6 Surprise Disaster Kit Essentials

Fishing Line

“You can tie almost anything with it—it’s the Swiss Army knife of string,” says Bill Begal, president of Begal Enterprises Inc., a disaster-restoration company in Rockville, Maryland. In a pinch, use this super-strong, waterproof filament to tie a flapping door closed or secure a tarp over a broken car window.

Vinyl Tablecloths

Cheaper than tarps, these water-resistant spill-catchers can provide an instant island of clean, especially after a disaster where dirt and debris litter the floor, says Abby Harrison, a Hurricane Ike survivor who teaches emergency prep classes in Houston.

Triple-Duty Weather Radio

A hand-crank radio is a standard emergency item, but one that also charges small gadgets and serves as a flashlight packs three vital services in a single package. Try the Rover by Eton ($50; brookstone.com), which has a USB cell-phone charger and an LED light—brighter and more impact-resistant than an incandescent, says the Red Cross’s Keith Robertory. Just 90 seconds of cranking buys you 15 minutes of power.

Baby Wipes

Staying clean when water is in short supply doesn’t have to be a challenge. Baby wipes work wonders at removing grime, whether you want to use them to sub for a shower or clean food-prep surfaces (for this, get lotion-free versions).

Reinforced Work Gloves

“When cleaning up after a storm, the last thing you want is to get pierced by broken glass or a rusty nail with flood water on it,” says Robertory. Cushioned gloves will keep your hands dry and protected. Look for options with rubber or leather grips on the palms to prevent them from becoming slippery.

Solar-Powered Fan

“After a storm, it’s often hot, and if the power is still out, it can be sweltering,” says Begal. To cool things down without electricity, charge a solar fan on your windowsill as soon as you receive a storm warning.

Prep Your House

Do these simple tasks before severe weather hits to help minimize or even prevent costly damage to your home: Nail Loose Boards or Shingles That untethered shingle you previously ignored could create a domino effect if ripped off by the storm, allowing water to get under the ones around it. Once you refasten it, apply a dab of roofing sealant under the shingle and over the nailheads to guard against leaks.

2. Board Up Windows

You can easily board up lower windows from the outside with a single sheet of ½-inch or thicker plywood. But for those on the second and third floors, cut the wood in half to make it easier to lift when you’re on a ladder.

3 .Bring in Patio Furniture

Unsecured objects in your yard, from the grill to kids’ toys, can become dangerous projectiles when winds pick up. The same holds true for your neighbor’s patio set. Look around at four or five adjacent yards and make sure everything gets cleared out or contained.