This Couple’s Emergency Kit Has Gone Viral, but Some People Think It’s Overkill

Emergencies can be scary. From major events like natural disasters to everyday problems like power outages, getting caught in a surprising situation can be stressful.

One way people can manage that anxiety is by being prepared. Setting aside some supplies in the event of an emergency can help ease your mind when it comes to the “what-ifs.” 

However, people who have never stocked an emergency kit may be curious about what should go into one. One of the people behind the popular Jeff & Lauren Facebook account has put together a handy list of essential items that everyone should have set aside in a central location.

The video has since gone viral, with over half a million views. Thousands of people have also commented on the clip, sharing additional suggestions and ideas for building the perfect emergency kit. 

What Should You Include in an Emergency Kit?

The couple says the kit is something they put together based on advice from FEMA. The couple started by grabbing a large plastic tote, which they filled with a number of essential items. That list included a gas and water shut-off wrench, first aid kit, drinking water, personal medications, batteries, a flashlight, shelf-stable food, an N95 mask, hand-crank radio, can opener, trash bags, personal wipes, gloves, fire starters, and a camp stove (and fuel).

Jeff then put all the items neatly into the plastic tote and placed the lid on it.

Commenters Shared Their Own Emergency Kit Tips

More than 8,400 people commented on the post, including a few people who questioned the necessity of such an elaborate setup. “Seems smart. But then I realize, I’m 62 years old and never in my 62 years of life have I needed most of the things in that box, and not had them, let alone needed all of them at once,” one person wrote.

Then there were others who shared their own tips about creating an emergency kit. “Make sure your tote is waterproof, not just water resistant,” one person wrote.

“LifeStraws are the go-to,” another added. “You can use them to drink from a dirty puddle.”

“[Matches] for backup in a waterproof bag plus candles,” a third person added.

While this emergency kit may be perfect for what Jeff & Lauren need, others may find that they require different supplies to get through an emergency. That could include supplies for pets, children, and older adults. Additionally, different types of emergencies may necessitate different items.

For example, people living in hurricane-prone areas may need different emergency supplies than people living in earthquake-prone areas. This highlights the importance of tailoring the kit to the emergencies that are most common in a particular area.