10 Essentials For Survival
Grab-n-Go Kit: Portable Stove and Water Filter
Many people dismiss the time honored-tradition of making personal resolutions this time of year. That tradition has gone along the wayside for most – the idea of adding pressure to our hectic lives seems daunting in this day and age. While I am not one to encourage people to make personal resolutions around New Years, I am one who likes to see people make practical changes to the way they act and live in order to improve safety and give a little peace of mind.
One of the easiest things families can commit to doing this year is to create an emergency kit for their home. Unforeseen disaster and complications can hit us at any time. Preparation for these things can increase safety and give you peace-of-mind.
What You Need to Know
I break emergency kits into two types: Home and Travel. A kit stored at home will usually contain more supplies because of the added room and the potential to be stuck in the home for long spans of time during a disaster. However, during many disasters, evacuation is necessary. In these cases an emergency kit that can be easily picked up and taken with you is needed, something like a large waterproof backpack or easy to carry duffel bag work well here.
Packing Your Emergency Kit
There are a lot of items that should be included in a good emergency kit. Below is the list of the most common items recommended for kit, categorized by essential, important, and nice-to-have. Each family will need to evaluate the list and put together the items they believe will be the most crucial for them in a time of crisis.
Essential Kit Items
LED flashlight: These reliable torches are a must. The new technology is far superior to battery-draining incandescent bulbs and provides a brighter, more visible light than any other light source available. Remember to include two LED torches and extra batteries.
First-Aid kit: Stock a complete kit with basic medical items like bandages, disinfectant, basic pharmaceuticals, etc. If your family members require daily medication, make sure to store extras in the kit as well.
Multi-tool or pocketknife: A sturdy multi-tool provides you with basic tools in an easy to carry package. A good multi-tool will have screwdrivers and knife blades in various sizes for a number of different applications.
Non-perishable food: Include food that doesn’t need to be cooked in your kit supplies. Pack enough for at least a 72-hour (3-day) period. Nuts, granola bars, dried foods, and peanut butter are all excellent choices. Canned food has a good shelf-life too. Just be sure to include a can opener (or make sure your multi-tool has one)!
Bottled water: Pack one gallon of water per person per day. This not only serves as your drinking water (which your body desperately needs) but will provide enough to use for sanitation purposes.
Warm blankets: For your home, any warm, dry blankets will suffice, preferably made of wool. Space blankets for your travel pack will conserve space and lighten the load.
Waterproof matches/lighter: It is important to have fire-starting tools in the event that extra warmth is needed.
Important Kit Items
AM/FM radio: Important information is often broadcast across radio waves in the event of an emergency. Keep extra batteries in your kit for the radio if you choose to include one in your kit.
Extra clothing: If inclement weather is involved, the value of warm, dry clothes increases dramatically. Put extra clothes in a waterproof bag.
Dust mask: Natural disasters can produce a big mess, stirring up dust and other harmful particles.
Bleach: This common household cleaner serves a number of purposes, the most important being purifying drinking water. Sixteen drops per gallon will provide you safe, drinkable water.
Cash (and change): ATMs and credit card machines don’t work when the power is out. Keep extra cash in a safe place within your kit in case you need to buy supplies during an emergency.
Whistle: Often overlooked, do not underestimate the importance of a good whistle. These little wonders are simple to use, safe to carry, and easy for emergency personnel to hear.
Nice-To-Have Kit Items
Moist Towelettes: For cleaning and sanitation
Plastic garbage bags: For cleaning and sanitation
Tarps / Plastic Sheeting: Window and Wall Repair
Feminine Hygiene Products
Baby Diapers / Formula
Extra Glasses, contacts, etc.
Duct Tape
Author: Ben Anton
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for DLK. We invite you to read more about portable emergency lights like flashlights and lanterns at our LED light source website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Anton
Stealth Survival: Riverwalker’s Top Ten Multi-Use Items
Realizing the many potential uses for multi-use items is a great way to be prepared. Here is my list for the ten best multi-use items that everyone should include in their emergency preparedness supplies. Top Ten Multi-Use Items.
Survival Cooking, Gardening, Emerg.Preparedness Info
FOOD: recipes using stored foods, eating cheaply, dehydrating, canning, processing foods for self-sufficiency; GARDENING: Create a “backyard grocery garden.”
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Stealth Survival: P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D.
It doesn’t matter if you are planning for a 72 hour period or even longer, as long as you have put together the basic items you will need for your own level of readiness.
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These items will help them get a good start to the day. A gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure or a massage will be great to reserve for finals week or a hectic work week when they need to relax after all the stress.
