3 Tiny Survival Items that Can Fit into Any Space

Inclement weather seems to be at the top of the news these last few weeks. Floods, blizzards, and tornados are affecting both small and large homes and their owners. The Red Cross recommends that these items be kept on hand for emergency situations such as power outages, downed trees, and blocked roads.

This winter has reiterated the importance of having emergency items on hand.

However, if you have a tiny house, many of these items will not fit into these small spaces. Tiny houses are not known to have many extra closets or generous storage areas. So what are the best emergency items to have on hand in a tiny space?

Tiny survival items.

We are so lucky these days that all products (like homes) are shrinking in size. Many of them are also very portable and easy to carry from house to car to emergency hotel room. So there really is no excuse to go without during an emergency.

While this list is not exhaustive, it does include some survival items that could come in handy during an emergency. They can easily be tucked under some stairs, in a loft, under a bed, or in the trunk of a car. While they may not help with every situation, they do offer peace of mind.

1. Mini gas or solar generator

During a five-day power outage in several neighborhoods near my mountain home, the people who did the best were the ones who had a generator. Being able to charge devices, run small heaters, or plug in a fridge was invaluable. While larger 2,500 to 3,000 watt gas generators are large, heavy, and more difficult to store, there are smaller generators or power stations that run on either gasoline or can be charged up via 110 or solar. The smaller generators are limited in their power capacities, but charging phones, running a few lights, and maybe a tiny house fridge make them a worthy investment. The key with these items is to keep them charged up and filled with fuel before the power goes out or the gas stations shut down.

2. Collapsable Water container

The first item on the Red Cross List is water and for a good reason. When power lines go down, so do water pumps. When water lines freeze, there is no way to get water. Having a way to store several gallons of water for drinking, cooking, and washing is necessary. While large five-gallon water containers are great, they are unwieldy and tough to store. Collapsible water storage cubes can be tucked away when not in use and then filled up just before the next storm hits.

3. Bug out bag

The essential bug out bag (aka BOB), getaway bag, or get-home bag should also be a necessary part of any home or vehicle. Remember the Atlanta Snowpocalypse? Many of those trapped in their vehicles may have done better if they had a good bug out bag in their vehicle. Creating a bug out bag is a very personal thing, but it should contain at least the following:

• warm clothing
• water
• 24-48 hours of non-perishable food and snacks
• tiny camp stove and isobutane canister
• metal cup for cooking or heating water
• flashlight or headlamp
• portable battery pack and charging cords for your phone
• fire-starting material and lighters
• toilet paper or baby wipes
• extra cash in small bills
• multitool with knife
• hand crank radio or 2-way radio with a NOAA weather channel
• packable rain poncho
• small first aid kit
• emergency whistle or airhorn

These are the basics that should all fit into a smaller bag or backpack, but if you want a more extensive list, check out the free PDF from Bug Out Bag Academy.

 

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]