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Most people would like to go on believing that because they have never faced a disaster or emergency, that they may never have to. At the very least, the majority assume that a crisis will not happen tomorrow. Do not fall into this majority. An earthquake, hurricane, flood, tornado, fire, or other disaster could strike at any time without warning and nobody can predict how severe or long lasting the situation will be. By preparing for any number of potential disasters, a prudent person and his or her family can survive most emergencies. One of the easiest ways to prepare for an event where you or your family must evacuate your home is to buy a 72 hour emergency supply kit for each family member. These kits contain the basic necessities to sustain life for up to 72 hours.
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Deciding on what type of emergency situation to prepare for is important since it is impossible to completely prepare for all eventualities. For instance, a person who lives near sea level may be more concerned about flooding and hurricanes than a person who lives in the mountains. Similarly, a person living in the mountains may face a greater danger from an extended snowfall which could block ingress and egress, disrupt utilities, or cut-off the supply of food and water. In either circumstance, that person should prepare for a situation in which evacuation is not possible, but should do so knowing what the climate is like in that area. Your survival plan and stock of survival gear should match your circumstances.
Below is a list of basic items you should consider as you begin to prepare for an emergency:
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Storage Container - A container should be durable and of sufficient size to hold all of your survival supplies. An emergency backpack is an easy way to pack basic necessities for one or two people and is ideal when you need to be on foot with your hands free. Alternatively, a sturdy plastic container with a handle and lid is great because it is durable, water resistant, and can be used as a toilet if necessary. Avoid using small plastic bags. Pack your supply kit with containers that you can easily organize and can fit inside a vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to carry one emergency backpack or plastic container per person, with a larger container to keep items together that might be shared by a group or family.
- Water - Fresh water is perhaps the most difficult item to store and carry but is perhaps the most essential survival item to have in a crisis. Water weighs over eight pounds per gallon. Aqua Literz and Aqua Blox are a great solution for short term emergency drinking water. With a 5 year shelf life, they fit easily into any disaster survival pack. Backpacks should also contain water purification tablets or a water filtration bottle.
- Food - Freeze dried or dehydrated foods are best for long term food storage since no refrigeration is necessary and most of these foods can be eaten simply by adding water. By keeping a variety of food types and rotating them through a storage system, you can be assured that your family will have a well balanced and nutritious food supply in the event of a flood, hurricane, or other disaster. For short term survival, nutrition is not as important; simply keep a compact supply of calories such as those found in our survival food bars available.
- Clothing - Layered clothing is the best way to prepare for different weather situations. Each layer can be removed to keep you at a comfortable temperature under most circumstances. Always keep a fresh change of comfortable clothing in your gear which would keep you warm under the coldest weather conditions in your area. Also, be sure to pack a hat, gloves, coat, rain gear, socks, underwear and sunscreen.
- Shelter - At the very minimum, each person in your family should have an emergency survival sleeping bag and a 2-person tube tent as part of their 72 hour kit. A warm polar fleece blanket is also a good idea for extra warmth in colder areas.
- Sanitation - Sanitation and hygiene are important if you want to keep yourself from becoming sick from stagnant water, bacteria, and waste when disaster strikes. Keep your waste sealed in plastic bags. Pack a deluxe hygiene kit which containers a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet-naps, shampoo, conditioner, dental floss, lotion, shave cream, razor, deodorant, comb, maxi-pads, and a washcloth.
- First Aid - No emergency supply kit is complete without a wilderness first aid kit. In the event that you are camping and find yourself trapped in the wilderness, first aid essentials can save your life. Packing a proper first aid essentials kit as well as having the proper knowledge of how to treat injuries can make the determination as to whether you stay alive or become dead. Survival is a choice that you make before a disaster strikes. Also, don't forget to pack an animal emergency first aid kit for your pet.
- Light & Heat - Flashlights are an important survival tool to have during a crisis, not just for illumination, but for keeping your spirits up. Basic LED flashlights are great provided that you keep fresh batteries available at all times. As a backup source of emergency lighting, consider packing an LED squeeze flashlight or a shake flashlight, both of which operate with no batteries. Emergency candles and air activated body warmers can provide some heat while waterproof matches or disposable bic style lighters can serve as important tools for starting fires for larger sources of heat.
- Communication - An absolute necessity if you expect to survive any disaster is to be aware of what is going on around you. This radio flashlight can provide you with illumination and important updates regarding weather conditions, rescue efforts, or relieve supplies. Again, communications will only function if you maintain a supply of batteries. Two-way communication is important to let people know where you are. As a backup power supply, this emergency cell phone charger and cell phone adapter package can provide a boost of power to make a quick call for help. Also consider obtaining an amateur radio license to make use of local repeaters in the event that cell phone communications go down such as in the case of Hurricane Katrina.
- Tools - General survival gear and tools to keep on-hand for a disaster include guns and ammunition, nylon rope, a survival shovel, a survival knife or Swiss army style knife, NIOSH N95 dust mask, gas shut-off tool, batteries of all sizes, insect repellant, duct tape, a map, compass, GPS device and fishing equipment.
- Entertainment - Keeping yourself and your kids occupied while you wait for rescue can help alleviate the stress of a crisis situation. A deck of playing cards, board games, crayons and coloring books can help pass the time. Our children's survival kit is packed with toys and games for kids as well as the essential survival gear you would expect to have for a 72 hour emergency.
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