Survival Kit Items and Their Uses. What should you pack in a survival kit?
Mother Nature is always unpredictable and being prepared means having all the necessary supplies needed in the event of emergency or disaster. You’ll need to have your emergency supplies stored in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit whose versatility enables you to use them either at home or outside.
If you live in disaster-prone areas, chances are that you have already packed your emergency kit inside the house and car. However, it could be months or years since you last checked your kit. It is important to check on the components inside your survival kits because it won’t do you any good if the items inside aren’t working properly.
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Survival Kit Items and Their Uses. Essential Survival Kit Items
Survival kit items vary depending on use and time of use. Whatever is inside that kit will depend on the activity you will be engaged in. The survival kit you store in the truck of your car will contain road flares and other tools that wouldn’t be necessary for your home survival kit. If you are building your first aid kit or you are updating one that you already have, here is a list of the basic components that all survival kits should contain.
- A durable pack-Your survival kit should be stored in a durable, high quality, and scratch-proof pack. Additionally, the pack should be comfortable, lightweight, and portable if you intend to carry it for extended periods of time.
- Food and water-Every survival kit must have at least one gallon of water per person, per day, and in durable bottles. Some plastic water bottles degrade with time ruining the water inside. It is therefore important to ensure that top-quality water bags are used. As water conditions are uncertain, remember to include at least one form of water treatment. The last thing you would want is to get sick as a result of drinking contaminated water. You should have enough food to last you for three days. Freeze-dried meals, high-calorie energy bars, and MREs are a good place to start building out your food supply. During a disaster such as earthquakes or floods, you’ll probably be working hard or under stress, and your body needs adequate fuel to stay strong and focused. An adult will need at least 2,000-2,500 calories every day.
- Important documentation-Having all of your necessary documents in one place makes it easier for you to access them whenever an emergency arises. Make sure that you have updated copies of your bank account information, IDs, insurance information as well as medical forms, and the included prescriptions. A list of important names, locations, and phone numbers should also be here as well. Stash these items in waterproof pouches so they don’t get damaged in case they get in contact with water. A map is also important.
- Medical supplies/First Aid Kit-A survival kit isn’t complete without medical supplies. Start with several labeled doses of over-the-counter pain killers, allergies, and anti-nausea. Add in a spare dose of daily medications for individual family members. If there is someone in your family with asthma, don’t forget their inhaler. The survival kit should also contain a fully equipped first aid kit. A store-bought set will work fine. Such kits typically include burn cream, bandage, antiseptic wipes, and a splint. If you happen to have used any one of the items, make sure that you replace it as soon as possible.
- Survival Gear or tools-Natural disasters are often accompanied by power outages. A tactical flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries is important. Avoid rechargeable flashlights because you never know when the power will be back. A toolbox with sturdy and durable tools such as scissors, a screwdriver, several folding knives, and a fire starter should be included. Additionally, choose a sturdy and reliable field knife that can be used in splitting firewood, building a shelter, or preparing food.
- Warmth and shelter gear-Hypothermia kills more people stuck outside their homes than any other cause. The cold of the night must not be countered with fire alone, but also with proper clothing. Your basic shelter survival gear can be as basic or complex as you wish. Some will prefer a full-sized standing tent in their kit while others will keep it simple with a tarp set up and an emergency blanket only. No matter what you choose, make sure that you’ll have adequate protection when spending a night outside. All survival kits should have a spare set of wicking base layers, woolen socks, a waterproof shell, a pair of gloves, and an insulation layer to keep you warm. Some people will add ponchos to help stay warmer. Clothes made out of synthetic and wool materials are recommended for such situations. Keep these items in a waterproof sack to ensure they stay dry always.
- Additional emergency supplies-Although not compulsory, you can consider adding the following emergency supplies to your survival kit. The supplies include dust masks, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lens solutions, infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, pet food, paper, pencil, notepad and feminine supplies, and personal hygiene items.
Survival Kit Items Maintenance
After you have finished assembling your kit, maintain it by storing it in a good place where it is easily available when disaster strikes. Here are some of the ways to keep a survival kit in good shape.
- Keep all canned food in a cool and dry place.
- Keep boxed food in a tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
- Check on the expiry date of any edible food item and replace them accordingly.
- Re-think your needs yearly and update your kit as your needs change.
- Keep warmth and shelter gear in waterproof sacks to ensure that they always stay dry.
Final Thoughts
Since no one knows when the disaster may strike, you should always have a survival kit at home, at your workplace, and at the trunk of your car. Nothing should be taken for granted when it comes to surviving disasters. Make sure that you have the kit placed in a designated place where everybody can easily get hold of it. Also, make sure that each and every member of your home knows where the kit is placed.