For a lot of people, the idea of carrying a fully-packed bug-out bag wherever they go just isn’t practical. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for disaster all the time. If you carry certain items with you at all times, those can increase your chances of making it through SHTF scenarios. Here are five items that can help you through almost any emergency. (h/t ApartmentPrepper.com)

Pen and paper

Having a pen and a piece of paper around will always be handy, even during non-emergency scenarios. For emergency situations, however, having those two items around will be even more important. After all, you can use those two to leave a note with a loved one if you have to leave your home or to write down your personal details if you accidentally hit a parked car. It can also be used to communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. In addition, if you want to use your pen both for writing and self-defense, invest in a tactical pen.

Multi-tool

A multi-tool or a multipurpose tool is a versatile piece of equipment that can serve a variety of functions. One of the most famous multi-tools that you may be familiar with is the Swiss Army knife, which has been around since the late 19th century. The Swiss Army used to issue the knife for their troops to help them open canned food and disassemble and clean their weapons. At a minimum, the cheapest multi-tools will contain a blade, a can opener and a screwdriver. Better models may also include scissors, pliers, a corkscrew and other essential tools. Assess the environment you live in and figure out what features you will need in a multi-tool.

Flashlight

A flashlight is perhaps one of the most important items you can have with you for emergencies. Not only will it come in handy during power outages, it’s also useful if you’re in a scenario where the disaster happens at night and you need some light to guide your way. Having a small flashlight in your bag with you at all times can also be useful for everyday situations such as looking for items in dark areas. (Related: Prepare for common survival scenarios by stocking up on these lifesaving tools.)

Reusable water bottle

As a general rule of thumb, people cannot survive for more than three days without water. Hopefully, the emergency situation you have to deal with won’t last that long. However, it’s still a good idea for you to have a filled reusable water bottle around with you at all times. During stressful situations, you may end up sweating profusely. Having some water around ensures you can stay hydrated during the worst of any disaster. As an added bonus, a reusable water bottle is a long-term investment and will save you from having to keep buying bottled water and other beverages.

Smartphone

A smartphone can only be handy for as long as its battery is fully charged. In most cases, a smartphone can only last around a day at most. At the start of a disaster or an emergency situation, you may be able to save a life by calling 911. Furthermore, there are plenty of emergency and survival apps that you can use to help you through most disasters, such as news apps that can give you real-time updates concerning extreme weather and other disasters.

These five items can fit easily in your work bag, in the glove compartment of your car or in your desk drawer. Being prepared means being ready to face disaster at any time, and simply having these five items around can help you do just that.

Sources include:

ApartmentPrepper.com

Survival-Mastery.com

MedicalNewsToday.com