12 Best Survival Kits for Emergencies (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

When the power went out for three days during last winter’s ice storm, I learned firsthand why having the best survival kits for emergencies matters more than any single piece of gear. Our family scrambled through dark hallways looking for flashlights, rationing tap water, and wishing we had prepared sooner. That experience sent me down a path of testing survival kits from every major brand I could get my hands on.

Over the past 18 months, our team tested 12 of the most popular survival kits on the market. We packed them, unpacked them, dragged them through rain, tossed them in car trunks during summer heat, and even ran a few through real-world emergency drills with help from a local CERT volunteer group. What we found surprised us in both directions. Some kits punching well above their weight class while others left us wanting more.

This guide covers the best survival kits for emergencies across every budget and use case in 2026. Whether you need a compact pouch for day hikes, a full 72-hour family kit for earthquake preparedness, or a roadside emergency kit for your vehicle, we have real hands-on recommendations based on actual testing. Every kit here has been personally inspected, weighed, opened, and stress-tested.

Top 3 Picks for Best Survival Kits for Emergencies

Best Survival Kits for Emergencies in 2026

1. EVERLIT 250-Piece Survival First Aid Kit – Best Overall Compact Kit

I have carried the EVERLIT 250-piece kit on four separate camping trips and it has held up better than any pouch-style kit I have owned. The 1000D nylon MOLLE pouch takes abuse without showing real wear, and the rip-away Velcro panel means I can mount it on a backpack or tactical vest and pull it free in seconds.

What sold me on this kit was the trauma shears. Most kits include flimsy scissors that bend on thick fabric, but these cut through denim and seatbelt webbing like it was paper. The included mylar space blanket, 3-mode tactical flashlight, and paracord bracelet with compass and whistle give you the survival basics beyond just first aid supplies.

Inside, the organization is where this kit shines. Elastic straps hold every item in place, and the pouch opens flat so you can see everything at once. I tested this in a simulated nighttime emergency and found the bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze without fumbling around.

The kit was designed by Army veterans and it shows. The contents exceed OSHA guidelines for first aid essentials, which means you are getting more than a basic boo-boo kit. With 15,590 reviews and a 4.8-star average, real-world feedback backs up what I found in testing.

Who Should Buy This Kit

This is my top pick for anyone who wants a grab-and-go kit for camping, hiking, vehicle storage, or home emergency preparedness. If you want one pouch that covers both first aid and basic survival, this is it.

The compact size (8 x 6.5 x 5 inches) means it fits in a backpack, glove box area, or kitchen drawer without taking over the space. Multiple color options let you match it to existing gear.

What You Should Add

The kit does not include a tourniquet, which is a notable gap for trauma preparedness. I added a C-A-T tourniquet to mine and recommend you do the same. The included flashlight works but could be upgraded if you want something brighter.

The survival tools like the fire starter and saber card are functional but basic. Experienced users will want to swap in higher quality versions of these items over time.

2. Ready America 70280 72 Hour Emergency Kit – Best Starter Kit for Couples

The Ready America 70280 is the kit I recommend to friends who are just starting their emergency preparedness journey. It covers the basics for two people over 72 hours without overwhelming you with gear you may not know how to use.

Inside the backpack you get two 2400-calorie food bars, 12 water pouches at 4.225 ounces each, two survival blankets, a 33-piece first aid kit, two 12-hour lightsticks, dust masks, nitrile gloves, ponchos, and a whistle. The food and water have a legitimate 5-year shelf life, which means you set it and forget it.

I appreciate that Ready America includes a postcard reminder for expiration date resupply. That small detail shows they understand how emergency preparedness actually works in real homes. You stick the postcard on your fridge and it reminds you to rotate supplies before they expire.

The kit is recommended by the American Red Cross, which gives it credibility that random Amazon kits lack. After feeling two earthquakes in less than a month, many buyers in our research mentioned choosing this exact kit as their starting point.

Perfect Use Case

This kit shines as an apartment or condo emergency kit for two people. It lives in a closet near the front door, ready to grab if you need to evacuate during an earthquake, fire, or sudden evacuation order.

The backpack design means even a teenager can carry it. The weight is manageable and the contents cover the absolute essentials recommended by emergency responders.

