Survival Kits

Survival \ Kits and Supplies

The environment is the key to the types of items you will need in your survival kit. How much equipment you put in your kit depends on how you will carry the kit. A kit carried on your body will have to be smaller than one carried in a vehicle. Always layer your survival kit, keeping the most important items on your body. For example, your map and compass should always be on your body. Carry less important items on your load-bearing equipment. Place bulky items in the rucksack.

In preparing your survival kit, select items you can use for more than one purpose. If you have two items that will serve the same function, pick the one you can use for another function. Do not duplicate items, as this increases your kit's size and weight.

Your survival kit need not be elaborate. You need only functional items that will meet your needs and a case to hold the items. For the case, you might want to use a Band-Aid box, a first aid case, an ammunition pouch, or another suitable case.

This case should be...

Water repellent or waterproof.
Easy to carry or attach to your body.
Suitable to accept various sized components.
Durable.

Include these First Aid items:

Water purification tablets or drops.
Fire starting equipment.
Signaling items.
Food procurement items.
Shelter items.

Specific examples of these items are:

Lighter, metal match, waterproof matches.
Snare wire. Signaling mirror.
Wrist compass.
Fish and snare line. Fishhooks.
Candles.
Small hand lens.
Oxytetracycline tablets (diarrhea or infection).
Water purification tablets.
Solar blanket.
Surgical blades.
Butterfly sutures. 3-3
Condoms for water storage.
Chap Stick.
Needle and thread.
Knife.
Include a weapon only if the situation so dictates.

In addition to emergency items, you should include the following important information and keep it in a waterproof case or plastic airtight bag:

Important emergency phone numbers (have these laminated if possible)
Insurance Information*
Important property ownership papers*
Important Photos

*At least have copies of these items included in your survival kit

As you are planning and creating your survival kit, think of it as getting ready for a camping trip. Think about all the things you would need to bring along for a trip into a remote area that doesn't provide electricity or modern conveviences. Try and include items that would prepare you for survival in a completely natural environment.

Have a good "just in case" attitude and be joyful and relaxed in the fact that you are prepared to be cooperative with nature and not fighting against it. Often fear of the unthinkable leaves us frozen and in denial which could only make matters worse. You do not have to invest a lot of money and when it's ready you can relax in the assurance that you and your family are prepared for even small but annoying events like blackout or snowstorms to the unthinkable.

Some other things you can add in case of emergency is a pre-paid cell phone, batteries, flashlight and transister radio.

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