15 Emergency Essentials You Don’t Want to Be Without

Cooking Fuel

A barbecue grill or wood- or gas-powered camp stove can cook and heat foods outdoors. But never, under any circumstances, use such items inside a house, garage, or any other building.

Even with all windows wide open, there’s a deadly risk of toxic, suffocating fumes filling the space. In case outdoor cooking is not possible, keep a supply of ethanol gel cans (used for chafing dishes).

These do not generate enough heat for true cooking or boiling water, but they usually are sufficient to heat canned items.