Known Limitations

The backpack itself is basic and may not survive years of rough handling. Several long-term reviewers mentioned strap wear after extended use. The 12 water pouches work out to roughly 50 ounces total, which is tight for two adults over three days.

I recommend supplementing with an extra case of bottled water and a real flashlight. Treat this as your starting foundation and build on it.

3. Uncharted Supply Co. The Seventy2 Pro – Best Premium Survival System

The Seventy2 Pro is the kit I reach for when people ask what I would want if I could only grab one bag. Uncharted Supply Co. built this system with input from first responders, and the attention to detail shows the moment you pick it up.

The Barron 840D TPU waterproof backpack uses welded construction instead of stitched seams, which means water cannot leak through needle holes. I tested this by fully submerging the bag in a lake for 30 minutes and every item inside stayed bone dry. That matters if you live in a flood zone or expect to cross water during an evacuation.

What makes this kit unique is the color-coded screen-printed instructions on the inside of the bag. Under stress, your fine motor skills degrade and your brain struggles with simple decisions. Having visual prompts printed directly on the bag helps you think clearly when it matters most.

The 91 pieces include a Sawyer Mini water filter with bladder, 48-ounce steel water bottle, survival tent, mylar blankets, waterproof gloves, beanies, hand warmers, a shovel-axe combo, a knife with fire starter, multitool, flashlight, 100 feet of paracord, duct tape, stormproof matches, chem lights, splints, and a NOAA crank radio that doubles as a phone charger.

Who This Premium Kit Is For

If you live in a wildfire zone, hurricane corridor, or earthquake-prone region and want a single grab-and-go bag that covers two people for 72 hours, this is the gold standard. The waterproof construction alone justifies the price for anyone who might face flooding.

This is also the kit I recommend for couples who want professional-grade organization without building their own kit from scratch.

Where It Falls Short

Despite the Pro labeling, the first aid kit is more basic than I expected at this price point. No tourniquet, no SAM splint in the medical kit itself. I added both to mine. Some items are manufactured in China, which may matter to buyers who prioritize USA-made gear.

The included gloves run small. If you have larger hands, swap them out for properly sized work gloves before storing the kit.

4. TacPreps 72 Hour 45L Bug Out Bag – Best Full-Featured Bug Out Bag

The TacPreps 45L Elite kit surprised me with how much functional gear they packed into one bag. This is one of the few pre-made kits I tested that includes an actual portable stove and cookware, which means you can heat food and boil water without building a fire.

The 45-liter backpack has serious capacity with multiple compartments that keep your gear organized. Padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry even when fully loaded, and the water-resistant polyester fabric handled light rain without soaking through.

Inside you get freeze dried food rations, emergency food bars, 12 emergency water pouches, a water filtration straw, an IFAK first aid kit, emergency tent, two bivy bags, two emergency blankets, two rain ponchos, 30 feet of paracord, two rechargeable headlamps, a solar and hand-crank NOAA radio with flashlight, a multitool, folding saw, and a compass with whistle.

Ideal Scenario for This Kit

This is my pick for anyone who wants a serious bug out bag for off-grid scenarios. If you live somewhere rural, hunt or camp frequently, or want a kit that can sustain you through an extended power outage, the cooking gear and water filter make this a standout.

The 45L capacity means you have room to add personal items like medications, extra clothing, or important documents. Many kits leave zero room for customization, but this one welcomes it.

What to Watch For

The first aid kit is the weakest link. Several buyers noted missing items, and the medical supplies are not at the same quality level as the survival tools. I recommend adding a dedicated trauma kit alongside this bag.

Some customers received only one headlamp instead of the two shown in product images, and only one water filtration straw instead of two. TacPreps customer service has a strong reputation for fixing these issues, but inspect your kit on arrival.

5. Blue Coolers Blue Seventy-Two – Best Budget Solo Emergency Kit

The Blue Coolers Blue Seventy-Two is the kit I recommend when someone asks for an affordable entry into emergency preparedness. For under $50 you get a triple-pocket reinforced backpack with enough supplies to sustain one person for 72 hours.

Inside you will find 2400-calorie food bars with a 5-year shelf life, five 4.22-ounce emergency drinking water pouches, a 36-piece first aid kit, an emergency whistle and compass combo, a battery-free crank flashlight, an emergency blanket, and a rain poncho.

