22 Dorm Room Supplies for Emergencies

(Updated 2017)

If you are buying or packing up things for your dorm room, don’t forget these essentials that will come in handy in an emergency situation. Whether weather-related or otherwise, unexpected situations can arise while living in the dorm. It is easy to be prepared for unplanned events by bringing along these 22 emergency supplies.

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1. Area Map-It is a good idea to keep a physical map of the region where your college is located. That way if you should need to evacuate, you have a guide to where you need to go. Do not solely rely on your cellphone GPS in service goes down during the emergency. Town maps can often be obtain through the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors’ Bureau. State maps may also be available from these sources.

2. Bug Spray-Keep the bugs from making you into a snack when you venture outdoors.

3. Bungee Cord/Rope- Always great for tying things in easy to carry bundles.

4. Canned Food, Energy Bars, and Water-The general rule is to keep a 72 hour supply of food and water available to get you through the initial emergency phase. Good suggestions for canned food include meats such as chicken or tuna, ready to eat soups, and vegetables. Emergency water pouches are available for purchase from a variety of retailers. You can easily stow these emergency supplies in a small storage box below your bed or in the corner of a closet.

5. Can Opener-Great for opening cans without the need for electrical power. I recommend this OXO Good Grips Can Opener from experience as it is durable and easy on the hands and comes with the bonus of a bottle/jar opener.
 

6. Duct Tape-No wonder whole books have been written about what to do with Duct Tape . It comes in handy in all sorts of regular and emergency situations to fix leaks, draw attention (the bright colors), seal bags, etc…

7. Emergency Blanket-Takes up so little space when stored, but perfect for using the sun for heat if needed or for signaling. This Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanketis designed to hold up well under a variety of conditions.

8. Emergency Contact List-Have all the important phone numbers that you need in one place in your dorm room should the need arise. Check out this simple to use, free Emergency Information Printable Form from Organized Home.

9.Extra Batteries-You never know when you might need a few.

10. First Aid Kit-Be prepared to handle the little emergencies that life throws at you with a well-stocked kit that won’t take up lots of space such as the In addition to bandages and antibacterial cream, this Band-Aid All Purpose First Aid Kit has items such as Tylenol and Imodium.

11. Flashlight-Occasional power failures are a reality no matter where you live. Although, most dorms have emergency lighting systems, they are generally located in the hallways and stairwells. This Dorcy 41-2521 3AA Portable Waterproof/Floating Flashlight will keep stumbling in the dark to a minimum.

12. Glow Sticks-Great for marking a spot or signaling. Also, perfect for a disco party (but Mom and Dad you did not hear that).

13. Hand Sanitizer-Great for times when soap and water are not available. And businesses such as the The Honest Company now make it without ingredients that are considered controversial.

14. Hand Warmers-Great for cold weather situations.

15. Hydrogen Peroxide-This product is wonderful for disinfecting both small wounds and household surfaces such as the inside of a mini fridge. It also can be used as a mouth wash if needed.  Great to have on hand.

16. Mess Kit-It is always great to have an easily stowed should you need them on the go.

17. Moleskin-Keep a roll of this fantastic invention handy to use on your hands and feet to help prevent or slow the progress of blisters.

18. Sunscreen-In an emergency situation, you might be outdoors longer than you planned. Do not let yourself get crispy fried, as this will compound your problems. I am as fair skinned as they come and I love Coppertone Waterbabies . It goes on thick, but really does the job.

19. Water Filter-Though unlikely in the dorm, you might find yourself in a situation where you need to filter water before you drink it. This LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is highly rated and compact.

20. Weather Radio-Can be great for alerting you to bad weather or other emergency situations during the the day or night. One such as the iRonsnow Dynamo Emergency Solar Hand Crank Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Weather Radio that comes with the ability to use both battery and hand crank if needed is useful.

21. Whistle-Great for signaling your location.

22. Work Gloves-So handy for keeping your hands in good shape if you need to move branches, glass fragments, or other hazards out of the way.

For more College Tips:

18 Things NOT to Buy or Pack for Dorm Room