How to Stock the Proper Emergency Survival Gear

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Surviving in an emergency situation can be difficult at best in many situations. A well stocked survival kit can aid the survival effort greatly by providing the basic tools for starting a fire, obtaining food, building shelter or purifying water. However, emergencies can occur at any time as the result of a natural disaster such as a tornado or hurricane, terror attack, civil unrest or due to becoming lost. The best course of action to prepare is to assemble an emergency survival kit designed to address the basics of survival in any situation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Water proof container
Water proof matches
Magnesium firestarter
Lighter
Small flashlight
Cyalum snap light
Emergency candle
Space blanket
Basic first aid kit (bandaids, gauze, scalpel, tweezers, atibiotic ointment, medication)
50 feet of 550 parachute cord
5 feet duct tape
Water purification tablets
Survival food (bullion cubes, honey packs, candy, granola bar)
Compass
Whistle
Signaling mirror
Multitool

Step 1

Select a waterproof container that features a rubber seal or ring to keep moisture and water out. Look for containers with rubber seals or rings and a snap lock closure to secure the lid of the container to the base. The container should be large enough to hold all of your supplies yet small and convenient enough to carry in a backpack, waist pack or glove box.

Step 2

Place 20 waterproof matches, a disposable lighter and a magnesium fire starter with steel in the kit. You will also want a small bundle of tinder such as cotton, dryer lint or a small bag of saw dust.

Step 3

Choose a small flashlight such as one that uses a single AAA battery or one CR123A battery. Also include a 12 hour cyalum snap light and an 8 hour emergency candle. The candle can serve double duty as a fire starting aid.

Step 4

Assemble a basic first aid kit that can address most minor injuries such as cuts, burns, blisters and splinters. Include an assortment of band aids, gauze, scalpel, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, as well as basic pain medication and anti-diarrhea and any personal medications.

Step 5

Include a 50 foot length of 550 parachute cord and at least 5 feet of duct tape. From shelter building to snares and hauling, para cord is invaluable in a survival situation. Duct tape is also versatile and can be used to secure injuries, repair equipment and mend clothes.

Step 6

Pack survival foods that provide both quick energy, such as honey and candy, as well as sustaining foods including granola bars, trail mix and bullion cubes. Think about any preparation that will need to be done before consumption and attempt to include carry-and-eat foods that can be readily consumed.

Step 7

Include in your kit a signaling whistle and signal mirror. All whistles are not created equally. Your life could depend on the quality of the gear you choose. Select a whistle that is rated for signaling such as those recommended by the U.S. Coast Guard for boaters. Choose a quality signaling mirror that will hold up under use and will not break or be easily damaged.

Step 8

Choose a multi-tool that at least includes a knife, pliers, wood and metal saw and file. Select a quality tool that will handle abuse, is small in size and is easy to use.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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