Flooding Is Happening More Often These Days

Flooding is happening more often these days. If it feels like you’re hearing about flooding on the news more than you used to, you’re not imagining it. Flood events across the United States have become more frequent and more damaging in recent years, and it’s worth understanding why, how flood risk is actually measured, and what your family can do to be ready if water starts rising near your home.

Flooding is happening more often these days!

Flooding by the numbers

The last several years have been rough ones for flooding across the country. 2023, 2024, and 2025 rank as the three years with the highest annual number of billion-dollar weather disasters in the United States, with 28 such events in 2023, 27 in 2024, and 23 in 2025. 2025 also set a new record for billion-dollar severe storm events, with 21.

Some of these events were catastrophic. The flash flooding that struck the Texas Hill Country in July 2025 is considered one of the deadliest inland floods in United States history. That flood struck the Guadalupe River watershed on July 4 and 5, 2025, with rainfall totals reaching over 20 inches in some spots, and it claimed at least 139 lives, most of them in Kerr County, Texas.

Flooding is also taking a heavy toll on agriculture. One 2024 study estimated that flooding caused more than 6 billion dollars in crop losses across the country that year alone.

Interestingly, families are starting to respond to this risk with their feet. Counties with the highest flood risk in the country lost a net of more than 63,000 residents between mid 2024 and mid 2025, nearly double the outflow of the year before, while counties with lower flood risk gained nearly 70,000 residents on net. People are noticing the risk and making decisions accordingly.

Why are floods becoming more common?

There is no single cause. Heavier rainfall events, more intense hurricanes and tropical storms, aging infrastructure, and continued development in flood-prone areas all play a role. Sea levels are also rising along the coasts, which means coastal communities are experiencing more routine tidal flooding on top of storm-related flooding. Whatever the exact mix of causes in your area, the practical result is the same. Flood risk isn’t shrinking, and being prepared matters.

What do 100-year, 500-year, and 1000-year floods actually mean?

These terms get thrown around constantly after a big storm, and they honestly confuse a lot of people. Let me walk you through what they really mean, in plain language.

The recurrence interval is based on the probability that a given flood event will be equaled or exceeded in any given year. In other words, a 100-year flood isn’t a flood that happens once every 100 years like clockwork. It’s a flood so large that, based on historical data, there is only a 1-in-100 chance of a flood of that size or larger occurring in any single year. Because the 1 percent annual exceedance probability flood has a 1 in 100 chance of being equaled or exceeded in any one year, and has an average recurrence interval of 100 years, it’s often called the 100-year flood.

The same logic applies to bigger, rarer floods. A 500-year flood corresponds to a 0.2 percent annual exceedance probability, meaning a flood of that size or greater has a 0.2 percent chance, or a 1 in 500 chance, of happening in any given year. A 1000-year flood follows the same pattern, representing an even smaller annual chance, about 0.1 percent, of a flood that severe occurring in a given year.

How do scientists actually determine these numbers?

This is where it gets interesting. To determine flood probabilities, scientists examine all the annual peak streamflow values measured at a streamgage, which is a location on a river where the height of the water and the quantity of flow are recorded. The United States Geological Survey operates more than 7,500 streamgages nationwide to make this kind of assessment possible. By looking at decades of recorded peak flows on a particular river, statisticians can calculate the probability of various flood magnitudes occurring in any given year.

A station with 40 years of data can estimate a 100-year or even 500-year flood magnitude, though the uncertainty grows the further out you extrapolate. Longer historical records yield more reliable estimates, and a gauge with 80 years of data provides a much tighter estimate than one with only 15 years.

One important thing to understand is that these figures aren’t fixed forever. The USGS collects data over time at a given river site, determines the largest flood of each year, and recalculates the statistics for that river as new data comes in. That’s why you may hear that a 100-year flood zone has been redrawn on updated flood maps. It’s not that the math changed; it’s that more real-world data became available.

Because the terminology confuses so many people, many scientists and agencies now prefer to talk about annual exceedance probability instead of recurrence interval. Saying a location has a 1 percent chance of flooding this year is a lot clearer than saying it’s due for its 100-year flood, especially since a 100-year flood can happen two years in a row and still be statistically normal. Houston, Texas, actually experienced three separate 500-year floods in three consecutive years, in 2015, 2016, and 2017, since each year’s probability is independent of what happened the year before. Floods simply don’t follow a countdown clock.

