A little boy packs the back of an SUV with the must-have items for a safe cottage getaway

Cottage season is in full swing. Whether you're heading up to the cottage for two days or two weeks, you've probably got your bathing suits, towels, and inflatable unicorn floatie covered — but here are 11 more items to pack for a safe stay:

  1. LED candles, lanterns, and flashlights. Summer storms can bring power outages, and depending on where your cottage is located, it could take a while for power to be restored. Consider keeping some LED flameless candles, lanterns, or flashlights on hand to brighten things up while you wait for the lights to come back on.
  2. Batteries and chargers. Make sure you have back-up batteries and chargers for flashlights, lanterns, smoke detectors, and any other battery-operated devices you keep at the cottage. You'll also want to keep your phone powered up in case of an emergency, so consider packing a portable charger or one that you can plug into your vehicle if the power inside your cottage goes out.
  3. First-aid kit. Remember to pack bandages, gauze, tweezers, antibacterial ointment, after-bite solution, a thermometer, painkillers, and an adequate supply of any medications you take daily.
  4. Safety equipment for boats and motorized vehicles. Always keep a supply of lifejackets or personal floatation devices in various sizes for anyone who may be using your boat or other water equipment. Plus, if you have all-terrain vehicles or other motorized vehicles on your property, make sure you have enough helmets for everyone who will be taking a ride.

    If you're planning to soak up some sun at the cottage this summer, make sure you bring along a first-aid kit, some batteries and flashlights for potential power outages, and proper sun and bug protection.

  5. Sun protection. Even when it doesn't feel hot outside, spending lots of time in the sun can result in sunburns and even heat stroke. Sunscreen, hats, and other protective sun gear are essential for a comfortable cottage getaway.
  6. Bug protection. With the arrival of warm weather, the bugs are out and about, so you'll want to protect yourself against unwanted pests and bites. Find a bug repellant that contains DEET to keep mosquitos, black flies, and ticks away. For extra protection, bring long pants and socks to cover exposed skin if you're planning to head into the woods for a hike.
  7. Non-perishable food. Depending on the location of your cottage, it could be tricky to track down food during a major storm or other emergency. Pack high-energy foods like protein bars, peanut butter and crackers, and trail mix.
  8. Clean water. If you don't have access to clean drinking water at your cottage, be sure to bring enough to last you at least a few days more than the expected duration of your stay. Consider filling reusable bottles with water from the tap at home instead of buying bottled water.
  9. Plastic bags for garbage disposal. It's important to keep perishable food waste (especially meat or fish) indoors, as it may attract wildlife like bears and raccoons. Keep some clean plastic bags on hand for storing food waste in the freezer until your garbage pick-up time or trip to the dump.
  10. Supplies for Fluffy or Fido. Bringing your pet to the cottage? Make sure you pack enough food, their leash, a collar with an ID tag, a pet floatation device, and a copy of their pet insurance policy in case they need to visit a vet during your trip. Make sure they're also up-to-date on their flea and tick prevention to avoid any unwanted tagalongs!

    The dog days of summer are here! Keep your dog safe at the cottage and don't forget to bring a properly fitted leash and collar, pet floatation device, and a copy of their pet insurance policy in case of an emergency.

  11. Your seasonal property insurance policy and car insurance information. If you own the cottage, be sure to keep an up-to-date copy of your seasonal property insurance policy on hand (including your group's licensed broker's contact information). Your car insurance pink slip should already be in your vehicle, but double-check it's there before you leave in case you need to reach your group's broker while you're away from home.

Ready to hit the road and get away from it all? Don't forget to prep your vehicle for the trip, too.

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