We all hope it never happens, but we can never truly rule out finding ourselves in the midst of disaster.
From camping trips gone wrong to the apocalypse, it’s best to be prepared for anything.
Let’s take a look at 5 key tips for building your own survival kit. That way, if that disaster should strike, you have a head start!
1. Always Plan Ahead When Building Your Own Survival Kit
The most important part of building a survival kit is making sure you know what and who it’s for.
If you’re building an emergency kit for your home then you don’t really have any size or shelf-life limitations. If you’re building a portable survival kit for the great outdoors, then weight, size, and how long things will last all need to be taken into account.
Naturally, you can’t be expected to know the exact circumstances of your emergency. But you should consider factors such as where you’re likely to be, the temperature range, and if you’ll need to hunt.
2. Hydration
You’re made up of about 60% water and you’ll only last for 3-4 days without it.
When all hell breaks loose, you’re still going to need clean drinkable water. Two key items for your emergency kit are going to be a container for water and something to purify it with.
If you have the means to cook, then you can boil water to purify it. If space is no issue then you can use a water filter. Alternatively, you can carry purification tablets, which can be added to water to make it safe to drink.
3. Food
Believe it or not, food isn’t much of a priority when it comes to an emergency kit. There’s a large chance that you’re going to come face to face with other obstacles before starvation rears its ugly head.
Gandhi managed 21 days with only sips of water at the age of 74. If you’re healthy and you stay hydrated, you’ll have plenty of time to work out the dining situation before it becomes a grave matter.
Carrying something that you can proficiently hunt with and making sure you have the means to start a fire should be enough.
4. First Aid
Making sure you have the means to close any open wounds, splint any breaks, and prevent infection is a must.
A great way to start is to buy a standard emergency first aid kit and then customize it to suit your needs. Add things such as prescription medications and make sure it’s all waterproof.
5. Light & Power
If your emergency kit is for home or in a vehicle, then you’re going to need an alternative source of power. Having a backup fuel-less generator is a good place to start. Take a look at PoweredPortableSolar Blog for more some great options.
If you’re in the middle of nowhere then a good torch is a great ally. As well as a visual aid, they can also be used to communicate and signal for help.
Don’t forget extra batteries!
Every Emergency Is Different
When it comes to building your own survival kit, a lot of the contents are going to be determined by the emergency. In any case, it always pays to plan ahead and be prepared.
Did you enjoy this post? For more tips and tricks and how to stay alive, take a look at the rest of our site!