What this means for your family

Don’t let the label on a flood fool you into a false sense of security. A home outside the mapped 100-year floodplain can still flood. A 500-year flood is rare in any single year, but over a 30-year mortgage, the odds of experiencing one are higher than most people assume. The safest approach is to prepare your home and family for flooding regardless of what the official flood zone map says about your property.

Items to have on hand in case your home floods

Here’s a list I recommend every family keep ready before flood season arrives in your area, not after the water is already rising.

Water and food
Store at least a three-day supply of drinking water per person, more if you’re able. Keep a supply of shelf-stable food that doesn’t require cooking, along with a manual can opener.

Documents
Keep copies of insurance policies, identification, birth certificates, medical records, and property records in a waterproof container or stored digitally in the cloud. Consider a small fireproof and waterproof safe for original documents.

Power and light
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, flashlights, and a portable phone charger will help you stay informed and in contact if the power goes out.

First aid and medications
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit along with a two-week supply of any prescription medications your family relies on.

Sanitation
Pack hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, garbage bags, and a portable toilet option in case sewer systems back up during flooding.

Protective gear
Rubber boots, work gloves, and a change of dry clothing for each family member are worth having on hand, along with a basic tool kit.

Sump pump and sandbags
If you live in a flood-prone area, a working sump pump with a battery backup and a supply of sandbags can help protect your home before water gets inside.

Evacuation supplies
Keep a bag packed with essentials for each family member so you can leave quickly if authorities issue an evacuation order. Include pet supplies if you have pets at home.

A written family plan
Talk through where you’ll meet if separated, and identify your evacuation route in advance, since roads can flood or wash out with little warning. Have some alternatives identified in case the original plan doesn’t work out.

Flooding is one of those disasters that can affect almost any home, whether you live near a river, along the coast, or simply in a low-lying part of your neighborhood. Understanding what these flood terms really mean and having the right supplies ready before the water rises gives your family the best chance of staying safe and getting through it with less stress, lower costs, and less possible injury.

Flooding Is Happening Right Now in Texas Again

Just over a year after the devastating Fourth of July floods that killed more than 130 people in the Texas Hill Country, that same region is once again underwater. As of this morning, Friday, July 17, 2026, south-central Texas is in the middle of a dangerous, fast-moving flood emergency, and I wanted to get information to you quickly since so many of you have family, friends, or property in that part of the state.

What is happening right now?

Storms have been dumping heavy rain across the Hill Country, the Rio Grande Plains, and the southern Edwards Plateau for several days in a row. In some spots, more than 20 inches of rain have fallen. The Guadalupe River near Comfort rose from about 5 feet at 5 in the morning to over 37 feet by 8 in the morning on Thursday, a rise of more than 30 feet in just three hours, according to United States Geological Survey gauge data. That kind of rise happens fast enough that people have very little warning.

Governor Greg Abbott

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration covering 59 counties. As of Friday morning, at least two deaths have been confirmed, including a man in Kerrville who was swept away in an RV near Comfort along the Guadalupe River, and a man in Uvalde County who was swept away while driving across a flooded roadway. Flood watches remain active across dozens of counties, and the National Weather Service has warned of life-threatening and locally catastrophic flash flooding of creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas. Rescue crews have been working around the clock, with the state mobilizing roughly 2,350 emergency responders, more than 1,400 vehicles, 85 boats, and 21 aircraft.

Roads have become rivers in parts of South Texas, with one area reporting more than 10 inches of rain and roughly 18 roads impassable in a single county west of San Antonio. Power outages have hit Gillespie, Kerr, and Kendall counties, and a water treatment plant in Kerrville has reported operational issues. Officials are asking residents to remain at home unless they’re in immediate danger or their current location is no longer safe.

Why does this keep happening in this part of Texas?

The Texas Hill Country sits in an area sometimes called Flash Flood Alley. The terrain has thin soil over rock, which means rain doesn’t soak in; it runs off quickly into rivers and creeks that can rise with almost no warning. Add in slow-moving storm systems that dump tropical-level rainfall over the same watershed for days at a time, and you get exactly the kind of fast, violent flooding this region has now seen in back-to-back years. The combination of events could be called a Perfect Storm effect.

