There are numerous emergency-supply checklists available online, which include suggestions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (PDF), the American Red Cross, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, these lists can be overwhelming due to their extensive nature and specific requirements. In truth, you can generally create a basic emergency kit using items you might already possess. Additionally, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all emergency kit.
In addition to purchasing supplies, disaster preparation involves other important steps. Create a basic communication strategy with your family to establish a meeting location in case power and cell service become unavailable. Check for any ongoing Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes in your vicinity, which you can attend for free. Engage in local activities like the ShakeOut earthquake drills held annually in October. Enroll in a first-aid course. Set a reminder on your calendar to review and replenish your emergency kit on an annual basis. By completing these actions, you can rest assured knowing that you are prepared to safeguard yourself and your loved ones in the event of a disaster.
Why do I need a survival kit?
There are various types of disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, fires, blizzards, and blackouts, that can leave us stranded at home for an extended period or require us to evacuate suddenly. However, it is not necessary to be excessively prepared for a doomsday scenario with a fully stocked bunker in order to prioritize your safety during an emergency. Numerous pre-made survival gear kits are available to cater to different requirements, whether you prefer to keep some basic essentials in your car, accumulate supplies for sheltering in place, or have a backpack readily available for evacuation to a nearby center.
What should a survival kit include?
Food and Water
FEMA advises individuals to keep a three-day supply of water available, which equates to one gallon per person per day, covering drinking water and basic hygiene needs. However, based on discussions with several disaster-preparedness experts, we believe that the three-day recommendation is unreasonably conservative. Concerns have been raised by scientists regarding the potential damage to water delivery systems in Southern California due to a significant rupture along the San Andreas Fault. It is anticipated that the required repairs could take weeks, months, or even longer. The impacts of severe weather events like floods and hurricanes, such as Katrina and Sandy, have demonstrated the potential for substantial disturbances to utility services and contamination of municipal water supplies. Considering these risks, along with the ease of storing water, we believe that stockpiling a 10- to 14-day supply is a sensible objective, particularly for those residing in earthquake-prone areas. To ensure a sufficient and easily transportable water supply, acquiring dedicated containers is the best approach.
To have the most effective emergency-food plan, fill your cupboards with your favorite shelf-stable canned and dry foods that you regularly consume. Consider stocking up on items such as soups, fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, cereals, pastas, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, and boxed milk (which can be stored without refrigeration until opened). By regularly consuming and replacing these items, you reduce the chances of them expiring.
First Aid
We advise having a first-aid kit that consists of bandages, packets of antibiotic ointment, packets of antiseptic wipes, non-latex gloves, gauze pads, and a thermometer to enable you and your family to handle emergency situations effectively.
It is important to note that you should keep some over-the-counter medications for managing fever and relieving pain, along with any necessary prescriptions and medical devices required for your survival.
Shelter and Warmth
For individuals living in colder areas, it is recommended to include warm clothing, a hat, and space blankets in their survival kit. If there is a possibility of being evacuated, ensure you have a weather-appropriate sleeping bag and consider including an emergency tent as well.
Survival Tools
In addition to the powerful and versatile duct tape, it is advisable to include several other flexible tools in your survival kit. One such tool is a multi-tool, which has the ability to function as a bottle opener or survival knife, enabling you to cut through rope or open canned food. Another valuable item to have is a paracord bracelet, which serves various purposes such as securing gear and providing shelter. In fact, this survival bracelet can even come in handy for fishing.
ID and Important Documents
It is important to have your driver’s license, passport, or some type of identification with you at all times. Additionally, it is advisable to keep the original copies of all your important documents in a box that is both fireproof and waterproof. This way, you can easily grab them before evacuating in case of the worst possible scenario. It is also recommended to have cash on hand, particularly in smaller denominations, as it can be useful.
Face mask
The presence of smoke, dust, and debris in the air can pose a threat during a wildfire, earthquake, or hurricane. To reduce this risk, it is recommended to use an N95-certified respirator. One such respirator is the 3M 8511 N95 Cool Flow Valve Particulate Respirator, which has been certified to remove 95% of harmful particulate matter. This respirator is now widely available both online and in stores due to increased production. In our testing, it proved to be the most comfortable mask for long-term wear as it provided ample breathing space and did not exert pressure on our cheeks. It also formed a secure seal against various face shapes and sizes, accommodating individuals ranging from 5-foot-3 to 6-foot-1 with different builds. Unlike other disposable respirators that have loosely stapled rubber bands, the 3M 8511 features stronger woven straps that are less likely to break or get tangled in hair. Additionally, the exhalation valve functions as a dehumidifier, keeping the face cooler and reducing the likelihood of glasses fogging up.
Hand sanitizer
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of supplies can vary. Therefore, your main focus should be to ensure that your sanitizer has at least 60% alcohol for it to be effective. Some of the recently emerging unknown brands might have an unpleasant odor. However, in a situation where there is a crisis, any functioning sanitizer is suitable. We do not advise making your own unless you have no other choice, but if you must, it is important to adhere to the formulations provided by the World Health Organization.
Heavy-duty garbage bags
There are several reasons why heavy-duty garbage bags should be included in your kit. They can be utilized for hurricane cleanup, as a duffel bag to transport items, as makeshift ponchos, or as a small tarp to keep supplies dry. It is important to have them because in the event of a large-scale disaster, the municipal garbage pickup may be delayed for weeks. Therefore, it is wise to store trash in durable bags that do not leak or disintegrate when left outside. It is also crucial to have an ample supply of these bags to avoid running out.
Light and heat
When it comes to emergency gear, one of the lessons we have learned is that it is not necessary to hide a disaster kit away and only use it in the worst situations. Our recommended headlamp and lantern, for example, are frequently used items on our list. You can keep the headlamp in a bedside drawer for emergencies or for reading at night when your partner is sleeping. The lightweight lantern can be kept on the front table for easy access when you need to walk a friend home in the dark. You can practice your fire-making skills while grilling or on your next camping trip. In fact, if a disaster occurs and you are faced with unfamiliar equipment, you are inviting trouble.
