What Disaster Survival Kits Should Contain

By Kerri Turner


Disaster survival kits are extremely good to have on hand in the event of an unexpected occurrence such as terrible weather or manmade disaster like war and other devastation. They help in the absence of vital resources and supplies like food, water and working electricity. Being prepared for an emergency can make the difference between surviving comfortably and suffering terribly.

When putting together a disaster survival kit, enough supplies should be included to last roughly a week. It is said that it takes between three to seven days for disaster victims to get help or find their way to the proper resources. That being said, however, it may be wise to pack survival supplies to last longer than seven days.

If there are young kids in your family, especially babies, you will need the appropriate supplies for them alone. Babies will need bottles, formula and water, which should all be stored separately. You will also have to take into consideration the needs of any family members with mobility issues or further disabilities, as they may need to stay back or move slower than the rest of the group when seeking assistance.

The first thing to go in a survival kit should be water. It is the most important supply of all, as it is used for a number of things including to drink, to cook food and to bathe. However, bathing may not be as necessary as other needs. Water can sustain a person for more than half a week, even without food. As such, boiled water as well as bottled water should be packed in the kit.

Electricity is likely to be scarce during a disaster, so you will also need to prepare for this possibility. In order to have alternative ways of preparing food and having light to guide you when it gets dark, make sure to put enough torch lights, lanterns and other sources of light in your kit. Extra batteries should also be included. Candles and matches will help to provide both light and fire to use for cooking and creating heat. You should also pack blankets and sufficient clothing to keep warm.

You probably will not be able to eat the way that you are used to during such times. Fresh foods and ingredients will not be useful in a survival kit, as they will not last as long as preserved goods like canned items. Canned items can be consumed as is in most cases, requiring little preparation at all.

Consider the benefits of including lightweight, small snack like crackers and nutrition or energy bars. MREs are also a good source of nutrition that won't take up much room. They are the ready-to-eat meals used by soldiers in the army when they go to war. Emergency food supplies can be bought online or in some stores. They come in large amounts and are designed to last up to three decades before expiring.

One final tip when putting together your disaster survival kits is that weight is important. If your group or members of the group need to be on the move to find help or resources, the weight of goods in the kit needs to be as low as possible. This is why only what is absolutely necessary should be included in the items.




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