Survial Pro

About

Last winter in upstate NY, we lost power in the middle of winter. Living the life of surburbia we were very suprised how unpreparied we were for a disaster or an emergency. This got us thinking about making a family emergency/survial kit. We keep ours in a medium sized rubbermaid container we use to use for decorations and fitx nicely in the back of our small car. We have enough clothes and food and water in there for about 3 days, for a family of 5 this includes comfort foods for the kids. Be prepared!

Water

Water (one gallon per day per person): Never underestimate the need for water. People have survived without food for weeks or even months, but go without water for even just one day and the survivor will be in desperate straights indeed. Although two thirds of the human body by weight is composed of water, this water is needed for circulation and other bodily processes including respiration and converting food to energy. If you are losing more water than you are taking in, dehydration will occur. Meat, dry and salty foods should be avoided as they require water from your body for processing and will serve to dehydrate you further.

Food

Food: Canned juices, shelf-stable milk, instant coffee and tea. Pre Packed Beverages and instant drinks. Instant oatmeal, granola bars, trail mix, low-salt crackers, unsalted nuts. Ready-to-eat canned meat, vegetables, fruit and soup Packets of sugar, salt, pepper, ketchup and other condiments. Date all canned goods. Canned food has an almost indefinite shelf life at moderate temperatures (75° F and below). Canned food as old as 100 years has been found in sunken ships and it is still microbiologically safe!

Can Opener

Can Opener: You have to have a way to open all those caned goods.

Matches

Matches: Waterproof if you can get them. You will need fire at some point, matches provide the easiest way to get it started. Place Matches in a container that would be fireproof as well. A good fire starter is Vaseline and dryer lint mix the 2 together in a small container.

Garbage Bags

Garbage Bags: these can serve a lot of uses. from dealing with waste to keeping clothes dry. In dryer climates you can use a dark bag to get water from morning dew. Keep your feet dry in wet climates. You can never have enough garbage bags.

Flashlight

Hand cranked or solar radio/light. If the power is going to be off for a while, batteries will become useless. Having a way to power a raido for NOAA and other emergency bands will be essential. If it has a light, its a bonus.

First Aid Kit

First aid kit: • Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex). • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding. • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect. • Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. • Burn ointment to prevent infection. • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes. • Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant. • Thermometer (Read more: Biological Threat) •Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates. • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies. • First Aid Book

Prescriptions/Medicine

If you or a loved one takes medication make sure that its either in an area to quickly grab or get extra and keep them in a safe and dry area. Also consider keeping some things like asprin and tylenol in that package.

Money

In the event of an emergency, ATM's my not work you will need cash on hand to buy things. Many survial experts say $300 maximum in small bills anything more could be dangerous.

Prepaid phone

While you may have a cell phone already that you keep on you many people report that thats the first thing they loose. Keep a cheap go phone in your kit, just in case.

Knife

You may think the venerable Swiss army knife is less then useful, in a survival situation it can be handy. However you may want a real full sized knife for anything that requires a bit more work.

Have Babies?

Formula, Diapers, balmex and anything else your child may need. Plan for a week at minimum just in case.

Mess Kit

These are usually inexpensive and pack up pretty well. Many times you can keep toilet paper and paper towels in with it as well.

Hand Sanitizer

In the event of a disaster it may be hard to keep clean, at least have this on hand to keep your hands clean. Also some brands act as a good fire starter!

Spare Keys

Get copies of all the keys you use in your house. Keep this in your kit, just in case.

Chlorine Bleach

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Extra Clothes

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Bedding

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Fun!

Pen and Paper, cards and some games. Keeping busy will be important especially if you have young children.

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