BASIC EMERGENCY PACKS...WHAT YOU NEED TO SURVIVE
March 20th 2009 17:08
In this changing world, we should be prepared for any natural or man-made disaster that may confront us. The world is different and life as we know it now, may not always be...I believe that we should be prepared to face whatever may come to the best of our ability. So with that in mind, I have put together this list for an EMERGENCY CHECKLIST. These items are for a 72 hour "bug out" bag. This is by no means a hard and fast list...Adjust it accordingly. It is merely a guide for those of you who may want to assemble a pack for emergencies, but aren't sure where to begin. Here then is my list for emergency survival.
YOUR EMERGENCY CHECKLIST
WATER -
I have an old army surplus canteen that has a deep aluminum cup that fits on the bottom. But I suggest you grab a water filtration bottle that has the water purification filter inside. They range in price from $35.00 on up, but they will provide you with at least 50 gallons of bacteria free, safe drinking water. If you end up with a regular water bottle or canteen, you MUST obtain some water purification tablets or another means to purify your water. You can boil it for 10 minutes to remove bacteria and cysts. But whatever you do…provide for enough water. Most sources tell you to store 3-5 gallons per person for a 3 day period. You must have a MINIMUM of 3 individual water packs per person, per day…just for basic consumption. This does not allow for cooking or washing. This is for hydration purposes only. You can go a long time without food, but your body MUST have water to survive. Oh I almost forgot, 16 drops of plain ole’ bleach will purify a gallon of water. Put the drops in the water and then wait 30 minutes before drinking.
FOOD –
72 hour supply of food. Can include MRE’s, Power bars, dry soups, granola, easily stored and carried items like nuts, dry fruits, etc. Food items should be easy to carry. i.e. in baggies or small containers that are water proof. Don’t forget coffee and tea bags and bullion. These can keep you going when the rest of the food is gone.
WARMTH & SHELTER –
Waterproof Matches –
AND a second method to start a fire. i.e. magnesium bar and striker…there are small fire starter kits in Wal-Mart, sporting goods stores and survival sites…They are inexpensive and can virtually save your life. A lighter and tinder…you decide.
Tent –
This goes without saying…however, if in an emergency situation you don’t have a tent…a tarp with some rope, several large, or heavy duty plastic garbage bags will serve as temporary protection from the elements. Large construction plastic bags can serve as water collectors, ground cover, and also shelter from inclement weather.
Sleeping Bag –
Again kind of a no brainer…but once again, if you’re in a dire situation without a sleeping bag, a wool army blanket will keep you warm even when wet. It’s a good idea to have one of those emergency silver reflective blankets as well. They cost about 2 bucks and will retain approximately 80% of your body heat. If put over a wool army blanket you will retain body heat, and keep the damp and wet off of you.
Hand and Foot Warmers –
Another low cost item that will fit inside your gloves, or shoes/boots…they can keep you from getting frostbite if you find yourself in a cold/frigid environment. They only last about 12 hours each…But the cost is about 2-3 dollars a pack. Not a lot if you consider the alternatives.
Rain Poncho –
If you’ve got nothing but a rain poncho with a hood…you can tuck under the poncho…put the hood up and wait out inclement weather. The plastic of the poncho should help you to keep your body heat in and dampness out. It’s not ideal, but hey, we’re talking survival here.
LIGHTWEIGHT STOVE AND FUEL -
Again, if you need to “bug out” in a hurry and haven’t accumulated all the items on this list…At the very minimum you should have a can or two of Sterno type fuel…You can put a small campers tin on it and warm water for coffee, tea, broth, etc. They’re small enough to fit in a bug out pack and they make all the difference when you’re cold and damp and maybe frightened…there’s something about a warm beverage or broth that can lift your spirits even in the worst of circumstances.
LIGHT SOURCES –
Light sticks will give you a good glow, but you’re limited in how far you can see with light sticks. They’re good to hang around your neck on a string…but you don’t want to go foraging in the rough with just a light stick. Get a couple to have in case, but you’ll need a flashlight with extra batteries and probably a slow burning candle. You know those white 6 or 8” chubby white candles that are sold for hurricane preparedness? They’re light weight and they can also be a help if your tinder is wet and you need to start a fire…it’s easier to light the candle, and light the fire with the candle. They’re slow burning, so only use it when you need to AND, always make sure you light a candle in a safe environment…no forest fires or self immolation please.
