so that, in an emergency, you and your family can have the essentials at hand.

Compared to most of the problems we have to face, prevention is key. Both doctors, security experts and the media agree that prevention often saves us from various inconveniences in the face of an unexpected event. When we happen to run away from a catastrophe, for whatever reason, our survival will largely depend on the elements we have to get out of a bad situation.

That’s why we must always have a backpack prepared with everything that can help us in an emergency. But it’s not about filling it with things we like (like books, games, etc.), but with what we need to ensure survival. That’s why we must inform ourselves very well before fixing it.

For starters, it is important to choose a good quality backpack that is comfortable, light, but also sturdy. You don’t know how long you will have to carry it, so it is necessary that the weight or materials do not cause problems. In addition to the content, you must be demanding: it is preferable to spend a little more, but make sure you have the ideal backpack to carry everything your family needs.

For this, it is good that you look for a store that specializes in products for “camping”, with experience in relation to survival in risky situations. There they will know how to give you the best tips. Remember that the contents to be carried must not exceed 8 kg, as if it is heavier, it will be very difficult to carry it. On the other hand, try to have what it takes to face a day away from home.

Needs change according to the age of family members. A person over 70 will obviously have other requirements than a 20-year-old. However, there are elements that must be in the backpack, regardless of age:

potable water; first-aid box with gauze, disinfectants, adhesive tapes, alcohol, pain relievers, antipyretic, bandages, water purification tablets; shoes and warm clothes; battery-powered radio; documents; basic hygiene products: toilet paper and disinfectant soap; some object that can be heard at a long distance: a small vuvuzela, for example, or a whistle; a battery-operated emergency light; canned or non-perishable foods; stacks; multi-purpose knife (it is essential to include a can opener); sanitary pads.

At this point, it is vital to meet all the basic needs of the elderly in our family. We must have prepared everything that is part of your medication routine. In addition, it is advisable to add adult diapers and a folding cane.

In the case of the youngest, it is important to add instant powdered milk, bottle, products to prepare baby food and diapers. It is also advisable to include some pediatric medications to deal with upset stomach or gastric problems common in babies.

Of course, prevention also includes our furry loved ones. Therefore, it is also necessary to think about the needs of pets in case of an emergency. You will have to take some food, a small blanket to wrap them in in case of very cold, a container to serve water, another for food, collar and leash with the names and contact telephone number.

It is important to leave a space for content that will be useful if our stay away from home is extended for more than one day. I hope you never need to use it, but as we said, prevention is the most important thing. You can also include what will be most relevant as the days go by. That is: bottles of mineral water, canned food, medicines and spare parts for hygiene products.

Have you ever faced an unexpected situation that forced you to leave home? How did you act? What preventive measures do you take to prepare for possible emergencies? Please tell us in the comments.