What Supplies Are Needed For An Effective Emergency Shelter?

When it comes to an effective bespoke emergency shelter, whilst the quality of the protective material, size, layout and beds are vital to ensuring that people are protected whilst in them, another critical aspect is the provisions included.

A disaster will by definition have both destructive and disruptive consequences, which means that ready access to supplies essential to life are not always guaranteed to be available.

This aspect, known broadly as a secondary disaster, is as much of a threat to life as the original disaster itself but can be avoided with robust preparation in the immediate aftermath of a disaster before more substantial relief can arrive.

Here are the most basic supplies needed in order to maximise the survival chances of anyone in the shelter.

Absolute Basics

At an absolute minimum, a shelter needs to have a basic set of provisions that will at a minimum provide subsistence, safety and security alongside the protection of the shelter itself.

The most obvious of these is food and water. People need at least three litres of potable water per person per day according to the UK Government’s Prepare campaign to avoid the risk of dehydration or serious illness due to drinking contaminated water.

Similarly, people need non-perishable foods that either need no preparation at all or can be easily prepared with very basic equipment. These can include ration packs, calorie-dense bars, shelf-stable produce and tinned provisions (although this will also require a tin opener).

Whilst being at the shelter means that there will be some room to allow for relatively basic food preparation and eventually a mess hall or emergency kitchen will be set up, in the early moments of a disaster, what food is packed might be the only food available.

Similarly, a first aid kit with basic medical supplies such as plasters, bandages, essential medicines, antiseptic, sterile dressings, dust masks and basic medical equipment for common health conditions to avoid preventable medical emergencies.

As well as this, a flashlight and spare batteries if it does not have a hand crank are essential for safety, security and peace of mind. Any disaster that causes evacuation into shelters will almost certainly cut off electrical supplies. 

A phone charger battery pack can be useful but given that signal is not guaranteed, it should not be a priority.

A battery-powered radio is also important, as whilst other forms of broadcast are not guaranteed to be available, the emergency broadcast system will be in effect to provide further instructions.

This is more vital than one might expect, given that this can provide further warnings about future disasters or aftershocks that could lead to further dangers, as well as announcements about when to expect additional assistance.

Beyond this, bedding, and pillows are important not only for warmth but for protection from debris, a whistle is vital to help call for help, and some form of emergency clothing may be needed depending on how long the situation is without additional help.

The hope is that these supplies do not end up being needed, but preparing as well as possible gives people the best chance of survival in the worst-case scenario.