In light of recent experiences, it has become evident that our ability to foresee the challenges life will present is extremely limited – be it unpredictable weather occurrences, a global health crisis, or an alarming fungal epidemic that transforms individuals into aggressive beings reminiscent of zombies.
Why do I need a survival kit?
There is an extensive range of hazards such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, fires, blizzards, and blackouts that can confine us at home without assistance for a long time or compel us to evacuate without warning. However, it is not necessary to be excessively prepared for a doomsday scenario with a fully equipped underground shelter in order to prioritize personal safety during emergencies. Various pre-assembled survival gear kits are available to cater to different requirements, whether you prefer to store essential supplies in your vehicle, stock up on provisions for staying put at home, or have a backpack prepared for immediate evacuation to the closest shelter.
What should a survival kit include?
Food and Water
Prioritize non-perishable food and clean water for consumption and hygiene. Ensure you have enough supplies for three days per person (including pets) in your household. However, if you reside in a hurricane zone, extend that to seven days, and if you live in an earthquake zone, aim for 14 days.
It is advisable to stock up on canned food, protein bars, and shelf-stable MREs, which stands for Meal, Ready-to-Eat. In case it becomes necessary, it is crucial to have stored water as well as a water filtration method to ensure access to clean water from different sources.
If you anticipate being exposed to high temperatures, it is advisable to incorporate individual electrolyte powder packets into your emergency supplies.
Communications, Navigation, and Light
Having a hand-crank radio, flashlight, and charger in your kit is crucial to avoid depending on electricity or batteries. Jones has a preference for the ER310 Emergency Crank Radio from Midland, as it includes a NOAA Weather Radio, a built-in LED flashlight and whistle, and the capability to recharge USB-compatible devices. Nevertheless, any comparable hand-crank radio would suffice.
Having a solar-powered phone charger and a battery pack with a capacity of at least 10,000 mAh would be beneficial for ensuring that devices remain charged. Additionally, if venturing into the wilderness, it might be useful to possess a compass, local maps, waterproof matches or a lighter, as well as a small mirror, flare, or glow stick to request assistance.
First Aid
Ensure that you possess a first-aid kit containing bandages, antibiotic ointment packets, antiseptic wipe packets, non-latex gloves, gauze pads, and a thermometer, in order to provide necessary care for yourself and your family during an emergency.
It is also advisable to keep some over-the-counter medications for fever and pain management, along with any required prescriptions and essential medical devices for your survival.
Hygiene
Make sure to include moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties in your emergency kit for personal sanitation as a minimum requirement.
Face masks are convenient for keeping dust and debris at bay, and hand sanitizer is always handy too.
Shelter and Warmth
Make sure to include warm clothing, a hat, and space blankets in your survival kit. If you anticipate being evacuated, ensure that you have a suitable sleeping bag for each individual, along with the possibility of an emergency tent.
Both plastic sheeting and duct tape are suggested. The latter can be used to fix equipment, mend leaks, or even support a fractured limb during a severe emergency. Additionally, it can be shaped into a bowl for eating or gathering water, offering endless possibilities.
Survival Tools
In addition to the all-powerful and multipurpose duct tape, it is advisable to have a selection of other adaptable tools in your survival kit. This should include a multi-tool that can serve as a bottle opener or survival knife, enabling you to effortlessly cut through rope or open canned food. It is highly recommended to have a paracord bracelet as well, as it can be utilized in numerous ways such as securing gear or establishing shelter. Additionally, this survival bracelet can even be utilized for fishing purposes.
ID and Important Documents
It is advisable to carry your driver’s license, passport, or any other identification document at all times. For safety precautions, it is recommended to store the original copies of your important documents in a fireproof and waterproof box, which can be easily accessed in case of an emergency evacuation. It is also useful to keep some cash, preferably in small denominations, as it can be handy in various situations.
Bug-Out Bag Essentials
In various scenarios, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, forest fires, or floods, it is possible to experience a temporary disruption in services and utilities, leaving you to fend for yourself temporarily. Therefore, it is advisable to have a readily accessible bag prepared in case you need to swiftly leave during such circumstances.
Being prepared for emergency situations is always advisable, as having the appropriate equipment readily available may be crucial for survival.
1. The Bag Itself
Mystery Ranch Scree 32L Backpack
While Mystery Ranch’s durable backpack may not have the fancy features found in other brands, it also lacks weak buckles that won’t be replaceable during times of widespread panic. When it comes to a survival bag, the Scree 32 Pack, with its sturdy build and spacious opening, allows for easy access to essential items without any unnecessary accessories.
2. Solar Panel + Power Bank
Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel
In order to stay informed with news and information, it’s necessary to ensure your phone remains charged. When the power grid is unavailable, the Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Kit provides an excellent solution for this. Despite being lightweight and convenient, it consistently supplies enough power to keep my devices running when I’m in remote areas.
3. Radio
Midland ER210 Radio
If things deteriorate to the point where you require some items on this list, it is unwise to depend on your phone for communication; a traditional radio would be the most effective means to receive news. The Midland ER210, which can be operated manually with a crank, does not require sunlight or batteries and can pick up AM, FM, and NOAA radio broadcasts. Additionally, it is capable of charging your devices and features an LED flashlight.
4. Headlamp
BioLite HeadLamp 200
If the power goes out, it is important to have the ability to move and perform tasks during the night. The Biolite Headlamp 200 ensures a long-lasting charge and provides a comfortable and effortless wearing experience.
5. Watch
Marathon General Purpose Quartz Composite Watch
The Marathon General Purpose Quartz Composite Watch is designed to fulfill all your watch needs during emergency situations. It possesses a water resistance capability up to 30 meters, provides self-illumination in darkness, and guarantees reliability while being lightweight. This watch comes in handy during first aid scenarios, as it allows you to document the time of injury, monitor changes in heart rate and respiratory rate – crucial information to communicate to a first responder.
6. Protective Face Mask
Under Armour UA Sportsmask
There are various effective masks available that can assist in filtering airborne particulates, including those present during a forest fire. One particularly favored option, known for its comfort, versatility, and affordability, is offered by Under Armour. However, numerous alternatives are also worth considering.
7. Goggles
Learning Resources Colored Safety Goggles
If there is a fire or any form of air pollution, it is important to protect your eyes by covering them. These Learning Resources Colored Safety Goggles, available in a pack of six, will prevent any harmful substances from reaching your eyes. Additionally, they come in different colors to avoid any confusion with someone else’s goggles. If you wear prescription glasses, ensure that these goggles can be worn over them.
8. Dehydrated Meals
Good To-Go 5-Day Emergency Food Kit
Good To-Go is a reliable option when it comes to dehydrated food for extended periods of survival. With the brand’s 5-Day Emergency Food Kit, you get five breakfasts and 10 entrees that can last between two to five years. Another dehydrated favorite we highly recommend is Patagonia Provisions. Their meals are not only tasty but also organic and responsibly sourced, making it a triple victory in our opinion.
9. Meal Bars
ProBar Meal Bars 6-Flavor Variety Pack
If you’re looking for a convenient meal option that requires no cooking, calorie-dense bars are your go-to. ProBar provides a range of delicious bars available in packs of 12, which I could sustain myself on for several days and quite possibly have done so.
10. Water Filter
MSR Guardian Purifier System
LifeStraw Peak Series Gravity Filter System – 8L
The MSR Guardian stands out among portable filters for its ability to remove viruses as well as bacteria and protozoan pathogens, unlike most others. For a more affordable choice, one can consider Lifestraw’s 8L Gravity Filter System and Peak Series Straw Filter.
