Basic Emergency Survival Items Every Kit Should Have
When it comes to emergency survival items, there are some basics that every kit should have. These items should be able to provide you with the essentials you need to survive for at least 72 hours.
1. Water
Water is the most important item to have in an emergency survival kit. According to Ready.gov, you should have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. It's also important to have water for your pets and to consider additional water for cooking and sanitation purposes. It's recommended to use commercially bottled water or to store tap water in clean, food-grade containers.
2. Food
Non-perishable food items are essential for emergency survival kits. Ready.gov recommends storing at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person. Choose foods that are easy to prepare and don't require refrigeration, such as canned goods, energy bars, and dry cereal. Don't forget to pack a manual can opener.
3. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a must-have item in any emergency survival kit. According to Ready.gov, a basic first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer. It's also important to include any necessary medications, such as prescription medications, asthma inhalers, or insulin.
4. Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential item to have in your emergency survival kit. Choose a flashlight that is durable and has a long battery life. It's recommended to have one flashlight per person in your household and to pack extra batteries. According to the American Red Cross, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio is also a good item to have in your kit to stay informed about emergency alerts and updates.
Additional Emergency Survival Items to Consider
While the basic emergency survival items are essential, there are additional items that can help you in an emergency situation. Here are some items to consider adding to your emergency survival kit:
5. Multi-Tool
A multi-tool is a versatile item to have in your emergency survival kit. It can help you with a variety of tasks, such as cutting rope, opening cans, and fixing equipment. According to NYMag, a multi-tool with a knife, pliers, and screwdrivers is a good choice.
6. Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is an essential item to have in your emergency survival kit, especially if you live in a cold climate. According to Ready.gov, you should have a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each member of your household. Look for a sleeping bag that is rated for the lowest temperature you may encounter in your area.
7. Emergency Essentials
In addition to the basics, there are some emergency essentials that can be helpful in a survival situation. These include:
-
Whistle: A whistle can help you signal for help if you are lost or injured. According to FEMA, a whistle is an essential item to have in your emergency survival kit.
-
Masks: In the event of a pandemic or other infectious disease outbreak, masks can help protect you from airborne illnesses. Ready.gov recommends including masks in your emergency survival kit.
-
Fire Extinguisher: If you have a fire in your home or other location, a fire extinguisher can help you put it out. NYMag recommends having a small fire extinguisher in your emergency survival kit.
8. Backpack
A backpack can be a useful item to have in your emergency survival kit. It allows you to easily carry your supplies and keeps your hands free. Look for a backpack that is durable, comfortable to wear, and has multiple compartments. EmergencyPrepGear recommends having a backpack for each member of your household.
Emergency Survival Kits for Different Situations
Emergency survival kits are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your situation, you may need to prepare different kits for different locations. Here are some recommendations for emergency survival kits for different situations:
9. Home Emergency Kit
Your home emergency kit should include enough supplies for at least three days. According to Ready.gov, your home emergency kit should include the following items:
- Water: One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- Food: Non-perishable food for at least three days
- First aid kit: Basic first aid supplies and medications
- Flashlight: One flashlight per person and extra batteries
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries
- Whistle: To signal for help
- Dust mask: To filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape: To shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties: For personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Cell phone with charger
10. Work Emergency Kit
If you spend a lot of time at work, it's a good idea to have an emergency kit stored at your workplace. Your work emergency kit should include the following items:
- Water: At least one gallon of water per person per day
- Food: Non-perishable food for at least three days
- First aid kit: Basic first aid supplies and medications
- Flashlight: With extra batteries
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with extra batteries
- Whistle: To signal for help
- Dust mask: To filter contaminated air
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape: To shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties: For personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities
- Cash: In case ATMs and credit card machines are not working
- Comfortable shoes: In case you need to walk long distances
11. Car Emergency Kit
If you spend a lot of time driving, it's a good idea to have an emergency kit stored in your car. Your car emergency kit should include the following items:
- Water: At least one gallon of water per person per day
- Food: Non-perishable food for at least three days
- First aid kit: Basic first aid supplies and medications
- Flashlight: With extra batteries
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with extra batteries
- Whistle: To signal for help
- Dust mask: To filter contaminated air
- Jumper cables: In case your car battery dies
- Flares or reflective triangles: To make your car visible to others
- Blanket: To stay warm in case you get stranded
- Multi-tool: To make repairs to your car or cut seatbelts
- Maps: In case you get lost and need to find an alternate route
It's important to note that emergency survival kits should be customized to meet your specific needs. Consider the climate and geography of your area, as well as any unique needs of your family or household.
