Miscellaneous Items for your Emergency Kit

This section is for all the items that don’t fit into one of the other categories but I think is still important to have in an emergency kit.

Whistle

A whistle is used to get people’s attention. It’s ideal for a survival kit and it also makes sense in an emergency kit. They are louder than yelling and anyone can use them to draw attention to themselves if needed.

There are some good emergency whistles out there. 

There are plastic or metal versions. Some people say that the plastic ones can break easily.

There are some really cheap plastic whistles out there designed for emergency situations that do a great job of making a lot of noise and are solidly built.

They don’t take up much room at all. Can be kept on a lanyard to make sure they are handy. I make sure every member of my family has one in their grab and go bag as well as having some in my other emergency kits as well.

Emergency Blanket

Also called a space blanket. You know what they are, the small silver or gold package that is made out of some sort of space age thin mylar type material. That can never be folded back to it’s original size so only pull it out if needed.

It pays to shop around with these. I’ve seen them vary in price greatly for the exact same thing. Also check the size they come in. Nothing worse than one that is too small.

They are super light and take up very little room when packaged. 

I make sure I have a bunch of these on hand. Not only for members of my family, but just in case we need extras to help out other people.

Hi Viz Vest

I have this down as a must for a car emergency kit. Anytime you need to be near moving vehicles a hi viz vest can help you be seen. 

It could also be useful in a larger household type of emergency kit. Especially if you find yourself in a situation where people are trying to find you.

What Type of Hi Viz Vest is Best?

I like to look for a hi viz vest that is rated for both day and night. This means it will have the large reflective strips on it. Making you super visible in any nighttime situation.

I also prefer the basic vest shape. That can go over any other clothing I am wearing. No matter if it is a t-shirt or a raincoat.

Making sure the size is large enough also helps. You might want to go a size larger than normal to fit over anything else you are wearing.

As for colour, I’m not sure what is the best one to go with. I’ve used both orange and yellow in the past and both provide good visibility.

Permanent Markers

In an emergency situation, you might find yourself needing to mark something. Having good permanent markers will help you leave notes, mark directions of travel, or note times for things like a tourniquet.

I know you can get super cheap marker pens, but this isn’t something I wouldn’t want to skimp on. I want it to work when I want it to, and I want it to leave a permanent mark. It pays to buy a brand name pen.

Playing Cards / Books / Games

In a lot of emergency situations no matter what they are, you might be faced with spending a lot of time waiting around.

Having playing cards, a book, or some sort of simple game might help you, or others pass the time.

This might not sound like the most important thing for an emergency kit. But keeping your mental health in check and occupied can help.

Being able to offer something like this to someone else could really help them as well.

What Have I Missed?

Is there something else that I have missed that you think should be part of an emergency kit? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this so please leave a comment.