TOOLS –
At the very least you should have a multi tool in your pack. One of those pliers/knife/screwdriver/awl/ can opener things. They range in price from a few dollars to the super-duper commando kind that cost a bundle. Something strong and durable is the key and with a few different functions. Many lists say to have an ax and a shovel. This is your decision, if you have the room in/on your pack and feel you can shoulder the pack without too much strain, by all means. 25’ of nylon rope should be a standard, it can help you build shelters, snares, keep your pack up in a tree away from critters…help scale rough terrain. You get the idea. It’s inexpensive and lightweight.
FIRST AID –
A basic first aid kit at the very least…but, I have a kit that is almost like a Doctor bag. It contains not only the basics, but some additional items for almost any non-life threatening medical emergency…AND, don’t forget the first aid booklet or information to keep with your medical supplies. Please remember to include burn cream and dressings in case you or someone else has a campfire/candle accident burn.
COMMUNICATIONS –
A good solid radio with batteries and alternative power sources is vital. It will keep you abreast of what is happening in the outside world. I prefer those hand crank radio/flashlight/emergency flasher self powered items. They’re turbine operated, so that no matter what happens, you’ve got power…the more you turn the crank…the more power and the longer it will last.
PERSONAL SANITATION –
This includes TP, (toilet paper), hand sanitizer and some moist toweletts. That’s the very least you should have in your pack. Think in terms of keeping clean as much as possible to prevent germs/bacteria and disease. How about a travel toothbrush and paste? Feminine hygiene products, a comb or brush? Again, think in terms of need and then what you can easily carry.
EXTRA CLOTHING –
Socks, underwear, gloves, and if there’s room additional pants and shirt. A sturdy pair of hiking boots, all weather shoes, or anything comfortable and extremely sturdy.
MONEY –
When we get to the place in time when TSHTF…ATM’s, banks, etc. will most likely be closed. You should have at least $20.00 in your kit. Make sure that it’s in small bills, preferably ones and make sure that you have plenty of change…DO NOT, let outsiders know that you have cash. Desperate times often cause people to act desperately. I’d like to also say that if you have lots of important papers…that could perish in a disaster, it is a good idea to make copies of everything…birth certificates, social security numbers, wills, titles to vehicles, credit card information AND insurance information for homes, vehicles and yourself.
These are the basics of an Emergency Checklist. I would like to add a few things to this ever growing list.
First, use common sense when preparing a pack for an elderly person or child. Their needs will be different, they may need prescriptions, have special diets, etc. You may need to adjust this list for their specific needs. Also, in the case of small children…make sure to include a special toy or stuffed animal, (small toys), or a special “wubbie” (blanket) so that the child will not feel so disoriented and afraid. AND…it will be easier on you as the care giver to have the child feel safe and if they’re occupied.
Some survival packs include a few fish hooks, 25 feet of 10 lb. test fishing line rolled and kept in an Altoids tin along with a couple split weights, a few needles, a roll of dental floss taken out of the plastic container and several safety pins. Dental floss can help keep clothes together…be used as a heavy duty sewing thread. It is waterproof and easy to carry. There’s about 50 feet on that one small roll. Add a few waterproof matches and a plastic whistle and you’ve got a basic survival kit all packed in a 3 inch tin. Neat huh?
You may want to add a small sunscreen and insect repellent to your list of items…and don’t forget…aluminum foil, it can be used as a water collector, for cooking food, etc. Take a few feet off the roll at home, fold it up neatly, slip it into a plastic zipper bag with a spoon, fork and knife. If you have room, toss in a campers mess kit or at least one of those small aluminum camping pans. You can pretty much make soup, heat food, drink beverages all from the same little pan.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW –
Your kit should be in a portable container…i.e backpack, duffel bag, etc. It should be made of durable material and should be easy for you to carry. It should be located somewhere in a place where you can easily access it in case of emergency. DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR KIT. You may have to carry it a long distance to reach safety. Each family member should have their own kit. In case of children, distribute heavy items between other adult kits.
Put clean socks, underwear and other clothing inside plastic zip bags. Those bags can also be used later as water collection devices and to keep things clean.
DON’T DESPAIR if you’ve got nothing set aside, you can start now…a little at a time. I realize this list can be daunting if you’re low on cash and have nothing prepared. Hunt thrift stores for back packs…camping supplies and other items you need in your pack. Also go to dollar stores for medical supplies, dental floss, bullion, coffee, tea, aluminum foil, plastic bags. If you take this list with you and keep a copy handy, you can check off the things as you go, and before you know it…you’ll have your own pack all set for any emergency. Can’t afford a $35.00 filtration water bottle? You can afford a bottle of liquid bleach…find a small screw top jar or bottle, clean it out carefully then put your bleach in that bottle for water purification.
