Emergency Gear for the Southwest Region

The southwestern region of the United States can be a breathtaking place to live in and explore. But that doesn't mean that natural disasters cannot strike. If you're here, you already know that preparing for natural disasters is not optional.

Too many families are affected every year by harsh weather. Assembling an emergency kit can help make things easier.

Drought is a very prominent disaster in the southwest. The drought that had been over Arizona since the year 2000 had been declared the worst drought in that area in the last 1,200 years. And climate change is to blame for even more natural disasters.

Threats in the Southwest

There are surprisingly many threats in the Southwest. There are wildfires, flash floods, droughts, and severe storms. Some disasters can even overlap, which can make for some frightening events.

While it can seem intimidating, it is possible to prepare for multiple emergencies at a time. Whether that is preparing your home or assembling emergency kits, know that it is possible to truly be ready for anything.

Hand Crank/Solar Rechargeable AM/FM/SW Radio, LED Flashlight, Power Bank - Rugged

Emergency hand crank/solar powered energy source, radio, LED flashlight

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2-Way Radio - Durable

High powered, durable, dual-band, 2-way radio and walkie talkie

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Ultra Bright Headlamp

Ultra bright, rechargeable 6000 lumen LED head lamp for hands free survival

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Rechargeable LED Headlamp 300 Lumens

Durable, rechargeable 300 lumen LED head lamp for hands free survival

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Portable 5-Gallon Water Container

Portable, durable 5 gallon water containers for potable water transport

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Multi-Fuel Generator

Dual fuel porable generator with electric start for emergency power

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Drought

Living in the southwest can mean many sunny days -- sometimes too many. Droughts, if you're living in a hot, dry climate, can be especially worrisome. Droughts happen when there isn't any rain for long periods of time.

It's best to prepare for droughts before the hotter, dryer months roll around. To prepare for extreme heat and drought, conserve water as much as you can. Be sure to keep emergency drinking water in your home, and even in your emergency kit.

Having a kit full of supplies to get you through a drought is crucial. Try to pack your kit full of the following items.

• Enough drinking water for each member of your family -- including pets
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Ice packs
• Battery-powered fans
• A battery-powered radio
• Batteries
• A first-aid kit

Flooding

Flooding is a serious threat, and is far more common than you'd think. Flooding is when water gathers in places it wouldn't normally. Flooding can happen in roads, neighborhoods, and even in homes.

Preparing for a flood is actually easier than you may think. The first thing you should do is figure out where to find high ground. It's also important to know how to perform CPR and know how to swim. You should also keep an emergency kit full of supplies.

Make sure your emergency kit is easy to carry, and won't weigh you down. Keep your kit somewhere accessible, and keep it full of the following supplies.

• Enough drinking water for each member of your family
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Floatation devices
• Flares
• A whistle
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• A first-aid kit

Wildfires

Anyone living in the southwest knows how serious wildfires can be. A wildfire can occur when a man-made fire burns out of control. An unextinguished cigarette flicked into tall, dry grass, or a campfire left unattended can spark a wildfire that can burn through miles of forest -- and hundreds of homes.

Preparing for a wildfire includes quite a few steps. The first is to get the proper insurance on your home and belongings. It's also important to know how to get out of your home and out of the area fast. Because fire can spread so quickly, you won't have a lot of time to gather supplies.

Keep an emergency kit inside of your vehicle to save you time when evacuating. Keep your kit stocked up with the following supplies, and tailor it to fit you.

• Enough water for each member of your family, including all of your pets
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• A fire extinguisher
• A battery-powered radio
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• A whistle
• A first-aid kit

Tornadoes

Tornadoes may be slightly less common in the Southwest, but that doesn't mean that they don't happen. Tornadoes form when warm, humid air meets cold, dry air. The two don't mix -- they instead move around each other and create the swirling vortex known as a tornado.

It's crucial to be prepared before a tornado touches down in your area. To prepare for tornadoes, identify a safe place to take shelter. Your shelter should be underground, in a windowless room.

Keep supplies in your tornado shelter so you don't have to waste time grabbing items. Prepare an emergency kit or two ahead of time so all you have to worry about is getting your family to safety. Fill your kit with the following items.

• Enough drinking water for each member of your family, including pets
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• Flashlights
• A battery-powered radio
• Batteries
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• A whistle
• A first-aid kit

Severe storms

Thunder and lightning storms affect the entirety of the United States. Storms can range in severity, and at their worst, they can tear up trees, knock out power, and wreak all sorts of havoc.

Since they're such common occurrences, preparing for them is actually very easy. To prepare for thunder and lightning storms, start by either tying down or bringing in any outdoor furniture. Then you should make sure you're ready to potentially shelter in place, or even evacuate.

Keeping an emergency kit in a windowless room can come in handy, and should be filled with the following items.

• Enough drinking water for each member of your family, including pets
• Non-perishable food items
• A manual can opener
• A flashlight
• A battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Tools for shutting off utilities
• A first-aid kit

Wild Southwest

Now that you know all about the threats that may come your way in the southwest, the only question left to answer is which you will prepare for first.

While that can depend on the time of year, we sincerely hope that whatever you prepare for first doesn't hit your family hard. Remember to keep your kit somewhere accessible after you fill it up with whatever you may need.

And remember that it's never too late to get started, and you can assemble your own emergency kit today. Don't forget to refresh your kits every year and keep any emergency kits you may already have up to date, too!

Family Sized Water Filter

Affordable, long lasting multi-person water filter and purifier

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Stackable 5-Gallon Water Containers

Stackable, portable, durable 5 gallon water containers for potable water storage and transport

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First Aid Kit - Compact

Standard, Portable IFAK First Aid Kit

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Trauma Kit - Large

Advanced First Aid Gear and Supplies

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