El Niño: 5 items to keep at home when heavy rains are expected
By Cynthia Lodite, September 12, 2026Heavy rains can disrupt normal life within a short time, especially when roads flood, power goes out, or water gets into homes. While you cannot control the weather, preparing a few essential items in advance can make it easier to stay safe and comfortable.
Here are five items worth keeping at home when heavy rains are expected.
1. A working torch and extra batteries
Power outages can happen during heavy rainfall, leaving homes dark at night. Keep a torch where everyone in the household can easily find it and have extra batteries nearby.
A rechargeable lamp or solar-powered light can also be useful, especially when an outage lasts for several hours.
2. Drinking water
Heavy rains can affect water supply or contaminate water sources, particularly in areas experiencing flooding. Store enough clean drinking water for the household in properly covered containers.
Avoid drinking water that may have come into contact with floodwater because it can contain harmful germs and other contaminants.
3. Basic first-aid supplies
A basic first-aid kit can be useful when movement is difficult or accessing a health facility becomes challenging. It should contain essentials such as plasters, clean gauze, antiseptic and disposable gloves.
Keep any regular medicines that household members need in a safe, dry place and make sure they are not exposed to rainwater or flooding.
4. Non-perishable food
It is helpful to have foods that can last for several days without refrigeration or complicated cooking. Items such as bread, cereals, canned foods, biscuits and other dry foods can be useful if roads become impassable or shops close temporarily.
Store food in sealed containers and keep it away from areas where floodwater could reach.
5. Power banks and charged phones
A charged phone can be important during an emergency because it allows you to communicate with family members and access weather or safety updates.
Charge your phones and power banks before heavy rains begin. If possible, keep an extra charging option, such as a solar charger, especially in areas that frequently experience power interruptions.
Preparing early can reduce the stress that comes with heavy rains. Keep important items in a dry and easily accessible place, avoid walking or driving through floodwater, and follow official weather and emergency alerts when conditions become dangerous.