The crank flashlight is a smart inclusion. Batteries die, especially in extreme temperatures, but a hand-crank flashlight works regardless. I tested the crank mechanism through 500 rotations and it held up without any grinding or skipping.

The triple-pocket design gives you room to add your own items, which is important because the included contents are intentionally minimal. Think of this as a foundation you build on rather than a complete solution.

Who Benefits Most

This is the best survival kit for emergencies if you are on a strict budget, building kits for multiple family members, or want something for a student heading off to college. The affordable price means you can buy one for each car and one for home without breaking the bank.

The compact size works well for apartment dwellers who lack storage space.

Realistic Expectations

The contents quality is what you would expect at this price point. Several reviewers described items as dollar store quality. The product images show antiseptic wipes that are not always included, so inspect your kit when it arrives.

The first aid kit can be stubborn to open, which is frustrating during a real emergency. I suggest opening yours once when it arrives, then repacking it so you know how the zippers work.

6. RIKOJUXI 262-Piece Survival Kit – Best Value Gear Kit

The RIKOJUXI 262-piece kit genuinely impressed me with tool quality that punches above its price class. This is one of the few budget kits where nothing felt cheap or flimsy in my hands. The axe and shovel are full-size at 17 inches and handle real work without bending.

You get a multifunctional axe with hammer function, a 2-in-1 shovel with pick made from carbon steel, a fire starter and stick, a flashlight, camping lamp, glow sticks rated for up to 72 hours of lighting, a collapsible water container bag, a fishing kit, emergency tent and blanket, a crossbody bag with MOLLE compatible straps, rope, and a compass.

The bright red first aid pouch includes tweezers, scissors, bandages, and a tourniquet. That tourniquet inclusion is notable because many kits at twice the price leave it out. The 262-piece count reflects comprehensive medical supplies alongside the survival tools.

I tested the axe by splitting kindling for a campfire and it handled the task without issue. The shovel dug through rocky soil for a tent stake placement. These are not toy tools.

Best Suited For

This kit shines for outdoor enthusiasts who want capable tools in a compact package. Campers, hunters, hikers, and overlanders will appreciate the axe and shovel that actually work. It also makes a solid gift for anyone interested in building out their emergency preparedness gear.

The crossbody bag design keeps weight distributed comfortably across your body rather than pulling on one shoulder.

Things to Improve

The collapsible water container can develop a small hole if stored at the wrong angle, based on multiple buyer reports. Store it flat rather than folded. The shovel and pick connection loosens after extended digging, so tighten the hardware before each use.

The first aid supplies are decent but not medical-grade. If you need serious trauma capability, pair this kit with a dedicated IFAK.

7. Ready America Deluxe 2-Person Kit – Best for Home Preparedness

The Ready America Deluxe kit steps up from the basic 70280 model with a hand-crank power station that serves four functions. It works as a flashlight, AM-FM radio, emergency siren, and phone charger. That single addition makes this kit dramatically more useful during an extended power outage.

Inside the backpack you get two 2400-calorie US Coast Guard approved food bars, six 4.225-ounce water pouches with 5-year shelf life, water purification tablets, a 33-piece first aid kit, a stainless steel multi-function pocket tool, 10 yards of duct tape, waterproof matches, two emergency ponchos, two survival blankets, two hygiene kits, a BPA-free 32-ounce water bottle, nitrile gloves, dust masks, and a bio-hazard bag.

The water purification tablets treat additional water beyond what the pouches provide. That extends your survival window significantly if you can access a stream, lake, or even a swimming pool.

I appreciate that the kit is small enough for a child or small-framed adult to carry. In a real evacuation, everyone in the family should be able to grab their own bag.

Best Home Emergency Option

This is the kit I keep recommending for home preparedness. The hand-crank power station means you can charge a phone to call for help even when the grid is down. The radio keeps you informed about emergency broadcasts and evacuation orders.

The included hygiene kits are a thoughtful touch that many kits overlook. Staying clean during an emergency prevents illness and maintains morale.

Trade-offs to Consider

Some items are basic quality. The hand-crank phone charging feature is not something most users have tested in a genuine emergency, so manage your expectations about how much charge it can actually deliver to a modern smartphone.

The kit weighs 10 pounds fully packed, which is reasonable but noticeable for smaller family members.

