A basic tool kit
- Hammer, screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
- Multi-tool and a fixed-blade knife
- Folding saw and a hatchet
- Duct tape, zip ties, paracord and wire
- Plastic sheeting and a staple gun
- Work gloves, safety glasses and a headlamp
- Crowbar or pry bar
- Shutoff tool for gas and water
Know your shutoffs
- Water: find the main valve, usually where the line enters the house or near the meter. Turn it off for a burst pipe.
- Power: know your breaker panel. Flip the main off before a flood reaches outlets, and never touch it while standing in water.
- Gas: only turn gas off if you smell gas or hear a leak, then leave and call the gas company from outside. Once it's off, only the utility should turn it back on.
Generator safety
Two rules
Run it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, away from windows and doors. And never plug a generator into a wall outlet to power the house. That backfeeds the power lines and can kill utility workers. Use extension cords or a transfer switch installed by an electrician.
Quick fixes worth knowing
- Patch a leaking pipe temporarily with a rubber patch and hose clamps, or self-fusing silicone tape.
- Board up a broken window with plywood, or tape plastic sheeting over it.
- Clear a clogged drain with a plunger or hand auger, not chemicals you may need to clean up later.
- Sharpen knives and tools. A dull blade is the dangerous one.
Tool gear
Multi-tool
Pliers, knife and screwdrivers in your pocket.
My pick: Leatherman Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool, Stainless Steel
Fixed-blade knife
For camp chores and fire prep.
My pick: Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife, Stainless, 4.1-Inch
Folding saw
Cuts limbs and firewood fast.
My pick: Corona RazorTOOTH Folding Saw, 10-Inch Curved Blade
Gas and water shutoff tool
Turns off utilities in an emergency.
My pick: On Duty 4-in-1 Emergency Gas and Water Shut Off Tool
Duct tape and zip ties
Fixes almost anything for a while.
My pick: Gorilla Tough & Wide Heavy Duty Duct Tape, Black, 2.88 in x 25 yd
Work gloves
Protect your hands during cleanup.
My pick: Wells Lamont Heavy Duty Leather Palm Work Gloves with Safety Cuff
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