Thursday, October 31, 2013

Putting Together An Emergency Preparedness Kit Could Save Your Life

By Marsha Klein


The past decade has seen numerous natural disasters and man-made crises, and still people are largely unprepared. The chance of surviving after a cataclysmic event are dramatically greater with just a little foresight. The goal is surviving for at least three days without any of the conveniences we take for granted, and having an appropriately filled emergency preparedness kit is the key.

The need which will take the most space in the pack is water, but it is more than worth it, as one can not live for more than a few days without it. A minimum of two liters per day is needed to keep a person conscious and alert. One should drink when thirsty and avoid unnecessary strenuous activity, as sweat dehydrates an individual quickly.

Eating is also important, but one should not eliminate water to store food, as one can live for weeks without eating. But it is important if there is room, as nutrients are also necessary to keep ones wits about them. Also, if one is trapped or far from civilization, energy to move or escape is critical, at least to get out in the open to signal for help.

Injuries can make the experience much worse, and carefully selected first aid material can be very important. In the case of severe cuts, amputations or puncture wounds which can be fatal simple devices can make all the difference. Including items to be used as tourniquets or plastic sheets to cover puncture wounds make even horrible injuries survivable.

In the event of widespread destruction as one would experience during an earthquake, very few communication devices will be operable, but in most cases a cellular phone is an ideal tool. A battery powered radio is essential for gaining information about response activities and locations. Another important device is a light emitting diode flashlight for both signaling at night and simply seeing.

Signal devices can help those looking for survivors, and one must consider both daytime and nighttime tools. For night, an LED light will last for a very long time and have a lot of power, and doubles for regular illumination. Any reflective surface can be used to signal in the day, but a real signal mirror is easier to use and not very expensive.

Other simple devices can make the experience much more convenient, and safe. A multi-tool knife and a pair of pliers can allow one to shut off gas and power, open broken water faucets and open cans of food. If there is additional room in the backpack or container, dust masks, extra batteries and local area maps are all valuable items.

Most of the time a situation that would require one to use an emergency preparedness kit will be significant enough for local authorities to convene a response team. This is not done instantaneously, however, which is why one should shoot for at least three days of independent survival. Being ready to take care of oneself is the best way to make it through in a crisis.




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