What to do if you are in the affected area

If you live in or near the Hill Country, the Rio Grande Plains, or the southern Edwards Plateau, please take this seriously. Avoid driving through any flooded roadway, no matter how familiar the road feels. It takes surprisingly little moving water to sweep away a vehicle. Stay away from riverbanks and low water crossings until officials confirm it’s safe. Keep a charged phone and a battery-powered radio on hand so you can receive emergency alerts even if the power goes out. If you’re told to evacuate, go immediately rather than waiting to see how bad it gets.

If you’re watching from elsewhere in the country, this is a good moment to check your own flood supplies, review your family’s evacuation plan, and make sure your important documents are backed up. Flash flooding like this can happen with very little notice, in Texas or anywhere else with the right conditions.

Please keep the families in Kerr County, Uvalde County, and surrounding areas in your thoughts as search-and-rescue efforts continue. I’ll keep watching this situation and update you as more information becomes available.

Final Word

This flooding is still unfolding, and the numbers above may change as rescue crews continue their work. What matters most right now is safety. If you have loved ones in the affected counties, check in on them, and if you’re in the area yourself, please heed every warning from local officials. Preparedness isn’t about fear; it’s about giving your family the best chance when a fast-moving disaster like this one shows up with little warning.

Flooding isn’t something we can control, but preparedness is. Knowing what these flood terms mean helps you make wiser decisions about insurance, evacuation, and where you build or buy a home. Having the right supplies ready ahead of time helps your family weather the storm, literally, with a lot less fear and a lot more confidence. Take a little time this week to check your supplies and talk through a plan with your family. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Flooding On The River In Texas Depositphotos_341777052_S, Yellow Sign Bridge Out Depositphotos_835449440_S

The post Flooding Is Happening More Often These Days appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

20 Quick and Easy Ways to Cook Eggs

Eggs might well be the perfect food. Packed with protein and tons of vitamins and minerals, they are affordable, delicious, and form the bedrock of a good diet and any meal—breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But if you are stuck in a rut when it comes to preparing eggs, it’s easy to hit that wall of ... Read more

20 Quick and Easy Ways to Cook Eggs can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!

from New Life On A Homestead

Does Renters Insurance Cover Flood Damage? What Every Renter Needs to Know

No. A standard renters insurance policy does not cover flood damage. This surprises a lot of renters, since renters insurance does cover many other types of water damage, like a burst pipe or an overflowing washing machine. Flooding caused by outside water, heavy rain, storm surge, or an overflowing river or lake is treated as a completely separate category of risk, and it is specifically excluded from nearly every standard renters policy sold in the United States.

If you rent and live anywhere near a coastline, a river, a lake, or an area prone to heavy rainfall and flash flooding, this gap matters. This guide breaks down exactly what your renters insurance does and does not cover when it comes to water damage, why flood is treated differently, how renters flood insurance works, what it costs, and what you can do right now to protect your belongings and your family before the next storm.

Financial Disclaimer

This Article Is for General Information Only
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute insurance, financial, or legal advice. Insurance policy terms, exclusions, and definitions of covered perils vary by insurer, state, and individual policy. Always read your specific policy documents and speak with a licensed insurance agent or your insurance company directly to understand exactly what your coverage includes before making decisions about your own flood risk.

Why Standard Renters Insurance Excludes Flood Damage

Insurers define a flood very specifically, and that definition is the entire reason for the exclusion. A flood is generally defined as water that originates from outside the structure and inundates normally dry land, whether that water comes from heavy rainfall, a hurricane storm surge, an overflowing river, or general surface runoff after a storm. This exclusion applies regardless of the specific cause of the flood, and it applies the same way to both renters and homeowners policies, according to guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Flood risk is considered too widespread, too correlated, and too costly for standard property insurers to absorb within an ordinary policy, which is exactly why a separate, specialized flood insurance system exists at the federal level.

What Water Damage Renters Insurance Actually Does Cover

It helps to understand the distinction insurers draw. Renters insurance generally covers water damage that originates from inside your unit, from a source considered sudden and accidental.

