Friday, December 20, 2013

What We Should Know About Emergency Survival Kits

By Harriett Crosby


Emergency survival kits are just that; a tool for surviving. They need to be with us at all times of the day because you never know when you will need them. At times, they may make the difference between life and death. When assembling your kit, there are a number of important considerations that you need to have in mind so that the main objective for which such a tool is created is well fulfilled. You need to decide, from the very beginning whether you need to use your kit just once or on several occasions.

The best thing to do if you do not wish to forget anything, it to list down all the items that you think will be lifesaving. You can start by listing all the possible items and then to reduce your list progressively only to be left with the most essential. Shelter is arguably one of the most important things that you need to take care of. During emergencies, you need something to protect you from harsh climatic conditions.

There are many ideas that you can consider when thinking about a type of shelter. The most frequently used types of shelter include, among others, tents, tarps and trash bags. It is possible to modify nylon ponchos into some form of tents. The material chosen should be light and easy to carry around.

Try to include warm bedding in your pack. Wool and fleece are the top two choices. The major advantage that these two have over other choices is that they are always warm even when wet and thus would be appropriate for use in virtually any weather condition. Wool is in addition, a flame retardant and fleece is lightweight. Another option that you can consider, if possible, is a foil blanket. These blankets are easy to package and are very warm

Water is of course an essential need and must be included. Experts recommend that there should be at least 130 oz of water for each person per day. This is what is to be used for drinking only. The packaging can be done in many different ways including the use of reusable containers, water bags and sterilized bottles. On average, sterilised water lasts for about 5 years. Replacement should ideally be done at least once annually.

There are types of foods that you can choose from as you prepare your kit. The choice depends on your tastes and preferences primarily. There are other considerations to have in mind though. As much as you are planning for an emergency situation, ensure that there is a balance in the types of food groups chosen as well as the mineral salts. One person requires not less than 2000 calories per day of energy. You can base your calculations on this fact. Granolas and food bars are highly preferred.

There are many other smaller items that are not always a must but make life comfortable. Such items include toiletries and other personal items whose inclusion will depend on availability of space. A first aid kit should also be included if space permits. In this kit ensure that the following are included, painkillers, gauze rolls and antibiotics.

There are really no hard and fast rules to guide the assembly of emergency survival kits. Apart from the very essential items, other components will depend on your own judgement. Check the kit regularly to ensure that everything is intact. If there are several persons in your household, make appropriate arrangements for each of them to get a personal kit.




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