Emergency kit with radio
A good emergency kit can be lifesaving during a crisis. Discover what really belongs in it – including modern emergency communication via MeshCore
Why an emergency kit is essential
During a major power outage, flood, storm or other disaster, you can suddenly depend on yourself. Emergency services are often overloaded, stores close, power fails, water stops. In those first crucial hours and days, you must be able to manage on your own.
The Dutch government and Red Cross advise everyone to have an emergency kit (also called survival kit or disaster kit) ready. This kit contains everything you need for at least 72 hours to survive independently during a crisis.
But what exactly should be in your emergency kit? And why is communication perhaps the most important component that is often forgotten? This guide helps you assemble a complete emergency kit.
When do you need an emergency kit?
An emergency kit is not only for extreme disasters. There are various realistic scenarios in the Netherlands where your emergency kit can be vital:
⚡ Nationwide power outage
Major blackout due to cyberattack, technical failure or natural forces. Can last days. No power, no heating, no communication.
🌊 Flood or dike breach
Evacuation needed with little preparation time. Your emergency kit must be portable and contain everything for extended stay elsewhere.
🌪️ Extreme storm or tornado
Infrastructure damage, roads impassable, emergency services unreachable. You may be isolated at home for days.
☢️ Industrial disaster or chemical incident
Think of toxic substances, explosions at facilities or nuclear plants. Evacuation or staying home with closed doors/windows.
🔥 Major fire in the neighborhood
Wildfire, factory fire or forest fire can necessitate evacuation. Smoke, toxic fumes, no return home for extended period.
🦠 Pandemic or lockdown
Extended home quarantine, stores closed or limited access. Supplies needed for long period.
✓ Government advice: 72-hour emergency kit
The Dutch government and Red Cross strongly advise having an emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours. This is the period when emergency services are often overloaded and you must rely on yourself.
Basic emergency kit checklist
A complete emergency kit consists of various categories. Below are the essential components:
💧 Water & Food
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✓
Drinking water: 2 liters per person per day (= 6 liters for 72 hours)
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✓
Canned and non-perishable food (crackers, canned goods, nuts, energy bars)
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✓
Can opener, utensils, plates and cups
🔦 Light & Energy
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✓
Flashlight with spare batteries (or hand-crank flashlight)
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✓
Candles and lighters/matches (waterproof)
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✓
Power bank for your phone (charged)
🩹 First Aid & Medication
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✓
Basic first aid kit (bandages, gauze, scissors, tweezers)
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✓
Personal medications (at least 1 week supply)
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✓
Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, disinfectant
📄 Documents & Money
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✓
Copies of ID documents, insurance, property deeds
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✓
List of important phone numbers (written)
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✓
Cash money (ATMs don't work during power outage)
Communication in your emergency kit: the forgotten essential
Many people forget the most important component of an emergency kit: communication. During a crisis, you want to stay in contact with family, request help, and stay informed. These are your options:
1. FM/AM Radio (traditional)
A battery or hand-crank radio to receive official updates from news stations and emergency services.
Advantages:
- ✓ Inexpensive (€15-40)
- ✓ Simple to use
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Receive only, cannot transmit
- ✗ No interaction possible
2. Walkie Talkie / CB Radio
Two-way communication within limited range (~5km). Good for contact with neighbors.
Advantages:
- ✓ Two-way communication
- ✓ Direct contact possible
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Limited range
- ✗ No privacy, anyone can listen
3. MeshCore Emergency Radio (modern)
MeshCore is a mesh network via LoRa radio that works without internet or power grid. It combines the advantages of radio with modern message communication.
Advantages:
- ✓ Works without internet/power
- ✓ Long range via repeaters
- ✓ Private messages (encrypted)
- ✓ Free (no subscription)
Disadvantages:
- Requires network of users (growing fast in the Netherlands)
Why MeshCore is essential in your emergency kit
Contact with family
Knowing if your loved ones are safe, where they are, what they need. That's priceless during a crisis.
Long battery life
LoRa devices last days to weeks on a single battery. Much longer than a smartphone or walkie-talkie.
No subscriptions
One-time purchase (from €50), then completely free. No provider, no monthly costs.
Growing network
The MeshCore network is growing rapidly in the Netherlands. The more people participate, the more reliable the communication.
Also outside crisis situations
Use it at festivals, camping, hiking, outdoor activities. The emergency kit doesn't have to stay unused in the closet.
Privacy guaranteed
Private messages are end-to-end encrypted. No one else can read them, even when forwarding via repeaters.
Your complete emergency kit with communication
A complete emergency kit combines all essential elements. This is an overview of what you really need:
1. Water & food for 72 hours
6 liters of water per person, non-perishable food that provides energy without refrigeration or preparation.
2. Light, warmth and energy
Flashlight, candles, warm blanket, power bank for phone. Think about heating if power fails for extended period.
3. First aid and medication
Basic first aid supplies and personal medications for at least one week.
4. Documents and money
Copies of important papers, contact information on paper, cash money.
5. Emergency communication
FM/AM radio for official updates + MeshCore device for interactive communication with your network. View devices.
Maintaining your emergency kit
An emergency kit is not "set and forget". To ensure everything works when you need it, regular maintenance is important:
Check expiration dates of food and medication every six months
Test your flashlight, radio and MeshCore device annually
Replace batteries that are nearly empty
Update document copies if anything changes
Practice with your family: where is the emergency kit, how do you use everything?
Frequently asked questions about emergency kit assembly
How much does it cost to assemble a complete emergency kit?
You can assemble a basic emergency kit for €100-150 per person in the Netherlands. With a MeshCore device (from €50) you reach €150-200 for a complete kit including modern communication.
Where should I store my emergency kit?
In an accessible place that everyone in the household knows. Preferably in a waterproof bag or suitcase. Not in the attic or basement – during evacuation you must be able to grab it quickly.
Should each family member have their own emergency kit?
It's wise to have one family kit and per person a small "grab bag" with the absolute essentials (water, food for 24h, medication, ID). During quick evacuation you grab the grab bag.
What is the difference between an emergency kit and a bug-out-bag?
An emergency kit is for home use (72-hour survival), a bug-out-bag is a mobile kit to quickly leave the house and survive on the road. Ideally you have both.
Does MeshCore really work without internet during a crisis?
Yes, completely. MeshCore uses LoRa radio signals that go directly between devices, without internet, WiFi or mobile networks. Ideal for emergencies. Learn more.
How often should I check my emergency kit?
At least every six months. Check expiration dates, batteries, device functionality. Add new medications if applicable. Make it a fixed date, for example January and July.
Start your emergency kit today
An emergency kit is not paranoia – it's sensible preparation. The chance you'll ever need it is small, but if you need it, you'll be glad you prepared. Especially the communication component is often forgotten, while that's crucial in a crisis.