• A burst or frozen pipe inside the walls or under a sink
• An overflowing bathtub, toilet, sink, or washing machine caused by a sudden malfunction
• A leaking or malfunctioning appliance, such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, or water heater
• Accidental discharge from a fire sprinkler system
• Rain or snow that enters through a hole in the roof or a broken window caused by a covered peril, such as wind damage during a storm

The key difference insurers look at is where the water started. If it started inside your unit’s own plumbing or appliances, it is generally a covered water damage claim. If it came from outside the building and rose up from the ground or poured in during a broader weather event, it is classified as a flood and excluded.

What Is Never Covered, Flood or Not

• Sewer or drain backup, unless you have purchased a specific sewer backup endorsement added to your policy
• Gradual water damage from a slow leak you knew about, or should reasonably have noticed, and failed to report or repair
• Groundwater seepage through a foundation or basement wall over time
• Mold or mildew damage that developed from an ongoing, unaddressed moisture problem rather than a sudden covered event

Whose Responsibility Is Flood Damage to the Building Itself?

As a renter, you are never responsible for insuring the structure you live in. That responsibility belongs to your landlord or the property owner, who would need their own commercial or residential flood insurance policy to cover damage to the building’s walls, floors, and fixed systems. Your renters policy, and any renters flood insurance you add, only ever covers your personal belongings, the things you own and would take with you if you moved out. This distinction is confirmed clearly by the National Flood Insurance Program, which notes that a landlord’s flood insurance will protect the building but never a tenant’s personal belongings inside it. Do not assume your landlord’s coverage extends to your furniture, electronics, or clothing. It never does.

How Renters Flood Insurance Works

Since standard renters insurance will not help after a flood, the only way to protect your belongings from this specific risk is to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. Renters have two main paths to get this coverage.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The NFIP is a federal program managed by FEMA that offers a contents-only flood policy specifically designed for renters. To qualify, your rental must sit in a community that participates in the NFIP, which covers over 22,600 communities nationwide according to FEMA’s official flood insurance program page. A renter’s NFIP policy can provide up to $100,000 in contents coverage for belongings damaged by flood, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances you personally own.

Private Flood Insurance

A growing number of private insurers now offer flood policies as an alternative or supplement to NFIP coverage. Private policies sometimes offer higher coverage limits, additional living expense coverage for temporary housing while your unit is uninhabitable, and shorter waiting periods before the policy takes effect, though pricing and availability vary significantly by insurer and location.

What Renters Flood Insurance Covers and Excludes

• Covered: furniture, clothing, electronics, and appliances you own, up to your policy’s contents limit
• Covered: rugs and carpets that are not permanently affixed to the floor
• Covered, with a special limit around 2,500 dollars: valuables such as jewelry, art, and collectibles
• Generally excluded: cash, currency, and precious metals
• Generally excluded: vehicles, which require comprehensive auto insurance instead
• Excluded: the physical structure of the building, which remains the landlord’s responsibility
• Limited coverage in basements: NFIP policies place significant restrictions on personal property stored below the lowest elevated floor, so items kept in a basement often are not covered to the same extent as items on livable floors above ground

What It Costs and How Long Coverage Takes to Start

Renters flood insurance is typically far less expensive than a homeowner’s flood policy, since it only needs to cover your belongings rather than an entire structure. Cost depends on your specific flood zone, the age and construction of the building, how many stories it has, and the deductible you choose, according to guidance published on Floodsmart.gov. Renters in low to moderate risk flood zones typically pay considerably less than those in designated high-risk zones.

One detail trips up more renters than almost anything else: timing. Most NFIP policies carry a 30 day waiting period before coverage takes effect, meaning a policy purchased the week a storm is forecast will not help you if that storm causes flooding within the waiting window. Many private flood insurers offer a shorter waiting period, often in the range of ten to fourteen days, which can matter if you are trying to get covered quickly after moving into a new flood-prone rental.

How to Check Your Flood Risk Before You Decide

You do not have to guess whether your rental sits in a meaningful flood zone. FEMA maintains flood maps for communities across the country that show designated flood zones and relative risk levels. You can look up your address through FEMA’s flood map service to see whether your building sits in a high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area or a lower risk zone, which will help you decide whether renters flood insurance makes sense for your situation. It is worth remembering that a meaningful share of flood claims nationally come from properties outside the highest-risk zones, so a moderate or low risk rating does not mean zero risk.

