What do you think of when you hear the word “survival kit”? Information on what to pack for your next camping trip, or a list of items that would be good to have in an emergency? You may not realize it, but these are two very different things. Camping supplies help you enjoy the outdoors. An emergency survival kit is designed with one thing in mind: keeping you alive until help arrives. The most important part is being ready beforehand because there’s no time left for shopping once disaster hits! This article will show you how to build your own survival kit so that if disaster strikes, it will help provide shelter and food as well as light and warmth.
Water
Water is the most important part of your survival kit because your body can’t go more than three days without it. When packing for your emergency survival kit, make sure you include at least one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts if you live in an extremely hot climate).
Be careful when handling water because bacteria (such as E. coli) may contaminate stored water that isn’t pure or treated with purification tablets or bleach. Use clean plastic bottles-never use glass containers which might break and be dangerous to handle! Sanitize all storage containers in boiling water for five minutes before adding the aforementioned disinfectant.
Ensure to replace stored water every six months so it stays fresh. Water will stay pure for approximately six months, as long as you keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Water Purification Tablets Or Iodine Tabs
It’s always best to purify your water when outdoors with these tablets or in an emergency. Keep these products in your kit year-round, replacing them every six months. If using iodine tabs, follow the package directions; if using liquid drops or crystals, place about 15 drops into 1 quart of water (shake well), wait 30 minutes before drinking. Make sure you replace any sterilization product every six months.
Food
Your survival kit should include enough food to last at least three days. Make sure that you include the following:
Dried foods, such as instant soups and powdered drink mixes (avoid meat-based items if possible), peanut butter, canned juices, trail mix, snack bars, etc. Some foods can be left unrefrigerated for up to a year with no problem if they’re in cans or pouches! Beans will preserve themselves almost indefinitely when properly canned. Unopened cans of vegetables will also keep for an extended period. Replace other types of food every six months. Check with your local emergency management division if you’re unsure about shelf life.
Waterproof Matches In A Waterproof Container
Matches are the easiest way to start fires for warmth and cooking, so they’re one of the most important items in your survival kit. Make sure that you buy “strike anywhere” matches since these work in the rain or wet conditions. Store them in a waterproof container like a film canister (don’t use plastic-they will melt!) To test whether they’re good, strike several matches; if there’s no spark when you try to light them, replace them. You should also include ordinary safety matches in your emergency supply pack, along with longer fireplace matches for larger campfires. Keep the safety matches in a separate, smaller waterproof container. Replace them every six months.
Flint And Steel
These two items are not only useful for starting fires – you can use them as weapons against an attacker! They come together in one handy tool called “flints,” which can replace normal lighters or match-books if your lighter runs out of gas. Flints even work when wet! Keep this combo device in your kit year-round; replace it yearly. If you’re interested in learning how to use these tools, check out YouTube videos to see how
