Essentials Of Emergency Survival Kits

By Susan Dawson


The importance of emergency survival kits cannot be overemphasized. These tools frequently make the difference between life and death when the unknown happens. One needs to ensure that their kit is frequently checked and expired replaced as appropriate. When creating a personalized kit, there are a number of things that one needs to have in mind. One of them entails knowing whether they will need this tool just once or for a number of occasions.

Since it is not possible to have everything that you may regard as being important, proper decision making is required. This will help avoid the packing of the non-essential items at the expense of those required for survival. Shelter is undoubtedly one of the essentials. Its main function is to protect the user from harmful external environments. Always make sure you have some form of shelter within your kit.

There are a number of different forms of shelter that one can choose from. Popular choices include tents, trash bags and tarps. All have their advantages and disadvantages. A common practice is to rip nylon ponchos open and to modify them into tents. Virtually any light material will do. Make sure you have some ropes and stakes to help the erection.

The choice of bedding is determined by two main factors; weight and the functionality. Wool and fleece are both light and very warm. As a matter of fact these two materials can retain heat even when wet. This makes them appropriate for use in almost any weather condition. Wool has the additional advantage of being a flame retardant. The other alternative that can be considered in the absence of these two is foil type blankets.

The minimum of water ranges between 130 and 160 oz for each person per day. This is the amount recommended for drinking only. Proper packaging to avoid contamination by microorganisms is important. This can be achieved by the use of sterilized bottles, water bags and clean reusable containers. The shelf life of bottled water is close to five years but replacement should be done as regularly as possible.

The choice of food to be carried will be dictated by the tastes and preferences of the individual. What you need to ensure is that there is balance among the food groups and there is just enough sources of minerals and vitamins. On average, about 2000 calories will be required for each person on a daily basis. To save on space, foods that do not require the use of utensils are preferred. Granola and food bars are not just easy to package but are also ready to eat.

Other items that should be considered after the very essential have been packed include hygiene items such as soap, toilet paper and towels. First aid contents in the kit include painkillers, antibiotics, wound cream, gauze rolls and anticoagulants among others. Important rescue aids include whistles, a pocket knife, a small rope and a crank radio.

There are rules that govern the preparation of emergency survival kits. What is contained in these tools is dependent on what the owner deems being most important. If you are taking medication, for instance, you will probably regard your drugs as being very important and you have to include them in the kit. Once you have your list, the next thing is to look for an easily accessible waterproof bag.




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