It doesn't matter what time of year it is. Emergencies can happen anytime. It could be bad weather, a random power outage, a kitchen fire, or a bad cut from a kitchen knife. That's why they're called emergencies... because they can't be predicted. If you don't have the right supplies, things could easily get worse very quickly, so it's important to be prepared. Because you're renting an apartment, keep in mind that emergency supplies need to be fairly compact because you won't use them regularly (fingers crossed), so they need to stow away without being too cumbersome. Here are 7 of the most important safety gear items you should have on hand in your apartment.
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Craftsman 2.5 Gallon 1.75 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac
This might not seem like something you need in an emergency, but you'd be dead wrong. A good shop vac is great for cleaning up wet spills that otherwise might damage surfaces. This portable and very lightweight 2.5-gallon wet-dry vac can easily be stored in a closet and pulled out in a jiffy for emergencies. It's compact, upright, and it has its own carry handle and wraparound cord. the 5-foot hose isn't very long, but it's more than enough for emergencies. There's also a crevice tool for tight spots, as well as a standard utility nozzle. For a mere $42, this could save you a ton of money in damage to your apartment.
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PowerSmart 1200 Watts Gas Powered Portable Generator
A gas generator for your apartment? Yes, especially when it's this small. What's more, the the PowerSmart1200 weighs less than 40 pounds for easy transport. This small generator has a full 1000 Running Watts from its 2-stroke engine that also includes a single-cylinder forced air cooling system and a recoil start. Power is delivered via a 120V household outlet and a12V DC output. It holds 1.1 gallons tank of gas for 5 hours operation running on a 50% load. You can easily keep this on your balcony or deck without it being obtrusive, and you can plug in your fridge/freezer and other essentials without worry during a power outage. Your neighbors will be in the dark while you have your stuff plugged in and ready to go.
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4-Piece Fire Blanket Kit
Fire blankets are brilliant because they're not just effective at putting out small fires, but they're also so easy to deploy and require pretty much no instructions. They also don't require inspection like fire extinguishers and can sit unused for years without worry. They're good for liquid and grease fire extinguishing, and they pretty much smother the fire from receiving any oxygen, thereby preventing quick spread in an instant. Pull the two black tabs down, and the blankets deploy in an instant. You can even throw them over a person who has caught fire. Each one of these four measures 3.3 x 3.3 feet, and every package has two sheets. Store them in your kitchen, near the fireplace, office, and even in your car. $15 gets you peace of mind and the quickest solution to putting out a small fire in your apartment.
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Swiss Safe 348-Piece First Aid Kit
Every household should have a good first aid kit that's at the ready. This heavy-duty version has it all and includes 3 whopping 348 items that are organized into 20 easily accessible interior compartments for quick item location. The case opens from both ends, saving you time when you're in a hurry. The kit also provides a bonus travel-size mini-kit with a nylon pouch that contains 32 essential items. Keep this located under the bathroom or kitchen sink and take it on the go when you're traveling. You'll wonder what you did without it. For a mere $60, you get all the important emergency medical items you can use.
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Eton American Red Cross Flashlight & Smartphone Charger
Everyone needs a good flashlight, but even battery-operated or rechargeable versions run out of juice when you're not regularly checking on them. This Crank Powered Flashlight and Charger is brilliant because all you need is your elbow grease to move the crank. The Clipray can provide 10 minutes of light for every 1 minute of cranking. It lights up your pathway and can even be used to charge your smartphone. If it's good enough for the American Red Cross, it should be good enough for you. The Clipray is bright red and easy to find, and it even has it's own carabiner clip handle for easy storage and carry. Even better, it only costs $10.
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Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool
You might already have toolbox in the house, but it's vital to have a good multitool for emergencies because they can do so much with so little space. The Wingman is one of Leatherman's best because it comes with 14 tools (knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, scissors, a package opener, bottle and can openers, a file and a ruler). Our favorite is the spring-loaded needle nose pliers that don't require you to open them when using them. What's more, every tool in the set can open with one hand. There's a removable pocket clip for easy carry, or you can use the included nylon belt pouch. For $70, you can have one of the best multitools in the business.
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250-Piece Survival Bug Out Bag
This might not seem like an emergency supply you'd need in your apartment, but there's so much here that it's hard to pass up. Keep this at the ready in case you need to get out of Dodge in a hurry, but you can also use it for in-home emergencies. The items in this huge bug out bag include a multifunction shovel, 12 in 1 saber card, 4 in 1 survival bracelet, combat tourniquet, fishing kit, fire starter, compass, flashlights, raincoat, shelter, first aid kit, wire saw, tactical pen, climbing hooks, etc. It also comes in a rugged sling bag that's made from strong polyester that's water and abrasion resistant. All of this is only $80, and it's ready to use right out of the bag.
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