And one final word, the world is changing and I, along with many others in this country feel the winds of change touching our faces…we must be prepared for anything that may come; for to do otherwise is folly. If when all is said and done, these preparations are not needed…then we have the makings of a wonderful family camping trip. But I fear that before too long, we will be glad that we took the steps to prepare for our survival and the survival of our loved ones.
Until Next Time…Whyte Willow
YOUR EMERGENCY CHECKLIST
WATER -
I have an old army surplus canteen that has a deep aluminum cup that fits on the bottom. But I suggest you grab a water filtration bottle that has the water purification filter inside. They range in price from $35.00 on up, but they will provide you with at least 50 gallons of bacteria free, safe drinking water. If you end up with a regular water bottle or canteen, you MUST obtain some water purification tablets or another means to purify your water. You can boil it for 10 minutes to remove bacteria and cysts. But whatever you do…provide for enough water. Most sources tell you to store 3-5 gallons per person for a 3 day period. You must have a MINIMUM of 3 individual water packs per person, per day…just for basic consumption. This does not allow for cooking or washing. This is for hydration purposes only. You can go a long time without food, but your body MUST have water to survive. Oh I almost forgot, 16 drops of plain ole’ bleach will purify a gallon of water. Put the drops in the water and then wait 30 minutes before drinking.
FOOD –
72 hour supply of food. Can include MRE’s, Power bars, dry soups, granola, easily stored and carried items like nuts, dry fruits, etc. Food items should be easy to carry. i.e. in baggies or small containers that are water proof. Don’t forget coffee and tea bags and bullion. These can keep you going when the rest of the food is gone.
WARMTH & SHELTER –
Waterproof Matches –
AND a second method to start a fire. i.e. magnesium bar and striker…there are small fire starter kits in Wal-Mart, sporting goods stores and survival sites…They are inexpensive and can virtually save your life. A lighter and tinder…you decide.
Tent –
This goes without saying…however, if in an emergency situation you don’t have a tent…a tarp with some rope, several large, or heavy duty plastic garbage bags will serve as temporary protection from the elements. Large construction plastic bags can serve as water collectors, ground cover, and also shelter from inclement weather.
Sleeping Bag –
Again kind of a no brainer…but once again, if you’re in a dire situation without a sleeping bag, a wool army blanket will keep you warm even when wet. It’s a good idea to have one of those emergency silver reflective blankets as well. They cost about 2 bucks and will retain approximately 80% of your body heat. If put over a wool army blanket you will retain body heat, and keep the damp and wet off of you.
Hand and Foot Warmers –
Another low cost item that will fit inside your gloves, or shoes/boots…they can keep you from getting frostbite if you find yourself in a cold/frigid environment. They only last about 12 hours each…But the cost is about 2-3 dollars a pack. Not a lot if you consider the alternatives.
Rain Poncho –
If you’ve got nothing but a rain poncho with a hood…you can tuck under the poncho…put the hood up and wait out inclement weather. The plastic of the poncho should help you to keep your body heat in and dampness out. It’s not ideal, but hey, we’re talking survival here.
LIGHTWEIGHT STOVE AND FUEL -
Again, if you need to “bug out” in a hurry and haven’t accumulated all the items on this list…At the very minimum you should have a can or two of Sterno type fuel…You can put a small campers tin on it and warm water for coffee, tea, broth, etc. They’re small enough to fit in a bug out pack and they make all the difference when you’re cold and damp and maybe frightened…there’s something about a warm beverage or broth that can lift your spirits even in the worst of circumstances.
LIGHT SOURCES –
Light sticks will give you a good glow, but you’re limited in how far you can see with light sticks. They’re good to hang around your neck on a string…but you don’t want to go foraging in the rough with just a light stick. Get a couple to have in case, but you’ll need a flashlight with extra batteries and probably a slow burning candle. You know those white 6 or 8” chubby white candles that are sold for hurricane preparedness? They’re light weight and they can also be a help if your tinder is wet and you need to start a fire…it’s easier to light the candle, and light the fire with the candle. They’re slow burning, so only use it when you need to AND, always make sure you light a candle in a safe environment…no forest fires or self immolation please.
TOOLS –
At the very least you should have a multi tool in your pack. One of those pliers/knife/screwdriver/awl/ can opener things. They range in price from a few dollars to the super-duper commando kind that cost a bundle. Something strong and durable is the key and with a few different functions. Many lists say to have an ax and a shovel. This is your decision, if you have the room in/on your pack and feel you can shoulder the pack without too much strain, by all means. 25’ of nylon rope should be a standard, it can help you build shelters, snares, keep your pack up in a tree away from critters…help scale rough terrain. You get the idea. It’s inexpensive and lightweight.
