Whether it’s an earthquake, a storm, or a flood; having a survival kit ready can get you a long way towards surviving a disaster. You’ll need solutions for food, shelter, and sanitation because you’ll never know to what extent the disaster can affect the facilities around you. So make sure you’re ready to face such calamities with a kit full of essential gear for survival that contains the following:
Food
Pack up some extra food so you have something to eat in case disaster strikes and you have to wait for days to get rescued. Make sure the long term food supply you pack has a long shelf life so you won’t have to keep replacing the contents of the emergency kit.
- Canned Goods - Beans, vegetables, and meat with a long shelf life.
- Freeze-Dried Meals - Lightweight and high in calories, just add water to prepare.
- Energy Bars - High-energy, easy-to-carry bars like granola or protein bars.
- Instant Soup Mixes - Freeze-dried soup packets that only require water.
Water
Water is crucial for every survival kit. Make sure you set aside enough for drinking and cooking as well as sanitation. Try to use water that has been specially prepared for emergency purposes as it has a longer shelf life than bottled water. Otherwise, you’ll have to replace the water in the kit every year.
- Water Bottles - Ensure sufficient for drinking and cooking.
- Water Purification Tablets - To make unsafe water drinkable.
- Water Filter Straw - Portable water filters for purifying water in an emergency.
- Collapsible Water Containers - For easy storage and transport.
First aid
What do you do in case someone from the family is injured after the disaster? You should always have first aid supplies in your survival essentials. This should contain all the usual contents of a first aid kit such as medicines, antibiotic ointments, disinfectants, scissors, bandages, etc
- Bandages - Various sizes for cuts and abrasions.
- Antibiotic Ointment - To prevent infection in wounds.
- Pain Relievers - Ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen.
- Gauze Pads and Medical Tape - For larger wounds or injuries.
- Tweezers - To remove splinters or debris.
- Thermometer - For monitoring temperature in case of illness.
Child and Pet Care Supplies
If you have children or pets, their needs should be part of your survival plan. Pack diapers, baby food, wipes, and other child essentials. If you have pets, include their food, water, medications, and a leash or carrier to keep them safe and comfortable during an emergency situation.
- Baby Formula or Baby Food - Pre-packaged, easy-to-store options.
- Diapers and Wipes - Pack enough for at least a week’s supply.
- Baby Blanket - For warmth and comfort.
- Pet Food - Ensure a supply of dry or canned food.
- Leash and Carrier - For safely transporting pets in case of evacuation.
Sanitation and hygiene
You have to be prepared for a disaster that could impact sanitation facilities. Add some toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap along with a pail you can use as a toilet.
- Toilet Paper - Pack extra rolls for personal hygiene.
- Soap - For handwashing or general cleaning.
- Sanitary Pads/Tampons - For menstrual care during emergencies.
- Hand Sanitizer - To disinfect hands when soap and water aren’t available.
- Wet Wipes - For quick cleanups without water.
- Portable Toilet - A compact option for sanitation when facilities are unavailable.
Important Documents
In the chaos of a disaster, it's easy to lose track of important paperwork. Prepare a small waterproof container or folder with essential documents. Keep photocopies in case you lose the originals, and don’t forget emergency contact numbers.
- Identification Cards - Driver's license, passport, or ID cards.
- Insurance Policies - Copies of health, home, and vehicle insurance.
- Medical Records - Important health information for you and your family.
- Photocopies of Important Documents - Keep backups in case originals are lost.
- Emergency Contact Information - A list of key contacts, including family members and doctors.
Shelter
You should be prepared for a disaster that affects your home, making it unsafe to re-enter. So your emergency survival kits should have enough tents and tarps that could provide you with warmth and shelter.
- Tent - A lightweight, easy-to-set-up shelter.
- Sleeping Bags - For warmth in cold weather.
- Emergency Blankets - Reflective blankets to retain body heat.
- Tarps - For creating a temporary shelter or protecting supplies.
- Rope or Paracord - Useful for securing tents, shelters, or hanging supplies.
Clothing and Warmth
A disaster could leave you exposed to harsh weather conditions, so it’s essential to pack clothing and items that can help keep you warm and dry. Don't forget a waterproof jacket or outerwear to protect against the elements.
- Thermal Underwear - For insulation in cold weather.
- Waterproof Jacket - To protect against rain and wind.
- Extra Clothing - Include socks, gloves, and hats.
- Rain Poncho - Lightweight and portable, ideal for unexpected weather.
- Sturdy Footwear - Hiking boots or durable shoes for rugged conditions.
Lighting and communication
Make sure you’re prepared to face blackouts, as these are common in case of disasters. Prepare some flashlights, candles, and waterproof matches for lighting. And don’t forget to have a whistle that will help you signal for help.
- Flashlight - A reliable, durable flashlight (preferably LED).
- Batteries - Extra batteries for all battery-powered devices.
- Candles - For an alternative light source.
- Whistle - For signaling help or alerting others.
- Hand-Crank Radio - To stay informed about weather or emergency updates.
- Solar-powered Charger - To recharge devices when the power is out.
Backup Power and Batteries
Power outages are common in disasters, so make sure you pack extra batteries for your flashlights, radios, and any other electronic devices you might need. A portable power bank or solar charger can also come in handy to keep essential to keep these essential survival gear operational. Consider a small hand-crank radio to stay informed about disaster updates.
- Portable Power Bank - To charge phones or GPS devices.
- Extra Batteries - For flashlights, radios, and other essential devices.
- Solar Charger - For recharging devices in remote locations.
- Hand-Crank Charger - For powering devices in emergencies without electricity.
Survival gear
Your survival gear will be complete with items that you could need in case disaster strikes. These items could include duct tape, knives, wrenches, dust masks, ropes, etc.
- Duct Tape - An essential survival gear for quick repairs and sealing gaps.
- Multi-tool - Compact tools like knives, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.
- Knife - A durable survival knife for cutting and self-defense.
- Fire starter - Waterproof matches, a lighter, a or magnesium fire starter.
- Dust Masks - To protect against smoke, dust, or hazardous materials.
Tools and Equipment for Emergency Repairs
When disaster strikes, it’s not just about surviving; it’s also about staying functional. Include essential tools such as a multi-tool, a small portable stove, duct tape, a wrench, and a crowbar. These can help you secure or repair basic things like broken windows or leaking pipes until help arrives.
- Multi-tool - Includes essential tools for repairs, such as a knife, screwdriver, and pliers.
- Crowbar - Useful for prying open doors or moving debris.
- Wrench - To fix plumbing or other utilities.
- Portable Stove - A small stove for cooking if the power is out.
- Emergency Flashlight - A reliable light source for working in the dark.
These are the top items you’ll need to include in your survival kit. Interested to learn more about preparing a survival gear list? Be sure to check out the comprehensive survival guide by More Prepared.