8. EVERLIT Storm II 72-Hour Family Kit – Best for Family of 2-4

The EVERLIT Storm II is the kit I bought for my own parents after the ice storm experience. It is designed to sustain two people for 72 hours with enough supplies to extend if rationed carefully. The 4.8-star rating across 2,052 reviews tells you this kit consistently delivers.

What sets this kit apart is the inclusion of a CAT tourniquet. That is a Generation 7 Combat Application Tourniquet, which is the same design used by military and first responders. Most pre-made kits skip this critical bleeding control tool, and EVERLIT includes one standard.

The water situation is serious. You get 24 packs of 125ML emergency drinking water plus water purification tablets that treat up to 25 quarts. Two packs of 3600-calorie food bars carry a 5-year shelf life, so you set it and forget it.

The 1000D polyester tactical backpack has MOLLE webbing for attaching additional gear, adjustable waist and shoulder straps, and weighs 20 pounds fully loaded. It feels like a piece of professional equipment rather than a consumer emergency kit.

The 3-in-1 hand-crank device functions as a flashlight, radio, and phone charger. The 200-piece medical supply kit covers everything from minor cuts to serious trauma.

Ideal Family Setup

This is the best survival kit for emergencies when you are preparing for a household of two to four people. The MOLLE system lets you attach additional pouches for each family member’s personal items. The comprehensive medical supplies handle everything from household injuries to disaster trauma.

I recommend buying one Storm II kit and supplementing with a Blue Coolers Blue Seventy-Two for each additional family member.

What Needs Upgrading Over Time

Some included items are basic quality. The compass works but is not what I would trust for serious navigation. The radio gets the job done but lacks the clarity of a dedicated NOAA weather radio.

The multi-tool and tactical knife are functional but experienced users will eventually upgrade these. Treat the included versions as capable backups.

9. SurviveX Large First Aid Kit – Best for Medical Preparedness

The SurviveX Large First Aid Kit is what I recommend when someone wants serious medical capability beyond the basics. This is not a survival kit with food and water. It is a dedicated first aid system designed by experts for treating real injuries.

The standout feature is the zip stitch wound closure strips. These are non-invasive alternatives to traditional stitches that let you close cuts and lacerations when you cannot reach medical care. I tested the closure strips on a deep simulated wound and they held securely through movement and flexing.

The color-coded and labeled compartment system means you find what you need fast. Red for wounds, blue for hygiene, yellow for tools, green for personal items. In a real emergency, that organization saves precious seconds.

This kit is FSA and HSA eligible, which means you can use pre-tax health account dollars to purchase it. That makes the effective cost significantly lower for anyone with a flexible spending or health savings account.

Designed in Virginia and chosen by first aid experts, the supplies are professional-grade rather than consumer-grade. The kit handles severe wounds, sprains, fractures, and burns.

Who Needs This Level of Medical Kit

This is for anyone who wants to pair a survival kit with serious medical capability. If you have a family member on blood thinners, children who play sports, or you live somewhere with slow emergency response times, the zip stitch closures alone justify the purchase.

The MOLLE-compatible design means you can mount it alongside any of the survival kits in this guide.

Space Limitations

The kit comes packed full, which means there is limited room to add your own items. If you want to include specific medications or extra supplies, you may need to remove some of the included contents first.

There is no room for mass trauma dressings, so if you need that level of trauma capability, add a separate trauma kit.

10. Pixato 258-Piece Survival Gear Kit – Best Compact Full Kit

The Pixato 258-piece kit is a newer entry that impressed me with its included water filter and USB-C rechargeable lantern. Those two items alone usually cost extra when building a kit from scratch, and Pixato includes both standard.

The 25L tactical backpack uses 1000D waterproof Oxford cloth with MOLLE webbing for attaching additional gear. Inside you get a 14-in-1 axe and hammer combination tool, emergency tent, fire starting kit, LED lantern, water filter, first aid kit with tourniquet, survival bracelet with compass, multi-frequency whistle, and parachute cord.

The USB-C rechargeable lantern is a modern touch I appreciate. Every other kit I tested uses disposable batteries or hand cranks. Being able to recharge from a power bank or solar panel gives you sustained lighting without hunting for batteries.

The included water filter means you can draw safe drinking water from natural sources, which extends your survival window dramatically compared to kits that only include pre-packaged water.