FIRST AID –
A basic first aid kit at the very least…but, I have a kit that is almost like a Doctor bag. It contains not only the basics, but some additional items for almost any non-life threatening medical emergency…AND, don’t forget the first aid booklet or information to keep with your medical supplies. Please remember to include burn cream and dressings in case you or someone else has a campfire/candle accident burn.
COMMUNICATIONS –
A good solid radio with batteries and alternative power sources is vital. It will keep you abreast of what is happening in the outside world. I prefer those hand crank radio/flashlight/emergency flasher self powered items. They’re turbine operated, so that no matter what happens, you’ve got power…the more you turn the crank…the more power and the longer it will last.
PERSONAL SANITATION –
This includes TP, (toilet paper), hand sanitizer and some moist toweletts. That’s the very least you should have in your pack. Think in terms of keeping clean as much as possible to prevent germs/bacteria and disease. How about a travel toothbrush and paste? Feminine hygiene products, a comb or brush? Again, think in terms of need and then what you can easily carry.
EXTRA CLOTHING –
Socks, underwear, gloves, and if there’s room additional pants and shirt. A sturdy pair of hiking boots, all weather shoes, or anything comfortable and extremely sturdy.
MONEY –
When we get to the place in time when TSHTF…ATM’s, banks, etc. will most likely be closed. You should have at least $20.00 in your kit. Make sure that it’s in small bills, preferably ones and make sure that you have plenty of change…DO NOT, let outsiders know that you have cash. Desperate times often cause people to act desperately. I’d like to also say that if you have lots of important papers…that could perish in a disaster, it is a good idea to make copies of everything…birth certificates, social security numbers, wills, titles to vehicles, credit card information AND insurance information for homes, vehicles and yourself.
These are the basics of an Emergency Checklist. I would like to add a few things to this ever growing list.
First, use common sense when preparing a pack for an elderly person or child. Their needs will be different, they may need prescriptions, have special diets, etc. You may need to adjust this list for their specific needs. Also, in the case of small children…make sure to include a special toy or stuffed animal, (small toys), or a special “wubbie” (blanket) so that the child will not feel so disoriented and afraid. AND…it will be easier on you as the care giver to have the child feel safe and if they’re occupied.
Some survival packs include a few fish hooks, 25 feet of 10 lb. test fishing line rolled and kept in an Altoids tin along with a couple split weights, a few needles, a roll of dental floss taken out of the plastic container and several safety pins. Dental floss can help keep clothes together…be used as a heavy duty sewing thread. It is waterproof and easy to carry. There’s about 50 feet on that one small roll. Add a few waterproof matches and a plastic whistle and you’ve got a basic survival kit all packed in a 3 inch tin. Neat huh?
You may want to add a small sunscreen and insect repellent to your list of items…and don’t forget…aluminum foil, it can be used as a water collector, for cooking food, etc. Take a few feet off the roll at home, fold it up neatly, slip it into a plastic zipper bag with a spoon, fork and knife. If you have room, toss in a campers mess kit or at least one of those small aluminum camping pans. You can pretty much make soup, heat food, drink beverages all from the same little pan.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW –
Your kit should be in a portable container…i.e backpack, duffel bag, etc. It should be made of durable material and should be easy for you to carry. It should be located somewhere in a place where you can easily access it in case of emergency. DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR KIT. You may have to carry it a long distance to reach safety. Each family member should have their own kit. In case of children, distribute heavy items between other adult kits.
Put clean socks, underwear and other clothing inside plastic zip bags. Those bags can also be used later as water collection devices and to keep things clean.
DON’T DESPAIR if you’ve got nothing set aside, you can start now…a little at a time. I realize this list can be daunting if you’re low on cash and have nothing prepared. Hunt thrift stores for back packs…camping supplies and other items you need in your pack. Also go to dollar stores for medical supplies, dental floss, bullion, coffee, tea, aluminum foil, plastic bags. If you take this list with you and keep a copy handy, you can check off the things as you go, and before you know it…you’ll have your own pack all set for any emergency. Can’t afford a $35.00 filtration water bottle? You can afford a bottle of liquid bleach…find a small screw top jar or bottle, clean it out carefully then put your bleach in that bottle for water purification.
And one final word, the world is changing and I, along with many others in this country feel the winds of change touching our faces…we must be prepared for anything that may come; for to do otherwise is folly. If when all is said and done, these preparations are not needed…then we have the makings of a wonderful family camping trip. But I fear that before too long, we will be glad that we took the steps to prepare for our survival and the survival of our loved ones.
Until Next Time…Whyte Willow
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