According to FEMA, 60% of Americans are not prepared for disaster. One of the ways to make sure you are prepared is ensuring you have survival items in your home. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner getting your first kit together, or you’re just looking for a few more essentials, it’s always a good idea to have a checklist from your local hardware store. Ideal Supplies in Covington, KY, has listed their top five must-have survival items that you should keep handy.

Top 5 Survival Items From Your Hardware Store

1. Toolkit

A basic toolkit will have a lot of items on any survival list all in one place. Your kit should include at a bare minimum: a hammer, wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a nail set, and a flashlight. This is essential in case anything breaks down in your home during a disaster.

2. First-Aid Kit

Similar to a toolkit, this is an essential item that has many things you need if you can’t get to the doctor. Your first-aid kit should include gauze, alcohol wipes, band-aids, and various ointments in case of bites, scrapes or cuts. You may also want to include various over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, ibuprofen, stomach medicine, epinephrine, or an inhaler, depending on your healthcare needs.

3. Sand & Gravel 

Sand and gravel should be kept outside to help keep your home dry in case of flooding or even to create a makeshift filter to purify water in a pinch. Keep these landscape supplies in your garage or close to your home for easy access in case of a natural disaster.

4. Propane

It’s a good idea to have a container of propane if you have a gas stove or heater and are unable to leave your home in case of a natural disaster or inclement weather. Make sure you store it in a well-ventilated location in a cool area for safety purposes.

5. Bungee Cords

Bungee cords have multiple uses in a disaster situation. They can forcibly hold a door closed during heavy wind and rain, be used to build a makeshift shelter, and can even make help to make a headlamp in case you lose power. Pick up a few of these in various sizes the next time you go to your hardware store.

We never know when disaster is going to strike, but as the old adage goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” That’s why it’s important to prepare survival items from your local hardware store, so you’ll be ready no matter what happens. You can learn more about how to prepare for a disaster online or get more information about Ideal Supplies, a True Value® hardware store, by calling (859) 491-6666.