We want ourselves and our loved ones to be safe and well-prepared, especially during natural disasters. Our top priority would be to survive. And to plan for our survival, the best preparation comes in something as simple as a survival kit. A survival kit is essential for disaster preparedness. In this article, I will share the basics of how to make your own survival kit.
What and Why: Survival Kit Essentials
It would be a terrible thing to be paralyzed by fear and worry when something unexpected happens. The worst feeling in the world is a loss of control. And the burden especially gets more substantial when you have lives relying on you for security and survival.
In some areas, a catastrophe could lead to a shortage of water supply. Another scenario might include irreparable damage to your own home and leave you open to natural elements such as cold, heat, or rain.
In the succeeding paragraphs, we are going to go through the most general categories of what is needed for survival and narrow it down into something that can fit in your survival kit. Here are a few of the basic things you need to survive.
- WATER – Generally, you can survive without water for three days only. But we also have to take into consideration the amount of water your body needs coupled with outside environmental factors.
- FOOD – Besides water, your body needs basic sustenance. Sustenance can be derived from food. A healthy, practical supply of food should keep the body going until help is found.
- LIGHT – Darkness is a significant issue when trying to navigate towards safety in an emergency. Having enough visibility will help make your loved ones feel safe during dark moments in a crisis.
- RADIO/ COMMUNICATION – You want to make sure nothing will stop you from hearing relevant broadcasts. You will also need the appropriate tools for communicating help in the event of an emergency.
- SHELTER – Shelter is a primary supply to protect you and should be available in your kit, to shield you from harmful outdoor elements.
- MEDICAL SUPPLIES – In the event of an injury, you must be ready to do what is needed to lessen the pain and damage before professional help arrives. A first aid kit is a must in your survival kit.
- SANITATION SUPPLIES – It may not sound so pleasant, but in the event of an emergency, access to a toilet may not be possible. You have to make sure you have sanitation supplies ready for personal use, for health and sanitation purposes.
- SURVIVAL GEAR – You will be needing a lot of moving around dangerous and hazardous materials in the event of an emergency. And having the right tools to navigate around damaged areas can be a big help.
Now that we’ve agreed on the category of items that must be in your survival kit, we can now move to set up your own personalized survival kit.
Setting Up Your Own Survival Kit
Step 1 – Where to put it
- Purchase airtight plastic bags for your smaller items. This is to ensure it will remain dry and free from moisture until it is ready for use.
- You want to be able to put all the items in an easy-to-carry and easy-to-handle packaging. Some suggestions would include a duffel bag or a plastic bin. Now in some cases, your plastic bin can serve for emergency sanitation use. With this, you’re hitting two birds with one stone!
Step 2 – Pack the necessities right for three days
- WATER
- There must be a gallon of water for each person, each day for three days.
- Use food-grade plastic bottles for this to preserve the drinking water until it is needed.
- FOOD
- Non-perishable food supply for a minimum of three days: (include a can opener)
- Canned goods
- Food bars
- Frozen, dried food
- Pet food (if needed)
- Baby food
- Dehydrated meat
- Canned soups
- Trail mix: nuts, seeds, and dried berries
- Non-perishable food supply for a minimum of three days: (include a can opener)
NOTE: Check the expiration dates of your emergency food from time to time.
- LIGHT
- Ideally, the source of power for your emergency lighting could be as follows:
- Battery (include an extra set of batteries in your kit)
- Solar
- Hand-cranked
- Emergency lighting suggestions:
- Candles
- Lightsticks
- Lanterns
- Flashlights
- Waterproof matches
- Ideally, the source of power for your emergency lighting could be as follows:
- RADIO/ COMMUNICATION
- Solar Radio with lantern light
- Whistle to signal for help
- NOAA weather radio
- SHELTER
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Thermal blankets
- Vinyl tarps for ground cover
- Rain poncho for each member
- Dust Mask
- MEDICAL SUPPLIES
- First Aid Kit
- Gauze
- Insect Bite treatments
- Blister treatments
- Medication for pain relief
- Medication for allergies
- Non-stick sterile pads
- First Aid Kit
NOTE: You can include additional medical supplies you see fit to your region.
- SANITATION
- Towelettes
- Wet wipes
- Tissues
- Bar soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Pail, used as a toilet
- Disposable toilet seats
- Sanitary napkins
- SURVIVAL GEAR
- Multi-function knife
- Portable stove and fuel
- Water and gas shut off wrench
- Gloves for heavy-duty
- Dust masks
- Duct tape
- Rope
- Ax
NOTE: You may add as you see fit to these items.
STEP 3 – MAINTAINING YOUR SURVIVAL KIT
- Check on the expiry of your food items periodically.
- Add or update any things you feel might be of use and as demanded due to the changing times.
- Store in a safe, dry space.
- Replace whatever item needs replacing.
Conclusion
Being prepared is always crucial, especially in an emergency. Though many things may be out of our control, the important thing is to be ready when something happens. I hope that learning how to make your own survival kit has taught you to be prepped, armed, and ready for whatever may come your way. Know more about survival kits.