If you had asked me a few days ago, what I would do if I were to get hurt and was unable to visit urgent care in a timely fashion, I’d have no reasonable plan. If you then asked me what I’d do if the electricity turned off for longer than an hour, my answer would have been no better. I have no flashlight. But I do have a few extra rolls of toilet paper that might come in handy.
To be THIS unprepared for emergencies in the midst of a real coronavirus pandemic, is just unacceptable. Seriously, I (and most of my city dwelling friends) wouldn’t be able to survive any serious situation or accident if they were to happen. (Knock on wood!)
So with the help of Google search, a few survivalist and prepping websites, and advice from my military friends, I made my own DIY emergency supply pack — adding items to my Amazon wishlist as I went along. I focused on items I’d need under ANY circumstances, not just shelter-in-place scenarios. I also kept quantities to 1-2 boxes or units based on their size and quantity. As you will see throughout this website, I’m 100% against hoarding!
I shared this Amazon wishlist with my friends to help them get more prepared and they loved it. I hope it comes in handy for you as well.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commission from qualified purchases.
DIY Emergency Supply Starter Pack
Typically most first aid kits are full of generic bandages and generic medicine. But there’s more to surviving an emergency than a flesh colored band-aid. Below are basic items I’ve added to my own personal DIY pack.
1. AA Batteries
2. AAA Batteries
3. Duct Tape
4. Local Road Map
5. Pill/Medicine Case
6. Emergency Space Blanket
7. Rolled Splint
8. Tourniquet (optional; slightly expensive)
9. Bandage Scissors
10. Trash Bags
11. First Aid Ointment (Neosporin)
12. Burn Cream
13. Not shown: Bic Lighters.
Don’t laugh at my specific choices for batteries. I did my research and found this awesome test review by CinemaSound of over 30 AA batteries. I decided the Rayovac and Radio Shack batteries fit my needs best (along with price and availability on the day I order). You might decide to buy a different brand but the time you read this article.
And yes, I also researched rather matches or lighters were best for emergencies, and lighters won. I chose the Bic brand because they’re both dependable and cheap.
Pads & Bandages
Why by a flimsy first-aid kit that only includes 50 generic bandaids, 4-gauze pads, 2-triangular bandages, and one roll of ace bandages when you could buy a box of each for less. I researched the most affordable inclusions and then cross-checked them against both Amazon reviews and online reviews by other survivalists. This is what I finally chose:
14. Adhesive Wrap Bandages (5-yd rolls)
15. Sterile Combine Pads (5×9″)
16. Celox Hemostatic Powder – Clots bleeding
17. Sterile Non-Adherent Pads (3×4″)
18. Non-Sterile Gauze Bandage Rolls (3 or 4″ wide)
19. Triangular Bandages
20. Fabric Adhesive Bandages (Band-aids)
21. Surgical Tape
22. Sterile Gauze Pads (4×4″)
Not shown but still on my list are: Adult and Child CPR masks, butterfly wound closures, antiseptic spray, more band-aids, and a first-aid pamphlet or guide. I was trying to keep my first Amazon shipment under $200 and chose to leave these items off until another paycheck.
Additional Utility Tools
23. Flashlight
24. Portable Solar Weather Radio
25. Multi-tool/Pocket Knife
26. Not Shown: Solar-powered charger
I admit these last few items are my favorites. After researching the best budget flashlight (I’m not the only one asking this question!), I finally chose the bestselling J5 Tactical 300 lumen flashlight which requires only one AA battery. I’m definitely getting a second one for my car.
The Kaito Voyager Weather Radio is both solar-powered, battery-powered and hand-cranked. And who doesn’t want to feel like MacGyver with this green multi-use tool.
You may have noticed that face masks and gloves are missing from my list. Currently, there are serious ethical questions around buying these items in bulk when doctors, nurses, medical personnel, and emergency responders need them. I’ll save my “non-hoarding” thoughts on that topic for another post.
Emergency Supply Storage
Right now, I’m storing everything in a large reusable shopping bag. This is neither efficient or convenient to carry. So, I have to decide if I will pack everything in my heavy-duty hiking backpack or another bag or box I own. I’ll probably make a few mini-packs using gallon-sized ziplock bags too. I’ll update this post when the final pack has been filled.
What’s In Your DIY Emergency Supply Kit?
- Tag me on Instagram at @blackgirlsurvivalist or Twitter @blackgirllist with pictures of your DIY kits!
- Email me at thelist@blackgirlsurvivalist.com with any questions or comments about my emergency supply list.
I’d love to get your comments!
Great list to start the conversation with! Can’t wait to see the what’s next!!!
Great list!