Emergency Survival Kits

If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s that natural disasters are on the rise. Extreme weather is a worldwide trend with global warming, melting glaciers, tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanos on the rise.

Even if you’re not an alarmist, you may be considering the logic of keeping a few survival supplies on hand. Sure, digging a bomb shelter and stockpiling canned goods may be going overboard a bit. But, gathering a few provisions can make all the difference in an emergency.

Making Your Survival Kit

Start with an air tight container. A bucket with a handle and lid works well (it can double as a seat and a toilet). Make sure to get one with an air tight lid that has not been used to store chemicals or any other product that could contaminate your supplies.

Raid the Household

Many of the survival necessities can be found scattered around most households. But, just because you have them, it doesn't mean you'll be able to access them during an emergency. Be sure to gather these items into one location (the bucket) and keep it in a location where it can be accessed easily. If you are in a flood zone, don’t store your kit in the basement. However, if you live in a region prone to tornados, the basement is a perfectly logical place for your supplies.

Gather or Purchase:

• Duct Tape
• Rubber Gloves
• Work Gloves (heavy-duty leather)
• Flashlight (the kind with a siren is especially handy)
• Whistle (a boat safety whistle is an excellent choice)
• Rope (preferably nylon)
• Can Opener
• Candles (long lasting)
• Matches (waterproof)
• Tissues
• Paper
• Pencils
• Moist Towelettes

Stockpile Essentials

First and foremost you don’t want to starve, dehydrate, freeze, or let an injury go unattended. So, the following items should be considered the most important provisions for your survival kit.

Water - In most emergency situation, the local supply of potable water is almost immediately contaminated. So, store a gallon per person per day (three days worth).

Water Purification Tablets - Drinkable water is certainly the most important survival tool. So, don’t take the chance that a few gallons of water will sustain you and your family (and your neighbors). These tablets are easy to find in any camping supply store. And they don’t take up much space.

Canned Goods - Get a few essentials. Meats, fruits, and vegetables all come canned and don’t require cooking or water for preparation. Gather enough of your favorites for three days.

Food Bars - These take up minimal space and most food or energy bars have a particularly long shelf life. You may want to consider the high-calorie bars recommended by the US Coast Guard for emergency survival. They are nut-free and won’t make you thirsty.

Thermal Blankets - Winter storms can leave you stranded without heat. These silvery blankets are lightweight and easy to store. They will allow you to harness your own body heat to keep warm.

First Aid Kit - Get an extra kit to keep in your emergency survival bucket. If you want to make your own first aid kit, consider including the following items:

• Activated Charcoal
• Adhesive Tape and Scissors
• Antacid
• Anti-Diarrheal
• Antiseptic Spray and Ointment
• Aspirin or Pain Reliever
• Bandages (variety of sizes)
• Gauze Pads
• Laxative
• Prescription Drugs
• Safety Pins
• Soap
• Sunblock
• Syrup of Ipecac
• Thermometer
• Tweezers and Needle

For Comfort and Safety

Once you have the essentials, you can begin to gather supplemental items that will make a disaster just a little less horrifying.

Lightsticks - These glowing green sticks, generally work for up to 12 hours and shine underwater.

Signal Flares - These are certainly the most helpful item you can have if ever you find yourself in a rescue situation.

Tools - Consider any of the particular dangers of your house when packing tools. You'll probably want to store a valve wrench to turn off your gas main. It's also a good idea to store a Swiss Army Knife or a multi-purpose tool like a Leatherman.

Radio (with batteries) - Think of all the trouble the Professor on Gilligan’s Island had with that makeshift radio. What he wouldn’t have done for the real deal with batteries (long life, so you won't have to replace them frequently).

Consider Sanitation

Imagine living without running water for days on end. Ok, so you can see how important it is to have a make-shift toilet and accompanying supplies to keep things clean.

Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer - This product comes in bottles or in moist wipes. Throw both of them in the kit if you can.

Toilet Bags - These are used to line your toilet bucket. They can be purchased at any camping supply store. If you can find them, pack trash can liners. They’ll work just fine.

Toilet Chemicals - RV manufacturers supply chemicals to sanitize toilets without running water. Pick up a few packets of dry chemicals to keep things clean.

Other Sanitary Supplies - Don’t forget the toilet paper, feminine hygiene supplies, and locking plastic bags (which come in handy for garbage disposal).

For Spot and Fluffy

Don’t forget the dog or cat. They’ll need food too. So, pack a few provisions for the four legged members of your family. Throw in some canned food or foil-packed food for them.

For Cold Climates

If you live in a region prone to extremely cold weather, pack warmer pads. They come in sizes fit for hands, feet, and bodies (core). Also, sock and glove liners are excellent ways to keep your extremities protected.

For Warm Weather Shelter

In many natural disasters, after the worst is over, you may have to seek temporary shelter. Consider buying a tent. Many tents on the market today are lightweight and compact. And it could mean you won’t have to stay at the local school with all of your neighbors.

Don’t Forget

• Diapers, baby food, or formula
• Contact lenses, reading glasses, or extra prescription glasses
• Items for family members with medical conditions
• Money, clothes, shoes, and blankets
• Compass and map

Equipment to Prevent Disasters

Water Pumps - Many flooded basements could be salvaged with the installation of a submersible pump. Most are equipped with a float switch, which means they’ll start to work as soon as the water triggers them.

Generators - Getting snowed in can mean a day or two off from work and some fun in the snow. It can turn into an episode of Survivor: Extreme Cold. Don’t get stuck without electricity again this winter.

Over Prepared?

Is there such a thing as being over prepared? Well, you certainly shouldn't have to buy a bigger house to hold your survival supplies. But, a few simple items could make the difference between depending on others for your safety and being a haven of safety for your family and neighbors.