34 Things Every Grownass Woman Has In Her House In Case Of Emergency

Whether it's a fire or an intruder, you need to have an emergency exit route. For example, if someone busts into my room when I'm sleeping, I plan to throw myself out our second-story window. Get out of my way.

Don't isolate yourself in your neighborhood. Make friends with at least one neighbor, and exchange contact information. Stick together, and keep an eye on each other's homes, families, and property. We helped our neighbor load his truck one time. He brought us wine to say thank you. Wine = yay.

Every time our power goes out, the city likes to play this fun game where they say, "It'll be on in just an hour or so!"... and then it takes another two days to come back. In the meantime, let there be light.

Stanley Homeowner's Tool Kit, $40, Amazon

You never know when you're going to need a hammer, screwdriver, electric drill, or something of that sort. I once tried to put a nail in the wall using a heavy book. In case you were wondering, it doesn't work.

Sew Simply Sewing Kit, $13, Amazon

One day, my bra busted. Right down the middle. I tried to hold it together with a paperclip. I failed. Keep a needle and thread on hand, at the minimum.

HP Envy Wireless Printer, $50, Amazon

There was a time in my life when I had to drive 10 minutes to the library to print something. I spent more on gas than I did on the printer I now own.

People, look. When it's 3 a.m. and your bank sends you a fraud alert text, and you lock yourself out of your own account because you forgot the password... this is a problem. (Happened to a friend. Meaning me.) Whether online or on paper, find a safe, secure way to manage your accounts.

If you've applied for college or a job, you know of the paperwork that asks for at least two forms of identification. They do not accept Chipotle rewards cards. A passport would come in handy! (More on that later.) That plus your license should do the trick. (Your birth certificate and social security card should also be fair game.)

SentrySafe Fire-Safe Waterproof Chest, $30, Amazon

Fireproof-ness aside, these boxes are excellent for keeping important documents together. They'll enable you to say, at any moment, "Where's my social security card? Why, it's in the fireproof safe, of course."

This might include a local vet, close friends and family, urgent care, the ER, an overnight dentist, and even the plumber.

Small First Aid Kit, $8, Amazon

If you ever slice your hand open while trying to cut an apple with a steak knife (don't judge me), you might need this.

Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm, $30, Amazon

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas, and it can be lethal. Protect yourself!

Kidde Fire Extinguisher, $20, Amazon

Buy a small one, make sure you know how to use it, and stick it under the kitchen sink. You never know when a grilled cheese sandwich is going to get out of control.

Applying is pretty easy — and considering that this little book lets you leave the country (TRAVEL!), it's relatively cheap.

BookFactory Weekly Planner, $10, Amazon

Like your online passwords, this isn't something you want to commit to memory. You'll lose track and forget to pick up your dog from the vet, or whatever.

If a monster headache or food poisoning hits, you might not be in a position where trotting to the store for medicine is feasible. Plan ahead.

Or whatever your menstrual product of choice is, if that's how you roll. I feel as though this is a rite of passage. Once in your life, you must be ill-equipped at the exact moment your period hits. Just once. After that, never let thy home be pads-free or tampon-less (or whatever the heck you kids are using these days).

Mr. Clean Latex Gloves, $5, Amazon

What if glass breaks? What if your dog has a stuffy tummy? (Been there!) Where if there's a mess to clean up? Are you going to do it with your beautiful, bare hands? No! You have standards!

This is Adult Survival 101. Canned goods and peanut butter are mandatory.

Member's Mark Purified Water, $32, Amazon

It's always smart to keep at least a few spare bottles (if not a whole case) in your garage, basement, etc. Whether your water is shut off for maintenance or you're snowed in, you'll be relieved you have it.

This largely varies by location, but it's good to have on hand. Years ago, I thought a neighbor was potentially in trouble but was hesitant to call 911. I dialed our non-emergency number, and two cops showed up in a jiffy to investigate.

Cocoweb Door Security Bar, $21, Amazon

A chair might work in a pinch; but these bars are made to keep unwanted visitors from entering.

Yes, you can usually pay with a swipe of your card these days, but it never fails: There will eventually come a time when you absolutely need cash.

Like, the paper kind. In case your smartphone suffers a mishap. Get a local one of the surrounding city and keep one in your home and car.

Maybe I'm a big scaredy cat, but I've always been paranoid someone would break in my home and I wouldn't be able to snag my keys for a quick getaway. Keeping an extra set somewhere around the house can't hurt.

Sabre Pepper Spray, $7, Amazon

Maybe it's pepper spray. Maybe it's a bat. Maybe it's a wearable. Maybe you sleep with a knife in the bedside table. (*raises hand*) Whatever it is, make sure it's legal where you are first — and then make sure you know how to use it if needed.

Think of the possibilities. (In all seriousness, duct tape is the answer to everything.)

Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes, $26, Amazon

Get the kind you can use on your skin, and the kind used to clean up messes. I promise they'll make your life so much easier.

Sterilite Spout Pail, $31, Amazon

Leaky pipe? Bucket. Floors need washing? Bucket. You can even use the bucket to store some of your cleaning products and save space. Brilliant, I know.

Gerber EVO Multi-Tool, $28, Amazon

It might not always be practical to carry around your whole tool kit. Instead, make sure you've got an all-in-one tool somewhere nearby.

Sony Portable AM/FM Radio, $20, Amazon

Don't wait until your power goes out to say, "I could really use a portable radio right now!"

I know a lot of us like to use our phones to jot things down. But one day, I was on the phone and needed to make a list. HELP.

Sometimes you'll want to do things old school.

War Correspondent Go Bag, $26, Amazon

A go bag is a bag you pack (and hope you never need) in the event that there's an emergency and you need to leave in a hurry. Make your own or buy one.