Should You Get Flood Insurance as a Renter?

This is a personal decision that depends on your specific situation, but a few questions can help guide it.

• Does your rental sit near a coastline, river, lake, or in a low-lying area prone to drainage problems during heavy rain?
• Has your region experienced increasingly intense storms, flash flooding, or overwhelmed drainage systems in recent years?
• Would replacing your furniture, electronics, and clothing out of pocket create real financial hardship for your household?
• Does your area have a history of flooding even outside of official high-risk flood zones?

If you answered yes to any of these, a renters flood policy is worth pricing out, especially given how comparatively inexpensive contents-only coverage tends to be next to the potential cost of replacing everything you own.

Preparedness Steps Beyond the Insurance Policy

Insurance is one layer of protection, but a prepared household does not stop there. These practical steps reduce your losses regardless of what your policy covers.

• Keep an updated home inventory with photos or video of your belongings, stored digitally outside your home, such as in cloud storage or emailed to yourself, so you have proof of what you owned if you ever need to file a claim.
• Store irreplaceable documents, such as identification, leases, and medical records, in a waterproof, portable container you can grab quickly.
• Elevate valuable or hard-to-replace items off the floor, especially in a ground floor unit or one with any basement or garage storage.
• Know your building’s flood history before you sign a lease. Ask the landlord or property manager directly, and check public flood zone maps as a second source.
• Have an evacuation plan that accounts for flash flooding, since flood waters can rise far faster than many people expect, especially in urban areas with poor drainage.

What to Do If Your Rental Floods

• Prioritize safety first. Do not walk or drive through moving floodwater, and be aware that standing water can hide electrical hazards.
• Once it is safe, document everything with photos and video before you move or discard anything.
• Contact your renters insurance company to report the loss even if you are not sure it is covered, since some water damage from the same event may qualify separately from the flood-related portion.
• If you have a separate flood policy, file that claim promptly, since most policies have specific deadlines for reporting a loss.
• Keep receipts for any temporary living expenses if your policy includes additional living expense coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord’s insurance cover my belongings after a flood?

No. A landlord’s insurance policy, including any flood insurance they carry, only covers the physical structure of the building. It never extends to a tenant’s personal belongings.

Is renters flood insurance required by law?

Generally no, unless your landlord specifically requires it as a lease condition. However, if you have a federally backed loan tied to personal property in certain situations, or your community participates in specific mandatory programs, requirements can vary, so check your lease and local regulations.

Does renters insurance cover water damage from a hurricane?

It depends on the source of the water. Wind damage that lets rain into your unit through a broken window may be covered under your standard policy’s windstorm coverage. Storm surge or floodwater that rises up from outside and enters your unit is considered flood damage and is excluded.

How much does renters flood insurance typically cost?

Cost varies significantly by flood zone, building characteristics, and coverage limit chosen. Renters in lower risk zones generally pay considerably less than the cost of a full homeowner’s flood policy, since contents-only coverage insures a smaller scope of risk.

Protect More Than Your Belongings – Protect Your Financial Future

Flood insurance can help replace furniture, electronics, and personal possessions after a disaster—but what happens if the disaster is much bigger than damaged property?

Major floods, hurricanes, economic downturns, and other large-scale emergencies often trigger rising prices, supply shortages, insurance delays, and financial instability that affect far more than just your apartment. Recovering isn’t only about replacing what you lost – it’s about having a plan to protect your purchasing power when everyday expenses suddenly become far more expensive.

That’s why many preparedness-minded families are turning to Dollar Apocalypse.

Prepare for Financial Emergencies Before They Happen

Dollar Apocalypse explores practical strategies for protecting your finances during periods of economic uncertainty, inflation, banking disruptions, and currency instability. Inside, you’ll discover:

• Practical ways to preserve your purchasing power during inflation and economic turmoil.
• Strategies for reducing your dependence on traditional banking systems during emergencies.
• How to prepare financially before supply shortages and rising prices impact everyday necessities.
• Why tangible assets and preparedness go hand in hand when building long-term resilience.
• Actionable steps you can take today to strengthen your financial security before the next crisis arrives.

A Complete Preparedness Plan Goes Beyond Insurance

Insurance can help you recover from a covered loss, but it can’t prevent inflation, supply chain disruptions, or financial uncertainty that often follow major disasters. Building true resilience means preparing both your home and your finances.

