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Many people don’t know when to expect in an emergency. Likewise, even if they did, they wouldn’t know what to do at that moment. Most people don’t even own an emergency survival kit!
The first step to protecting yourself and your loved ones during an emergency is to plan and prepare. During an emergency, there are a few key items for your emergency survival kit that you will need in order to ensure a safe recovery from the emergency.
Here is a list of 10 items you may need for your emergency survival kit:
1. Proper Lighting Equipment
One of the best preps for any emergency is to have proper lighting. The importance of lighting can be for medical purposes (if you can’t get immediate assistance) or light to walk around in the dark.
Believe it or not, a wall mounted or mobile surgical light can be used. Surgical lights are large LED lights that can be left on for hours and have the ability to brighten medium size areas. They are fairly expensive, but they last an extremely long time so may be worth it over the long haul.
The light can be moved and redirected for private light or turned outward to brighten a room. Surgical lights can also be used for actual surgical purposes. They are useful if someone is hurt and you needed proper lighting to stitch or clean a wound.
Flashlights are extremely useful as well, especially LED flashlights. LED lights are the safest and most durable lights.
2. Batteries
It is very important to have batteries and generators for the power needs of your devices. Some items can be rechargeable while others require batteries.
It is important to have the right batteries for all of your emergency devices. Items that need batteries or power include flashlights, walkie talkies, heaters, remote controls, etc. You know the drill.
3. Food
Stored food is very important for survival. The best kind of food for emergencies is canned food. Canned food can last for several years and does not require refrigeration.
Many different foods come in cans and there are so many varieties. For example, ham, chicken, fruits, vegetables, soups, fish, etc. A number of companies make a lot of different foods in a can. You can even find meals in a can.
The next best thing to canned food is dry or boxed food. This one is not as useful because it requires using your water supply.
It is still recommended to have both varieties and a rechargeable cooking device like a hotplate as well.
4. Water
Water is one of the most recommended emergency items. Stored water can be used for almost anything. It can be used to hydrate, clean, and cook with.
The amount of water you have stored can be based on expected emergency. Between 5-20 gallons is acceptable for a short term event. The need is based on the number of people who will be with you during this emergency.
5. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is always necessary. It will need to include Bandaids, alcohol/ peroxide, gauze, scissors, medical tape, tampons/pads, and pain killers.
Most first aid kits already have these items if you buy them brand new. If you are just restocking a pre-existing kit, then consider the list given.
6. Change of Clothes
A change of clothes is recommended in case the clothes you are wearing at the time of emergency are soiled or damaged.
A useful pair of clothes would be sweatpants, a t-shirt, shorts, or a sweatshirt. This will depend on the time of year and temperature. A pair of sneakers and socks are important in case you were wearing shoes not fit for an emergency.
7. Transportation
If possible, it is recommended to have some sort of transportation. This can be a car or even a manual bike.
This is important when considering leaving a dangerous location and making it to a safe haven.
For cars, it is important to have a spare tank of gasoline. For bikes, it’s important to make sure you have spare inner tubes.
8. Communication Devices
Cell phones and walkie talkies (2-way radios) are the best options for communication.
The next option is a radio (note: batteries for this device would need to be stored). If there are issues with cell tower communication or you are not within range then walkie talkies and radios are the best options.
9. Entertainment
A recommended item for a prolonged emergency stay would be entertainment. This can be as easy as a monopoly game set, cards or dominoes. These games can be played alone or in groups and they don’t require batteries. Don’t forget coloring books and items for the kids.
10. Bedding
For prolonged emergency stays, it is important to have blankets or sleeping bags (and pillows if possible). This will ensure a comfortable place to calm down and recover. Depending on the situation, Sleeping bags are the most efficient choice. However, a blanket will do if it’s the last resort.
10 Emergency Survival Kit Tips
These are just a few of the items you would want to have in an emergency survival kit. There are other items that you could include that would be helpful for you and your family in an emergency.
It might be a good idea to sit down with those you live with and discuss what they feel is important to have in a survival kit. Maybe they will come up with some things you hadn’t thought of.
There is nothing like the safety and security of knowing you have what you need when life takes a crazy turn. Plan ahead with what you need and you will feel confident knowing you have done all you can to take care of yourself and those you love.
This is something you will never regret doing.
