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.
Contents
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
A Knife
Include a small, lightweight pocket or utility knife in your survival kit. You can use it to prepare food and for other basic outdoor tasks. Make sure you keep the blade clean and sharp at all times because you’ll need it to cut through tough materials like rope, canvas, and plastic. Make sure to sharpen the knife every year. A metal spoon will also come in handy and a fork-though not as much as a knife! Buy one that folds for easy carrying if possible. If you’re heading into the wilderness, put these items into your pack before you leave home, so they’re ready to go.
A First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a must-have in any emergency. Keep it stocked with supplies for scrapes, cuts, sprains, and burns. It’s a good idea to add insect repellent if you get bit by a mosquito or other bug. If your child is old enough to participate in this activity, ask him/her to help put the kit together! Replace bandages and medicines every year.
Blankets And Coats
A blanket will come in handy if you’re stranded outdoors during cold weather. You can use it for warmth and protection from moisture when sleeping outdoors on cold nights. A light jacket will also keep you warm on cool mornings and evenings but be sure to include only compact, lightweight items such as these if possible. You don’t want to lug around a heavy coat when you’re trying to pack light. Replace coats and blankets if they ever seem to get worn out.
Battery Powered Radio
You never know what might happen during an emergency; you could end up stuck in your car or a building with a poor signal on your cell phone. A battery-powered radio is a perfect backup. It provides peace of mind and information about any major disasters that have taken place. You can choose one that has a hand crank, so you don’t have to worry about getting batteries for it, though they will still be useful as well! Keep this item in your kit all year round, replacing them every couple of years.
Flashlight
Flashlights are especially important when it’s dark outside, or you’re trying to find your way in the dark. Select a small one that uses AA batteries since they’re easier to find if something happens and you can’t locate spare batteries. Include at least two sets of new, extra-strength batteries for the flashlight in your kit with an extra bulb or two. Check the flashlight regularly to make sure it still works properly.
Multi-Tool
A utility tool like a multi-tool is extremely helpful in an emergency. “Multi” means many, so this device contains many different tools you’ll need on hand during an emergency, such as screwdrivers, scissors, tweezers, and knives. You can even use it as a wrench if necessary! Keep this tool in your kit all year, replacing them every couple of years.
Dust Mask
A dust mask can come in handy when you’re caught outdoors without shelter during fires. The mask filters out the dangerous particles released into the air by wildfires or other disasters. Dust masks are disposable, making them very compact – perfect for an emergency survival kit. If you decide to include one of these masks in your kit, make sure you pack several because they don’t last long.
Conclusion
In the event of an emergency, having a survival kit on hand can save your life or that of a loved one. While you may not need it every day, it’s important to have these items readily available for any type of disaster. Select items from this list and pack them in a durable container ready to go at all times. Keep it in your car and your home and replace the items regularly, so you are always prepared if disaster strikes!