Maintaining Your Emergency Survival Kit
Once you have assembled your emergency survival kit, it's important to maintain it to ensure that the items are functional and up-to-date. Here are some tips for maintaining your emergency survival kit:
12. Check for Expiration Dates
Many items in your emergency survival kit have expiration dates, such as food, water, and medications. According to FEMA, you should check your kit every six months to ensure that all items are still usable. Replace any expired items and update your kit as needed.
13. Replace Batteries
Batteries can lose their charge over time, so it's important to check and replace the batteries in your emergency survival kit regularly. The American Red Cross recommends checking your batteries every six months and replacing them as needed.
14. Update Your Kit
Your emergency survival kit should be updated regularly to ensure that it meets your current needs. Consider any changes in your family size, medical needs, or climate in your area. According to Ready.gov, you should review your kit once a year and make any necessary updates.
15. Keep Your Kit Accessible
In an emergency situation, you may need to quickly access your emergency survival kit. Make sure that your kit is stored in a location that is easily accessible and that all members of your household know where it is located. Consider storing a smaller kit in your car as well.
16. Practice Using Your Kit
It's important to practice using your emergency survival kit to ensure that you know how to use all of the items. Consider staging a practice emergency situation and using your kit to get familiar with the items and how to use them. This can help you feel more confident and prepared in a real emergency situation.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your emergency survival kit is functional and up-to-date, and that you are prepared for whatever emergency situations may arise.
Conclusion
Preparing an emergency survival kit is an important step in ensuring that you and your family are prepared for any emergency situation. By following the recommendations outlined in this article, you can create an emergency survival kit that meets your specific needs and is up-to-date and functional.
Remember to consider the unique needs of your family or household and customize your kit accordingly. It's also important to regularly maintain and update your kit to ensure that all items are still usable and up-to-date.
No one can predict when an emergency situation will arise, but by being prepared, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe and secure.
Explore More Emergency Preparedness Resources
Preparing an emergency survival kit is just one step in emergency preparedness. Here are some additional resources to help you stay safe and secure in emergency situations:
17. Ready.gov
Ready.gov provides a wealth of resources on emergency preparedness, including information on creating emergency plans, assembling emergency kits, and learning about different types of emergencies. The website also offers resources for businesses, schools, and community organizations.
18. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross offers a variety of resources on emergency preparedness, including tips on creating emergency plans, assembling emergency kits, and learning about different types of emergencies. The organization also provides training in first aid, CPR, and other life-saving skills.
19. FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources on emergency preparedness, including information on creating emergency plans, assembling emergency kits, and learning about different types of emergencies. The website also offers resources for businesses, schools, and community organizations.
20. EmergencyPrepGear.com
EmergencyPrepGear.com offers a variety of emergency preparedness products, including survival kits, emergency food and water supplies, and first aid kits. The website also provides resources on emergency preparedness and survival skills.
By exploring these resources, you can further your knowledge and skills in emergency preparedness and ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe and secure in emergency situations.
Thank you for reading our article on emergency survival items. Check out our website for more great content on emergency preparedness.
FAQ
Who needs emergency survival items?
Everyone should have emergency survival items in case of unexpected emergencies.
What are emergency survival items?
Emergency survival items are essential supplies that can help you survive in emergency situations.
How do I assemble an emergency survival kit?
Assemble an emergency survival kit by following a checklist of essential items and customizing it to meet your family's needs.
What if I can't afford to purchase emergency survival items?
You can make your own emergency survival kit with basic household items, such as water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit.
How long do emergency survival items last?
Emergency survival items have varying expiration dates, so it's important to regularly check and replace expired items.
What if I don't have space for an emergency survival kit?
Consider creating a smaller emergency survival kit to keep in your car or at work, or finding alternative storage solutions.
Looking for emergency food supplies that you can rely on? Look no further than My Patriot Supply. Click now to stock up on high-quality, long-lasting food storage options that will keep you and your family prepared for anything that comes your way. Don't wait until it's too late - act now and ensure your family's safety and security with My Patriot Supply.
