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Emergency Prep Essentials

It’s not fun to think about, but cr@p happens and one day you may find yourself without power, food, water, or other essentials for 3 days, or perhaps a few weeks. Everyone should have an Emergency Prep Kit on hand for these “shorter emergencies”. There’s no shortage of lists online, but they can be overwhelming and expensive. Here’s the Swanky list, not to break the bank, but also equipment that you can make use of outside of an emergency situation as well. These are our favorites.

Walkie-takies

You’ll need to communicate, perhaps without cell service. These can keep you in contact with nearby friends and relatives. And you can use them in other scenarios as well, such as ski trips, hiking, or multi-car road-trips out of cellphone range.

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03/05/2025 10:32 pm GMT

Emergency self-powered radio, flashlight and cellphone power bank

Another multi-purpose essential that you can use at home in an emergency, or while camping or as an emergency backup in your car on a long road trip. This one doubles as a cell-phone charger.

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03/05/2025 10:34 pm GMT

Room Light

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03/05/2025 10:37 pm GMT

Flashlight & Headlamp

  1. ThruNite LED Flashlight Archer 2A V3, 500 Lumens Mini AA Flashlight with Lanyard, IPX8 Water-Resistant Dual Switch Outdoor Flash Light
    $39.99 $29.99
    Buy on Amazon

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    03/05/2025 10:40 pm GMT
  2. GearLight 2Pack LED Headlamp - Outdoor Camping Head Lamps with Adjustable Headband
    $19.99
    Buy on Amazon

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    03/05/2025 10:38 pm GMT

First-aid Kit

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03/05/2025 10:43 pm GMT

Emergency Power

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03/05/2025 10:45 pm GMT

Backpack

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03/05/2025 10:47 pm GMT

The extra little stuff

  1. LEATHERMAN, Wingman Multitool with Spring-Action Pliers and Scissors, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath
    $69.95
    Buy on Amazon

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    03/05/2025 10:51 pm GMT
  2. Waterproof Matches Survival Kit, Stormproof Matches with Case, 20pcs Fire Starter, Emergencys Fire Starter Matches for Hiking Camping Outdoor Survival (100pcs), 5Pcs
    $8.99
    Buy on Amazon

    Disclosure: SwankyClicks participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There is no additional cost to you.

    03/05/2025 10:50 pm GMT

Lastly — FOOD!

While there are many emergency food kits available, your best bet for a shorter-term emergency is just to keep your pantry stocked with cans of soup, veggies, and other non-perishable items that you might actually eat outside of an emergency situation. For water, keeping a value-sized 2-dozen water bottles in the basement is handy, and you can slowly use and replenish them during normal times. All of this is at a normal supermarket.

If you’d like a food kit to be sure, we recommend:

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03/05/2025 10:54 pm GMT

Stay safe out there!

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