Survival kits
A survival kit is a designated container or bag filled with essential supplies that individuals may need to navigate emergency situations effectively. These kits typically include items such as food, water, medical supplies, important documents, and various tools. The contents of a survival kit can be tailored to reflect personal or family needs, regional climate conditions, and the types of emergencies one might encounter. Historically, the concept of carrying additional supplies dates back to prehistoric times, where survival was a continuous concern for early humans.
In modern society, while daily survival is often taken for granted, unforeseen emergencies like natural disasters can occur unexpectedly, making pre-prepared survival kits crucial. These kits, sometimes referred to as "go bags," should ideally contain enough supplies to last for approximately three days. Recommended items include non-perishable food, a portable water filtration system, first-aid supplies, clothing, and even comfort items like toys for children. Proper organization and accessibility of the kit are also key components of effective emergency preparedness. For those interested in building a survival kit, resources such as checklists from official websites can be invaluable for ensuring that all necessary items are included.
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Survival kits
A survival kit is a container or bag that has the basic supplies that a person would need to survive in an emergency situation. It might include items such as food, water, medical supplies, important documents, and tools. However, the specific things that are needed in a kit can vary, so experts recommend that individuals or families set up their own personalized kits.
Overview
The concept of a survival kit is likely older than the first human civilizations, although our prehistoric ancestors would not have considered the tools and weapons they carried as useful only in an emergency. Survival was a matter of constant importance, with weapons needed to hunt and tools needed to start fires, cut food, and make clothes. Over the centuries, explorers and travelers carried extra supplies in case their journey was unexpectedly delayed or prolonged. In modern times, many people do not need to constantly worry about survival on a daily basis, and sources of food and water are typically readily available.
However, an emergency situation often arises without warning. There may not be time to gather supplies in the event of a fire, tornado, or other catastrophic event and make it to a safe place. A survival kit, or a “go bag,” can be set up ahead of time and placed in an accessible area as part of an emergency plan.
Beyond just essential supplies, a survival kit can also provide comfort. This can go a long way to making any difficult situation bearable. The content of a kit can vary, depending on individual needs, the climate, or the likelihood of an emergency. For example, it is wise to carry a winter car kit during the season when a winter storm might occur. In some disaster-prone areas, such as regions impacted by hurricanes, a more extensive kit is a good household investment.
A checklist is a good place to start when setting up a survival kit. Ready.gov is an official government website that provides a downloadable and printable version that can be tailored to a family’s specific needs. Next, a sturdy container or bag that is not too heavy to lift when full is needed. A backpack or a rolling duffel bag makes a good choice.
A well-stocked kit should have essentials for about three days. Shelf-stable nutritious foods and a supply of water are a priority, as well as infant formula or baby food if needed for young children. A portable water filtration system or tablets are often suggested. If a family has pets, supplies for them are important as well. Medications, especially prescription medications, copies of important documents, a small supply of cash, a first-aid kit, eyeglasses, a set of clothing appropriate to the local climate, and travel-sized toiletries are also recommended. Masks and hand sanitizer are helpful to avoid infections from crowded conditions that may exist at emergency shelters.
Tools and supplies in a kit might include a flashlight, extra batteries, an extra cellphone charger, duct tape, plastic sheeting for making a shelter, a utility knife, or a hand-crank radio. Matches, paper, and a pencil are also good to have on hand. If a family has children, a few books, a stuffed toy, or games can provide necessary comfort and distraction.
Bibliography
“Build A Kit.” Ready.gov, 9 July 2024, www.ready.gov/kit. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Hagerty, Colleen. “Most Americans Are Not Prepared for a Disaster. Now Survival Kits Are All Over Instagram.” Vox, 20 Mar. 2020, www.vox.com/the-goods/2020/3/2/21151040/disaster-prep-survival-prepper-kit-judy-kim-kardashian-hurricane-fire. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Helmer, Jodi. “The New Go Bag: What You Need in Your Emergency Escape Kit.” AARP, 8 Oct. 2024, www.aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/emergency-go-bag.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Leibowitz, Brandon. “Different Types Of Emergency Survival Kits.” More Prepared, 16 July 2015, www.moreprepared.com/different-types-of-emergency-survival-kits. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Maguire, Mia. “Emergency Prep Essentials to Have on Hand for Winter Emergencies, Floods, and Natural Disasters in 2023.” Daily Beast, 6 Jan. 2022, www.thedailybeast.com/winter-emergency-survival-kit-for-home-and-car. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Puhally, Mark, and Joel Stevens, J. Everyday Survival Kits: Exactly What You Need for Constant Preparedness. Living Ready Books, 2014.
“7 Essential Items in Your Emergency Survival Kit.” More Prepared, www.moreprepared.com/7-essential-items-in-your-emergency-survival-kit. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
“Survival Kit Supplies.” American Red Cross, www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Zanoni, Ryan. “Survival of the Kit: The Evolution of Life-Sustaining Supply Bundles.” B&H Foto and Electronics, 8 Sept. 2016, www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/outdoors/features/survival-kit-evolution-life-sustaining-supply-bundles. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.