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Essentials Of Emergency Survival Kits

By Susan Dawson


Emergency survival kits are a necessity for each one of us. They should always be within our reach at all times because they might be the difference between life and death. In creating this important tool, there are a number of things that you need to take into consideration. One of the most important of them is to know whether the kit in question will only be used only once and disposed of or is intended for several occasions. This will ensure that it is packaged as appropriate.

Since it is not possible to have everything that you may regard as being important, proper decision making is required. This will help avoid the packing of the non-essential items at the expense of those required for survival. Shelter is undoubtedly one of the essentials. Its main function is to protect the user from harmful external environments. Always make sure you have some form of shelter within your kit.

There are many forms of shelter that can be used including, but not limited to tents, tarps and trash bags. Nylon ponchos can be ripped and folded flat to make tents. The material chosen should be light enough to carry around with ease. Do not forget to have some ropes and stakes with you to be used in erecting your desired structure.

The choice of bedding is determined by two main factors; weight and the functionality. Wool and fleece are both light and very warm. As a matter of fact these two materials can retain heat even when wet. This makes them appropriate for use in almost any weather condition. Wool has the additional advantage of being a flame retardant. The other alternative that can be considered in the absence of these two is foil type blankets.

The amount of water in the kit should be worked out as per each individual. A minimum of between 130 and 160 oz is required for each person per day. This water is only to be used for drinking purposes. The water may be packed in water bags, sterilised bottles or reusable containers. On average, bottled water has a shelf life of about 5 years.

There are many options for food to choose from. The specific choice largely depends on individual preference. The most important thing is to have a balance among the essential food groups and minerals. The general recommendation is that there should be about 2,000 calories for each person per day. The most preferred food types are those that do not involve preparation and do not need the use of utensils. Food bars and granola are an excellent choice.

Hygiene items such as toilet paper, soap, wash clothes, towels and toothbrushes are not an absolute necessity but make life a bit more comfortable. A first aid kit may be needed at one time or the other. Some of the items to have in this kit include painkillers, gauze rolls, wound cream, antibiotics and some blood anticoagulant. Rescue aids and essential tools include a source of light, a whistle, a pocket knife, multi-purpose pair of pliers, a small rope and a crank radio.

There are rules that govern the preparation of emergency survival kits. What is contained in these tools is dependent on what the owner deems being most important. If you are taking medication, for instance, you will probably regard your drugs as being very important and you have to include them in the kit. Once you have your list, the next thing is to look for an easily accessible waterproof bag.




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