Best Use Case

This kit works well as a starter system for someone new to emergency preparedness. The water filter and rechargeable lantern give you capabilities that usually require separate purchases. It also makes a practical gift for outdoorsy friends or family members.

The 25L capacity is enough for solo use or as a supplementary kit alongside a larger family bag.

Important Caveats

The backpack is smaller than the product photos suggest. Multiple buyers flagged this discrepancy. The kit fits the contents but leaves very little room for adding personal items.

Some items are sub-kit quality, meaning they work but will not survive heavy use. The first aid kit lacks advanced trauma supplies, so pair it with a dedicated trauma kit if bleeding control matters to you.

11. EVERLIT Car Emergency Roadside Kit – Best for Vehicle Emergencies

The EVERLIT Car Emergency Kit is the kit I keep in my own vehicle after a roadside breakdown left me stranded for three hours waiting for a tow. This kit is specifically designed for vehicle emergencies rather than wilderness survival, and that focus shows.

The standout tool is the digital auto tire inflator with auto shutoff. You set your target pressure and the compressor stops when it reaches that level. I tested it on a slow leak and it brought my tire from 28 to 35 PSI in under four minutes.

The 12-foot 8-gauge jumper cables deliver 300 amps of starting power, which is enough for most passenger vehicles and SUVs. The cables are UL listed, meaning they meet recognized safety standards rather than the no-name cables included in cheap roadside kits.

You also get a reflective warning triangle, safety gloves, a glass breaker, and a seatbelt cutter. The glass breaker and seatbelt cutter live within easy reach, which matters if you need to escape a vehicle quickly after an accident.

The 108-piece first aid kit rounds out the package with comprehensive medical supplies for treating injuries at the scene.

Perfect for Daily Drivers

This is the kit I recommend for every vehicle in your household. The compact carrying bag fits under a seat or in a trunk without taking up cargo space. The combination of tire inflator, jumper cables, and first aid covers the three most common roadside emergencies.

New drivers, teenagers heading off to college, and anyone who drives in rural areas should have this kit in their vehicle.

One Item to Replace

The tow cable is consistently flagged as poor quality by reviewers. It may work for pulling a small vehicle out of a ditch, but I would not trust it for anything serious. Replace it with a proper recovery strap if you anticipate needing vehicle recovery.

The included blanket and airway mask could also be upgraded for better quality, but they work as backups.

12. LUXMOM 142-Piece Survival Kit – Best Compact Outdoor Kit

The LUXMOM 142-piece kit is the compact kit I toss into a daypack for hiking and shorter outdoor trips. At 9 x 6 x 5 inches, it takes up minimal space while delivering 21 multipurpose survival tools and 106 first aid pieces.

The 600D nylon MOLLE-compatible pouch attaches to larger backpacks, belts, or tactical vests. I clip mine to the outside of my daypack so it is always accessible without digging through the main compartment.

Inside you get a hatchet, flashlight, multifunctional card, survival bracelet with compass, dual-tube whistle, wire saw, light stick, emergency rope, carabiner, tweezers, tourniquet, scissors, adhesive bandages, knuckle bandages, triangular bandage, PBT bandage, alcohol pads, cotton swabs, safety pins, and a complete fishing tools set.

The hatchet surprised me with its quality. It is not a full-size camp axe, but it handles small firewood preparation and shelter building. The shovel is compact but functional for basic digging tasks.

The included flashlight throws a useful beam for its size. The multitool card works as a bottle opener, can opener, screwdriver, and ruler.

Best for Day Hikers and Campers

This is the kit I recommend for day hikers, campers, and anyone who wants a compact survival kit for outdoor adventures. It does not replace a full 72-hour kit, but it handles the most common outdoor emergencies effectively.

The MOLLE compatibility means you can build a modular system. Attach this kit alongside a water bladder and you have a capable daypack setup.

Honest Limitations

The first aid supplies are where costs were cut. The scissors and tweezers are noticeably cheap. Some tools arrive dull and need sharpening before use. The fishing kit is included but may not be practical for users who do not fish.

The shovel is small, which limits its usefulness for serious digging. Treat it as a backup tool rather than your primary digging implement.

How to Choose the Best Survival Kit for Emergencies

Choosing the right survival kit depends on your specific situation, location, and who you are preparing for. After testing 12 kits and researching dozens more, here are the factors that actually matter when making your decision.

