Buying an emergency kit: be prepared for emergencies
In unforeseen emergency situations, a well-assembled emergency kit is indispensable. Whether it concerns a prolonged power outage, problems with the water supply, a natural disaster or another crisis situation: with a complete emergency kit you are better prepared and you and your family can take care of yourselves independently for longer. At NLTactical you will find both complete emergency kits and separate components with which you can put together a custom emergency kit.
Various governments and emergency services have been emphasizing the importance of having an emergency kit at home for years. It is reassuring to know that you have the most important items immediately at hand when something goes wrong, at home, on the road or during outdoor adventures.
What is an emergency kit and why do you need one?
An emergency kit is a collection of essential supplies you need to get through an emergency situation. Think of situations in which basic services temporarily fail or help is not immediately available. Especially for families it is important to think about this in advance: children, the elderly or vulnerable family members are extra dependent on good preparation.
Emergency kit for home, car and outdoor
- Power outages or failure of utilities
No light, no heating and possibly no access to information or communication. - Natural disasters or extreme weather
Flooding, storm damage or heavy snowfall can mean that you cannot leave for a while or that emergency services become overloaded. - Crisis situations and evacuations
In some cases you may have to leave your home (temporarily) and need a bag or box with essential supplies. - On the road and in the car
In case of breakdown, traffic jams or severe weather, it is wise to always have a compact emergency kit for the car in your boot. - Outdoor and survival
During camping, hikes or survival trips, an outdoor emergency kit is an important part of your gear.
With a good emergency kit you increase your self-reliance. You are less dependent on external help and can act faster and more effectively when something happens.
What should a good emergency kit contain?
What an emergency kit should contain depends on your situation, family composition and the risks you want to prepare for. However, there are a number of basic components that belong in almost every emergency kit:
- Water and food
Long-life food (such as emergency rations, dried food or canned food) and sufficient drinking water or water filtration systems. For families it is important to calculate for several people and a minimum period (for example 48–72 hours). - Light sources
Various light sources such as flashlights, headlamps and possibly lanterns with extra batteries. Being able to move around and act safely in the dark is essential, especially with children in the house. - First aid kit
An extensive first aid kit with plasters, bandages, disinfectants, painkillers and any personal medication. In emergency situations, medical help is not always immediately available. - Multifunctional tools and equipment
Think of multitools, a knife, duct tape, rope and other practical tools you can use in a wide range of scenarios. - Protection against the elements
Emergency blankets, ponchos, thermal clothing or other means to stay warm and dry. In cold or wet weather, hypothermia can set in quickly. - Communication and information
An (emergency) radio, preferably battery-powered or with a dynamo, so you can stay informed of warnings and updates, as well as walkie-talkies for your loved ones so you can communicate over a distance. - Power supply
Extra batteries, power banks and possibly a portable charger or solar panel to keep using essential devices. - Hygiene items
Basic hygiene products such as wet wipes, disinfectant gel, toilet paper and, if needed, special products for children or babies.
By combining these components smartly, you create an emergency kit that fits your family and living situation.
Ready-made emergency kits or putting one together yourself
At NLTactical you can choose from various separate components. This gives you the freedom to decide what suits you best.
Ready-made emergency kits are ideal if you want to be prepared quickly. The most important basic items are already collected for you, tailored to emergency situations. This is a good solution for families who want to establish a solid base straight away without much research.
Putting together your own emergency kit is interesting if you have specific requirements or want to tailor your kit to:
- the size of your family;
- the presence of children, elderly people or pets;
- your home (apartment, terraced house, detached house);
- use in the car, at work or while travelling;
- intensive outdoor or survival use.
With the wide range of separate components at NLTactical you can easily put together an emergency kit that matches your specific situation: from basic equipment for home use to an extensive kit for preppers, emergency services or military use.
Why choose an emergency kit from NLTactical?
When it comes to an emergency kit, everything revolves around reliability, quality and functionality. NLTactical offers products that are selected with a tactical and professional perspective, suitable for both demanding users and families who simply want to be well prepared.
Important advantages of NLTactical:
- Order before 23:59, delivered tomorrow
Your emergency kit or separate components are delivered very quickly, so you can be prepared in no time. - Free shipping on orders over €100
Convenient if you want to put together a complete emergency kit for yourself or your family in one go. - 600 m2 Experience Center
You can view and test the products in real life and receive targeted advice from specialists. - Customer rating: 8.8
Customers appreciate our service, quality and expertise. That inspires confidence when making important choices for your emergency equipment.
Whether you are just starting to prepare or want to upgrade your existing gear: at NLTactical you will find a reliable range that helps you take serious steps towards better self-reliance.
Practical tips: storing and maintaining your emergency kit
An emergency kit is not a one-off purchase that you then forget about. With a few simple habits you can ensure that your kit remains up to date and usable:
- Choose a fixed, accessible place
Store your emergency kit in a dry, cool place that can be easily reached by all family members. Avoid places that are quickly blocked or hard to access. - Check the contents regularly
Periodically check the expiry dates of food, water and medication, and replace them in time. Also check batteries and power banks. - Tailor it to your family
Add extra items if necessary for children, elderly people or pets. Think of child-friendly snacks, medication or specific care products. - Inform your family members
Explain where the emergency kit is stored and what is in it. In a stressful situation it is important that everyone knows what to expect.
By maintaining your emergency kit properly, you ensure that it is not only present, but also truly usable when it really matters.
Frequently asked questions
What should an emergency kit contain?
A good emergency kit contains at least water and long-life food, light sources (such as a flashlight or headlamp), a first aid kit, multifunctional tools, protection against cold and wet conditions, communication devices (for example an emergency radio), extra batteries or power banks and basic hygiene items. Depending on your family situation you can add extra items.
How long does an emergency kit last?
The shelf life of an emergency kit largely depends on the products it contains. Food, water and medication have a limited shelf life and need to be replaced periodically. Check the dates at least once a year and replace anything that has expired. Durable items such as blankets, tools and flashlights last much longer, provided you store them dry and clean.
For how many people is one emergency kit suitable?
That depends on its composition. Some ready-made emergency kits are designed for one or two people. For families it is often wise to add extra food, water and first aid materials or to combine multiple kits. At NLTactical you can order separate components to tailor the kit to your family composition.
Where is the best place to store my emergency kit?
Store your emergency kit in a dry, cool and easily accessible place, for example in the hallway, storage room or a dedicated cupboard. Make sure all family members know where the kit is. For the car you can put together a separate, compact emergency kit that you keep in the boot.
Do I need an emergency kit if I live in the city?
Yes. Emergency or crisis situations can occur anywhere, including in urban areas. In case of failures in power or water supply, extreme weather or evacuations, it can make a big difference if you have a basic stock of supplies at home. An emergency kit provides peace of mind and increases your self-reliance, no matter where you live.
