Life has indeed become more complicated and difficult these during these times. Financial trouble, global warming, terrorist attacks and various natural calamities have combined to test our nerves and harden our spirit. Hurricanes like Ike, Gustav and Katrina have taught Americans costly lessons about survival during hurricanes and sudden storms. For most people, the importance of having emergency survival supplies on hand doesn’t make itself known until too late- when the streets are flooded and there’s nowhere to go but the roof of the house or building.
Most of us have probably thought about having emergency survival supplies ready ‘just in case’ but never really getting around to actually putting one together. With what’s been happening lately however, keeping those plans in the back burner may not be so wise.
There are various items we can actually have on hand depending on the threat. Terrorism (chemicals, explosives, etc.), earthquakes, wildfire, hurricanes, tsunamis and floods. Whatever the threat however, there are a few basic items that should be stocked in case of emergency. The first one and you’ve probably already guessed it- water. The ‘universal solvent’ can remedy dehydration, eye sting, burns, and wound infection. Long-lasting, canned and non-refrigerated food is a no-brainer. As are first aid kits, clothing, blankets and pillows, special items for members of the family suffering from a condition (medicine, syringes, oxygen tanks, etc.). And of course, what will emergency survival supplies be without flashlights, batteries, cellular phones a radio, and basic tools?
A list of food that should be part of emergency survival supplies if you really want to be prepared:
- Pre-cooked canned meat and veggies
- Canned (or boxed) juices (preferably natural)
- Energy bars
- Powdered milk (for babies)
- Condiments (hey, who wants to eat dull, bland emergency food)
Other items essential to emergency survival supplies:
- Can opener (for all the Chef Boyardee you’ve stocked-up)
- Moist towelettes/rolls of toilet paper
- Flares
- Whistle (for alerting distant rescuers of your whereabouts)
- Garbage bags (for sanitary purposes)
- Matches (preferably waterproof)
- Water purification tablets
- Toiletries
Having the proper emergency survival supplies is just a matter of thinking ahead- what kind of situation might you and your family is in when an emergency hits? Most natural calamities interrupt power and water supply and it’s possible you’ll be without light and running water for days. The lack of electricity besides causing loss of light and air conditioning will also mean perishable food spoilage, so it might be a good idea to eat goodies from the fridge before the Spam and Doritos.
Disaster, whether man-made or natural, can come without warning. Whichever part of the country (or the world) you are in, you can never be too sure and too safe. Putting together proper emergency survival supplies will ensure you and your family’s readiness to face it- ensuring safety and survival.
