Survival Kits List

The first step in putting together any type of survival kits list is to decide what disaster scenario is likely to occur in your area. Some items on that list will be the same for they are necessary for any disaster. However, other items will be specific to the circumstances being considered.

3M N95 Breathing Masks

A general rule of thumb is that a person can only go 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. Keeping that in mind, all survival kits, go bags, and bugout bags should include a bandana or some type of mask, like an N95 filter mask. Whether the scenario is a volcano, earthquake or massive explosion, the air will quickly fill with ash or dust. An N95 will filter out 95% of particulates and can further provide some protection from virus-laden mucus spewed by a sneeze.

Water

The next item on your survival kits list is water. Although a great deal can be stored at home, for a disaster survival kit it is impracticable to carry the weight. Smaller packets of water, like the Datrex emergency water pouches, can provide enough to make it home or to a shelter. Planning for longer exposure means adding a collapsible 5-gallon water carrier and some type of filter like a SteriPEN that will fit water bottles and canteens. SteriPENs use an ultra-violet light to filter out 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and microbes making it safe to drink water from a stream or pond.

Food

Finally, every survival kits list should also contain at least 3 days worth of food. There are many choices out there these days from MREs and high calorie bars to homemade trail mixes and dried fruits. In high stress situations where there is likely to also be hiking involved, a calorie count around 3600 is desirable. Make sure to include candy and rotate the food so it is fresh when needed.

First Aid

Now that the essentials have been covered, consideration on your survival kits list should be given to several other necessary items. One of the most important items for all situations is the first aid kit. Every first aid kit should contain several types of bandages, alcohol wipes, aspirin and a basic first aid card that covers CPR and other emergency medical techniques.

The Original by NASA

Warmth

For warmth, a space blanket or emergency blanket is a lightweight compact choice that will help to reflect back 80% of body heat. Combine it with a tube tent to keep moisture away.

Miscellaneous

Waterproof matches should be included along with a magnesium fire starter. For lighting, a kit should contain candles, instant light sticks or a flashlight, preferably with a hand crank. You should also have a radio is vital for receiving updates in a disaster. Many have found the Red Cross FR300 Emergency Radio the perfect choice as it has a hand crank and can is a flashlight and cell phone charger.

Prioritize

When building a survival kit, prioritize by what is needed to keep alive then add in those items to your survival kits list that will give comfort. Make sure the survival kit or bugout bag is not too heavy to be carried for a long distance. Keep the kit handy, and make duplicates for the car and office. Planning is always the key to survival.