Top 10 Must Have Survival Gear
When putting together your emergency preparedness kit, survival gear is essential. During a disaster, you will not have time to think about and gather everything that you need. Compile your survival gear now to ensure that you are fully prepared if and when a disaster strikes.
1. Food and Water
a. A variety of non-perishable food items, such as MREs, freeze dried food, dehydrated food, and canned goods
b. A three-day supply of containers filled with purified water
c. Water purification tablets
2. Light and Power Sources
a. A flashlight with backup batteries
b. A long-lasting emergency candle
c. An emergency glow stick
d. Waterproof and windproof matches
e. A generator
3. Communication Sources
a. A battery-powered AM/FM radio with backup batteries
b. A survival whistle
c. Extra cell phone chargers
4. Shelter and Weather Protection
a. Enough warm sleeping bags for each family member
b. Plenty of portable body warmers
c. A tent large enough to fit your entire family
d. Hooded rain ponchos for each person
e. Several sets of seasonally appropriate clothing
5. Tools
a. A multi-purpose knife with tool attachments
b. Leather work gloves
c. At least 50 feet of nylon rope
d. NIOSH approved respirator dust masks
e. Safety goggles
f. A sewing kit
6. Safety and Sanitation
a. An adequate supply of toilet paper
b. A well-stocked first aid kit
c. Surgical gloves
d. Several infectious waste bags
e. A portable toilet and shower
7. Important Documents
a. Copies of key papers and documents, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, driver’s licenses, passports, insurance policies, deeds to your home, and wills all in one file or folder
8. Medication and Medical Issues
a. A list of current medicine and prescriptions along with instruction for use
b. A detailed list of any medical conditions and appropriate care to be given
9. Other Helpful Items
a. At least $50 cash and a backup credit card
b. Paper and writing utensils
c. A deck of cards for entertainment
d. Necessary items for pets
10. Disaster Plan
a. A written copy of your disaster plan
b. Location of your meeting place
c. Evacuation route
d. Address and phone number of your out-of-town contact person
Having the right survival gear can mean the difference between life and death for you and your family. Take the time now to gather your essential survival gear; the safety of your family may depend on it!