Whether you’re protecting your belongings from floods, creating an emergency plan, or building a more self-sufficient lifestyle, Dollar Apocalypse provides valuable insights for anyone who wants to be ready for whatever comes next.

Take Control Before the Next Crisis!

Don’t wait until the next disaster exposes the weak spots in your financial preparedness.

Click here to discover Dollar Apocalypse and learn practical strategies to help protect your wealth, strengthen your financial resilience, and prepare for uncertain times!

Final Thoughts

The short answer to whether renters insurance covers flood damage is no, and that gap catches far too many renters off guard after it is already too late to do anything about it. Understanding the difference between covered water damage and excluded flood damage, checking your actual flood risk, and deciding whether a separate flood policy makes sense for your situation are all steps worth taking before storm season arrives rather than after your belongings are already sitting in several inches of water.

---

You may also like:

What Is a Flash Flood? Everything You Need to Know to Stay Alive

The Pocket Soup that Saved the Lewis and Clark Expedition (VIDEO)

How to Survive a Flash Flood: Before, During, and After

Native American Myths That Encode Real Survival Lessons

Don’t Forget To Join Our Exclusive WhatsApp Community

---

The post Does Renters Insurance Cover Flood Damage? What Every Renter Needs to Know appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

from Ask a Prepper https://ift.tt/WJXAZPg

25+ Emergency Items FEMA Wants You To Get

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

FEMA is a somewhat controversial government agency. Some people love FEMA because they bring food and supplies after a disaster. Other people hate them because they don't bring enough food and supplies after a disaster (or not quickly enough).

Some people say FEMA is inefficient and a waste of tax money. Other people argue that they wouldn't be so inefficient if they were properly funded. But whatever you think of FEMA, the people working there want you to be prepared.

Why? Because the more prepared you are, the less you'll rely on them for help when disaster strikes (and they can only help so many people).

On their website, FEMA lists 11 items you should have in your basic emergency supply kit:

1. Water – Store at least one gallon per person per day, with a minimum three-day supply for evacuation or a two-week supply for sheltering in place. In a disaster, municipal water systems can fail or become contaminated, making stored water one of the most critical supplies you can have.
2. Food – Stock non-perishable items like canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, and energy bars that require little to no cooking. Aim for at least a three-day supply, and choose foods your family actually eats to avoid waste.
3. Radio – A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio lets you receive emergency alerts even when the power grid and cell networks are down. Look for one with multiple charging options — hand crank, solar, and battery — for maximum reliability.
4. Flashlight – A reliable flashlight is essential for navigating in the dark during power outages and signaling for help. LED flashlights are preferred for their long battery life; keep extra batteries stored alongside it.
5. First aid kit – A well-stocked first aid kit lets you treat cuts, burns, sprains, and other injuries when professional medical help is unavailable or delayed. At minimum it should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, and disposable gloves.
6. Whistle – A whistle can signal rescuers far more effectively than shouting, requiring far less energy and carrying much farther. Choose a pealess whistle (no moving ball inside) so it won't jam or freeze in wet or cold conditions.
7. Dust mask – In the aftermath of earthquakes, building collapses, or wildfires, the air can be filled with dangerous particulates, smoke, and ash. An N95 respirator offers significantly better protection than a basic dust mask and is worth the small extra cost.
8. Sanitation supplies – When sewage systems fail and clean water is scarce, basic hygiene becomes critical for preventing the spread of disease. Stock moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, plastic ties, and toilet paper to maintain sanitation during an extended emergency.
9. Wrench or pliers – After a disaster, you may need to shut off your home's gas or water lines quickly to prevent fires, flooding, or further damage. Keep an adjustable wrench near your main shutoffs and make sure all household members know how to use it.
10. Can opener – A manual can opener is a simple but often-overlooked item that becomes critical when you're relying on canned food and have no power. Keep a sturdy, non-electric model in your kit — not the cheap kind that breaks after a few uses.
11. Local maps – If cell towers go down or your phone battery dies, GPS navigation becomes useless. Printed maps of your local area and region let you navigate evacuation routes and find emergency shelters without relying on any technology.

In the video below, Survival Know How examines their list and explains what he likes and what he would add to it.

