Non-food Essentials

There are many non-food items that are important to have so you can be sure you are prepared not only by having food, but being able to prepare it, cook it and clean up when you are done.

Cooking

If the gas and/or electricity are out you'll need a way to cook besides your microwave or range. Some good options are camp stoves, dutch ovens and even that propane grill on your back porch.

Personal Hygiene

Who wants to go a day without toilet paper? When the water isn't working and you can't go to the store for more soap you'll wish you could wash your hands.

Lighting

In an emergency it isn't so hard to feel alright if you have food, water and shelter. That feeling can quickly change when it starts to get dark and you realize that you don't have flashlights, candles or even a spare bulb.