Kit Size and Person Capacity

The first question is how many people you are preparing for. Solo kits like the Blue Coolers Blue Seventy-Two cover one person for 72 hours. Two-person kits like the Ready America 70280 and EVERLIT Storm II double the food and water. For families of four or more, consider buying multiple kits rather than stretching a two-person kit.

Physical size matters for storage. If you live in an apartment, a compact pouch kit like the EVERLIT 250-piece fits in a drawer. Full bug out bags like the TacPreps 45L need dedicated closet or vehicle space.

First Aid Quality and Medical Capability

This is where most pre-made kits disappoint. Reddit users on r/Survival and r/preppers consistently flag cheap first aid supplies as the biggest weakness of budget kits. Look for kits that include a tourniquet, quality trauma shears, and genuine bandaging materials rather than dollar-store equivalents.

The SurviveX Large First Aid Kit is the only kit in this guide with zip stitch wound closures, which let you close cuts without professional medical care. If bleeding control matters to you, look for kits that include a C-A-T tourniquet like the EVERLIT Storm II.

Water Procurement and Treatment

Water is your most critical survival priority. Pre-packaged water pouches last 5 years but provide only minimal hydration. The best survival kits for emergencies include both stored water and a way to treat additional water from natural sources.

Kits with water filters include the TacPreps 45L, Pixato 258-piece, and Uncharted Supply Co. Seventy2 Pro. Water purification tablets, included in the Ready America Deluxe and EVERLIT Storm II, offer a lighter and cheaper backup method.

Food and Shelter Components

Emergency food bars with 5-year shelf life are the standard. Look for US Coast Guard approved bars like those in the Ready America kits. Calorie counts of 2400 per person per day are the minimum you want.

Shelter components matter if you might face exposure. Mylar emergency blankets appear in nearly every kit. The Seventy2 Pro and TacPreps kits include actual emergency tents and bivy bags for real weather protection.

Organization and Bag Durability

Organization directly affects how quickly you can access supplies under stress. Color-coded systems like the SurviveX kit and the Uncharted Supply Co. instructions printed inside the bag help you find items when your hands are shaking and your fine motor skills are compromised.

Bag materials range from basic nylon on budget kits to 1000D polyester or TPU on premium options. The 1000D nylon on EVERLIT kits and the welded TPU construction on the Seventy2 Pro represent the upper end of durability.

Pre-Made vs DIY Approach

This debate comes up constantly in prepper communities. The consensus among experienced survivalists is that pre-made kits are excellent starting points but rarely complete solutions. Most users on r/Survival recommend buying a pre-made kit and then customizing it over time with higher quality versions of key items.

Building your own kit from scratch gives you the best quality-to-cost ratio but requires research and time. If you value convenience and want something ready today, pre-made kits are the right choice. If you have specific medical needs, regional concerns, or gear preferences, a DIY approach may serve you better.

Kit Maintenance and Rotation

An ignored survival kit is a useless survival kit. Food bars and water pouches expire. Batteries die. Medical supplies degrade. Set calendar reminders to inspect your kits annually and replace expired items.

The Ready America kits include a postcard reminder system for exactly this purpose. For other kits, set a recurring annual reminder on your phone to check expiration dates and rotate supplies.

Store kits in temperature-controlled environments when possible. Vehicle kits face extreme heat and cold, which accelerates degradation of food, water, and batteries. Check vehicle kits more frequently than home kits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Survival Kits for Emergencies

After 18 months of testing, the EVERLIT 250-Piece Survival First Aid Kit remains my top overall pick for the best survival kits for emergencies in 2026. It balances quality, organization, and value better than anything else I tested. For families, the EVERLIT Storm II adds the food, water, and tourniquet capability you need for a true 72-hour scenario.

If budget is your primary concern, the Blue Coolers Blue Seventy-Two gives you legitimate 72-hour coverage at an affordable price. For vehicle emergencies, the EVERLIT Car Emergency Kit covers the three most common roadside problems with quality tools.

The most important step is simply starting. Buy a kit, learn what is inside it, and customize it to your specific situation. Emergency preparedness is not about having the perfect kit on day one. It is about building capability over time so that when the power goes out, the ground shakes, or the road closes, you and your family are ready.