On their website, FEMA also lists 15 items you should have in addition to your basic supplies.

12. Prescription drugs/glasses – Keep at least a week's supply of critical prescription medications in your emergency kit, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about getting an emergency supply. If you wear glasses or contacts, include a backup pair.
13. Infant formula/diapers – Families with babies need to stock enough formula, diapers, and wipes to last at least several days, since these items disappear quickly from store shelves during emergencies. Don't forget a manual bottle brush and sterilization tablets if clean water for washing is uncertain.
14. Pet food/extra water – Pets are family, and they need their own emergency provisions so plan for at least three days of food and water for each animal. Also include a copy of vaccination records, any medications, and a carrier or leash, since many emergency shelters require proof of vaccination.
15. Important documents – Keep copies of critical documents like IDs, passports, insurance policies, bank account information, property records, and medical records in a waterproof, portable container. A digital backup stored on an encrypted USB drive or a secure cloud service adds another layer of protection.
16. Cash or traveler's checks – During a widespread disaster, ATMs and card payment systems often go offline, making cash the only way to purchase supplies. Keep small bills on hand, as making change may be difficult when systems are strained.
17. Emergency preparedness book – When power is out and you can't search the internet for instructions, a printed reference guide on first aid, water purification, and survival skills is invaluable. The American Red Cross First Aid & Survival Manual is one popular option worth keeping in your kit.
18. Sleeping bag/blanket – If you're forced to evacuate or lose home heating, a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures or a compact emergency Mylar blanket can prevent hypothermia. Mylar blankets are especially practical. They fold down to the size of a deck of cards and reflect up to 90% of body heat.
19. Change of clothing – Pack at least one complete change of clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes for each family member. Include weather-appropriate layers — a disaster in summer and one in winter require very different gear.
20. Chlorine bleach – Unscented liquid chlorine bleach (6–8.25% sodium hypochlorite) can be used to disinfect water in a pinch: roughly 8 drops per gallon of clear water. It also doubles as a disinfectant for surfaces and sanitation tools, making it one of the most versatile items in your kit.
21. Fire extinguisher – During a disaster, fire departments may be overwhelmed and unable to respond quickly to small fires. Keep a multi-purpose ABC dry-chemical extinguisher in your home and make sure everyone in the household knows how to operate it.
22. Firestarters – The ability to start a fire provides warmth, a way to cook food, a means to purify water, and a morale boost in a prolonged emergency. Keep multiple methods (waterproof matches, a lighter, and a ferrocerium fire starter) since any one method can fail.
23. Feminine supplies – Feminine hygiene products are essential for roughly half the population and should be stocked in adequate quantities for any extended emergency. They also have secondary uses: menstrual pads make excellent wound dressings in a pinch due to their high absorbency.
24. Mess kits – Lightweight camping-style mess kits (plate, bowl, cup, and utensils) make it much easier to prepare and eat food in a field or shelter setting. Opt for durable, BPA-free plastic or stainless steel sets that can be cleaned with minimal water.
25. Paper and pencil – When phones and electronics fail, a notepad and pencil become your primary communication tools for leaving messages, recording important information, and keeping notes. Paper degrades over time, so replace your supply every year or two.
26. Books, games, etc. – Extended emergencies, especially those requiring shelter-in-place for days or weeks, take a significant psychological toll, particularly on children. Low-tech entertainment like card games, board games, and books helps maintain morale and provide a sense of normalcy.

Survival Know How examines this list as well in the video below.

You can check out the list for yourself by visiting Ready.gov.

Originally published on Urban Survival Site.

You May Also Like:

• 7 Things To Know Before You Start Homesteading
• 10 Harsh Truths About Homesteading
• 15 Important Skills You Can Trade After SHTF
• 21 Deadly Mistakes New Gun Owners Make
• How to Build a Clothing Stockpile

The post 25+ Emergency Items FEMA Wants You To Get appeared first on Homestead Survival Site.

from Homestead Survival Site https://ift.tt/NmRO19H

Generosity From The Stockpile: Giving Without Gutting Your Reserves

A prepared family will eventually face a hard question. What happens when someone else needs what you stored? It may be a neighbor whose power is out. A church family that lost income. An elderly widow short on food. A young couple with children and no real pantry. A relative who ignored every warning and […]

from Survivopedia