How to be prepared for unexpected weather: Family-friendly gear to have to hand

As the weather can be unpredictable sometimes, it helps to learn how, as a family, you can be prepared for unexpected weather when it strikes. It helps to have the right family-friendly gear around the house already. We want YOU to be prepared, without having to think too hard about it. This family-friendly gear can be used at home during the stormy season or perhaps even taken on the road during the summer travel months. All you need to do is keep this simple gear near you for safety, fun, and peace of mind so that you don’t get surprised by what the weather throws at you.

This is a collaborative post.

Gear to keep at home 

Keeping everyone safe within your home should be top of mind. This essential gear can be used for emergencies, such as when the power goes out unexpectedly or when a storm keeps everyone trapped for a few days. The following items range from those that you’ll need for basic survival and safety, as well as a few items to keep you as comfortable as possible. 

First-aid kit 

A basic, fully stocked first-aid kit should be ready for emergency use. You can buy kits already pre-assembled, or buy items to customize your kit for your family’s specific needs. Items typically include adhesive bandages, gauze and compress dressings, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, thermometer, tweezers, and sterile pads. Other items to consider include sunscreen, insect repellent, gloves, and instant cold compress packs. The kit should be checked frequently — particularly after use — to ensure that any items are replaced and that medications and ointments haven’t expired. 

Food and water

If you remember going to the grocery store and finding it barren during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, then chances are that you already have some canned goods and gallons of water in your pantry! Shelf-stable items like canned vegetables and fruits, meats, fish, and beans can keep you and your family full for days at a time. Other items like nut butters, dried fruit, granola, nuts, and seeds are also good to have on hand for some variety and extra comfort. 

In terms of water, it’s advised to keep at least a three-day supply of water, or one gallon per person per day. You can buy distilled gallons of water at the grocery store and keep them in a storage closet or basement for easy access. And if you have pets, make sure to add them to this supply as well. 

Flashlights and batteries 

When the power goes out, the last thing you want to feel is lost within your own home. While losing power can be unpredictable, having an LED flashlight at the ready ensures that you’re never completely stranded in the dark. These types of flashlights are powered by batteries and tend to be more durable than traditional flashlights. Keep extra batteries on hand as well in the off chance that you’ll be using the flashlight for several hours or even days before the power returns.

Personal hygiene items

Another component you may not think about until you’re in dire need is personal hygiene items. Toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products should be stocked for emergency preparedness. Getting to a store during a storm may be impossible, and many of these items may be out of stock due to higher demand. Other items that you may want to store within the bathroom are wet wipes and moist towelettes for cleaning hands, deodorant, bar soap, and shampoo. 

For those who rely on prescription medications, having a 30-day supply at home at all times can be reassuring. The same goes for contact lens wearers. If you have a baby or toddler at home, make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes as well. 

Gear for adventures 

Whether your idea of an adventure is traveling by car to grandma’s house, hiking for an afternoon at a regional park, or camping with the entire family at a campsite, having certain gear will allow you to focus on the fun without worrying about unanticipated mishaps. These items can be kept in a car or packed in a suitcase for easy access. 

Safety items

A portable first-aid kit is always a good idea, no matter where you’re going or for how long. Keeping a few bandages, over-the-counter pain medication, antiseptic ointment, gauze, and hand sanitizer within a packable kit can help with wound care while on the go. Again, you can buy preassembled kits or make your own. Store it in the glovebox of the car so you can access it while on the road. 

Other safety items to consider bringing along are jumper cables, reflective warning triangles, or flares. If your car breaks down, you want to be as prepped as possible to get back on the road safely and swiftly. Keeping a bottle of water and non-perishable foods like protein bars or jerky can calm thirst and hunger if you’re stranded for a few hours.

Portable power chargers and bank

After taking a hundred photos of your kid running around the national park, you may be surprised that your phone is drained of its battery before you hit the road and head home. While many cars have chargers built into them, it’s always a good idea to bring a backup charger or power bank. Having the ability to communicate is important from a safety and navigation perspective, especially if you were to get into an accident or get lost. 

That said, it can be dangerous to leave these items in a car on a hot summer day. If the car overheats, these items can swell, leak, or even catch fire. And even if the battery looks safe, it can cause damage to it and significantly reduce its performance over time. If you’re parking your car, bring the battery with you and don’t forget to remove it from the car once you’ve safely returned home, too. 

Entertainment

Keeping kids entertained and happy while in the car is a job in and of itself! Even if you don’t hit any traffic and have a smooth, easy trip, kids can quickly get bored in the backseat. Having a few travel-friendly toys, such as coloring books, and maybe some of our awesome free printables, magnetic drawing boards, or fidget toys, can make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.

We hope that you find this post useful, and why not give us some more ideas for essentials below if you have time.

Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon.

Helen

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