Emergency Survival Kits

My family and I have to travel for the upcoming holidays. We need to know what we need to take with us and the kits are too pricey. So what do you put in a winter weather survival and road side kits???

This is a subject I know very well as I write on,
lecture on, and teach survival for the average
person.

The real problem in what to put in a kit you build
is the knowledge you have as to how to properly
use such a kit.

Also, since there can be limited space for a kit,
and/ or that you might have to carry it by hand,
the quantity of the bulk and the weight is an issue.

What you must always remember is that there
are four things you must provide for in any type
of survival situation: Food, Water, Shelter,
and Protection. The first three are self-explanatory.
However, Protection means much more than
the typical, first impression. It is a very complex
provision because it means; Protection from the
elements of nature, AND the nature of man.

Protection means clothing sufficient to handle
whatever weather that might be encountered.
It means the proper mental preparedness of
how to cope with a sudden misfortune of any
type. It also means supplies that would be
necessary to provide for what you might need
if the misfortune could last for a long while.
It doesn't mean you must carry a firearm, or
any other type of weapon (other than a good
knife). But, it does mean you must be as
prepared mentally for any type of hazard that
can possibly befall you. I always teach,
"Expect the Best! Prepare for the Worst!
Take what comes!"

The largest problem with people today is
that we have become so used to living in
a protected society that the imagination
does not let us even consider just how
bad our situation can become in the turn
of a moment. We all have a will to survive;
to continue to live on. However, we just do
not imagine enough of the worst type of
situation. We never consider the possibility
to be very great. We confuse 'possibility'
with 'probability'. Just remember that the
possibility of anything is always 50/50.
It is the probability that may be very low,
but the possibility is still 50/50. Our own
preparedness must remember, and heed
this.

I will give you a list of things that you can
choose from to take. You, however, must
decide what you would most likely need
to take. I make kits for people all the time,
but I always have to take into consideration
of their level of skill, knowledge, and training.
I make small kits, but further suggest larger
types of 'pack kits'. Even the small ones
that can be placed, or carried anywhere must
be developed for the individual. Each item is
carefully selected so as to provide the way
for a person to survive most anything, but
the skill, knowledge, and training is very
critical. I use many examples of where some
have had everything they needed to survive
a situation, but have died. They may have
had everything tangible, but lacked the
mental preparedness to survive.

I very highly commend you for thinking of
this issue in advance. Most people do not.
I do suggest that you get a copy of a Boy
Scout Field Book as a good guide if you
lack the training for this type of situation.
There are many books out there, even one
that I have written, but the Scout Field Book
covers much to be a great help. I still use
mine a lot.

Disaster Supply Kit
(As suggested by the National Hurricane Center)

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for
3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra
battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards
- Banks and ATMs may not be available for
extended periods
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container
or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account
numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records /
medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash


The above kit supplies can be trimmed to fit the particular
circumstances.

For a small 'Kit in a Can' to keep with you
at all times, the following can be put into a
one, or three pound coffee can. (Keep in a
pack, at work, at home, under the rear se

2009-10-06 17:31:24 by Mandie

www.Outdoorbasecamp.com A product review of 3 wilderness survival kits. We have a look and see how they meet the needs of shelter, water, fire ...

What brand of emergency survival kit do you think would be the best for a family of four? Do you have to store them in cool places to keep them from spoiling?

I like these: http://www.foresightsupply.com

The other sites look sketchy and you can put these anywhere (garage, basement, attic) and it doesn't have to be in a cool place.

2009-03-10 13:23:59 by Christine ஐ

Price: $49.99

Two safety light sticks
A handy backpack keeps supplies at the ready
One 33-piece first aid kit

Every household should have an Emergency Survival Kit, in case a disaster should occur and you are required to leave your home.

What items must be included in Emergency Survival Kit?
Please cite your source(s) if you have any.

i hope this help... far more than any thing make sure you keep an extra copy of your important documents in a zip lock bag, just incase of a flood. birth certificate, social security ard, etc.

2008-02-20 21:04:20 by Daijiro

Price: $179.00 $152.13

Packaged in easy to carry 5 gallon container.
A 4 person, 3 day supply of emergency food, water, and emergency supplies.
Perfect for the home, office, or anywhere!

With the recent fierce weather being in the news, I've been looking at various survival kits for earthquakes/tornados/hurricanes/floods, etc. (No, I don't expect all of those to come at me at once.)

I was wondering what people recommend? Buying your own? Is there a particular brand that you like? What do you do with the various supplies in there when they near their expiration date? Eat them? Donate them?

My family's always tended toward buying in bulk so we always have plenty on hand for whatever reason. What do you do?

I am not an expert at these things, so I like to buy a prepared kit. You can find some good ones through the Red Cross (and the profits go to a good cause!)

It also is a good idea to keep a smaller kit in your car. I didn't use to live where it snows, but now that I do, I can see that there is a chance to get stranded. (And, if you were to get stranded at work, you can probably still get to your car and back!)

When things are getting close to their expiration, unless you are going camping, I'd toss them (survival food is not high class cuisine, even if it's better than it used to be!)

Finally, the one area that even a well-stocked family is usually short of is drinking water. You should make sure you have plenty of that on hand - enough for 72 hours. (Also, if anyone in the family has medicines that they take, they should be sure to put some aside so they have a buffer in an emergency.)

Thanks for the great question! It's so relevant with all the recent problems!

2008-01-06 09:31:12 by I Like Reading

I just moved up to the mountains and have already lost power 2x due to bad weather! Im not use to this kind of weather and the locals all tell me that I need to have a emergency kit for home for when the real "bad" weather comes in for winter! So a little help please ?

well, i live in west virginia, and when a real cold weather storm comes, it's good to have candles, matches, blankets, a cell phone, a battery powered heater, flashlight, and a battery powered radio. you may also need food/ water, possibly an x-tra change of clothes.

hope i could help ya!

2009-10-16 13:02:04 by Sam M