Have the essential supplies on hand when sheltering at home or evacuating during an emergency. Adapt your emergency survival kit to meet the unique needs of your family. survival kits
Make sure to include hand sanitizer, bar or liquid soap, water (one gallon for each person per day for three days), nonperishable food items, and either a battery-powered or hand-crank radio in your supplies.
Water
Water is essential to our survival, used for drinking, cleaning, and cooking purposes, as well as washing wounds in an emergency. A normally active person requires at least half a gallon per day of fresh drinking water for themselves alone – more may be needed in areas of high altitude, children, or sick individuals; emergency preparedness planning requires stockpiling extra supplies in case water supplies become scarce or polluted during disasters.
Basic survival kits should provide enough water for a family of four to last three days. An extra supply should be stored in an easily transportable container such as a storage tub, plastic bin, or backpack to make transport easy in case an evacuation occurs unexpectedly or suddenly.
Water can be stored in plastic bottles, but this method may become less desirable as its contents quickly turn sour if left exposed to light and warmth. Instead, investing in non-perishable emergency water pouches would be preferable; they’re easier to transport while having longer shelf lives and don’t need refrigeration; many online retailers and military supply stores sell these pouches, and they are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than bottled water – perfect for stashing into waterproof backpacks or plastic tubs for easy transport.
Food
Assuming your family will experience an emergency, ensuring adequate food and water supplies, such as non-perishable foods, canned items with can openers, water purification tablets, or emergency water pouches, is critical in keeping them alive for at least three days.
Due to conditions that might require you to utilize an emergency survival kit, select food items that can easily be prepared without heat sources, such as traditional cooking. Commercially canned and freeze-dried products with long shelf lives that can easily be reconstituted using clean water or a small amount of bleach are ideal options.
Comfort foods are an invaluable element of emergency preparedness; they will help to alleviate anxiety during stressful moments and bring psychological solace during difficult times. Comfort food can provide children with positive distractions, a sense of control, and ways to connect with family members during challenging periods.
Make sure that your emergency survival supplies are stored in an easily portable container, like a backpack, duffle bag, or suitcase with wheels that are suitable for each member of the household to carry and will fit easily in your vehicle. As part of a regular review routine at least every six months, be sure to replace expired products while adding fresh food items into your supply stash.
First Aid
First aid kits can save lives during a disaster. A basic survival kit should include medical supplies to treat minor injuries as well as over-the-counter and prescription medicines for all members of the family – these drugs may reduce pain, prevent disease, and ensure adequate hydration levels during an emergency.
Add face coverings and hand sanitizer to your kit, too, as these items will help prevent germ spread in contaminated environments during a COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, investing in either a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio will enable you to stay informed if power goes out during an emergency.
A proper first aid kit should contain elastic bandages and burn cream, as well as essential tools such as wrenches for shutting off utilities. You should also include over-the-counter medication, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, for pain relief and fever reduction; for children, be sure to add liquid acetaminophen as a precautionary measure.
Build or purchase your emergency survival kit yourself; both options offer advantages in an emergency. Our recommendation: the Ready America 72-Hour Deluxe Emergency Survival Kit contains everything needed for 72 hours of survival, such as first aid supplies that meet all recommended standards, water purification tablets, and multifunctional tools such as an axe for breaking down doors or starting fires if necessary; shelter supplies like ponchos and Mylar blankets to protect from the elements are also included in this pack.
Shelter
Disasters like wildfires and hurricanes often displace families from their homes, necessitating emergency survival kits for every household to have ready in case evacuation becomes necessary quickly and unexpectedly. According to FEMA guidelines, an adequate emergency kit must contain enough supplies for at least 72 hours, including one gallon of water per person per day, plus food sources like meal pouches or ration bars, as well as flashlights, radios, first aid kits, and blankets.
Life Systems shelters make an invaluable addition to your emergency survival kit, offering protection from rain, wind, and snow in a compact package that’s easy to transport. They also serve as temporary homes during disasters if your main dwelling becomes unavailable.
Assemble an emergency survival kit by taking into account both your environment and your family’s specific needs and preferences. For instance, if you live in an earthquake-prone region, be sure to include a whistle and hand sanitizer for signaling for help in an emergency. Also, keep the kit easily accessible for everyone and away from harsh environmental conditions that could compromise its contents.
