SURVIVAL KIT/SURVIVAL GEAR
A survival kit is a set of important tools and supplies which are prepared in advance in the event of an emergency situation where such basic tools and supplies may not be readily available or easily gotten. For instance, during natural disasters, such as a tornado or wildfire, it may be practically impossible to get essential items, such as food, water, and clothing. As such, it is necessary to prepare in advance for such situations, especially in regions that are prone to such disasters.
The contents of a survival kit are dependent on the particular emergency situation or the location of a survivor. There are survival kits for natural disasters, for military personnel, divers, ships, airplanes, etc. The primary aim of a survival kit is to keep the survivors safe before rescue is secured. As such, the contents should not be too bulky in order not to hamper the movement of the survivor. Generally, the survival gear kit is designed in such a way that it can accommodate basic items classified under food, water, clothing, health, radio, and signaling.
The items are necessary to navigate the area, provide a signal to rescue agents and to keep the survivor alive before succor is secured.
Some recommended items for an emergency preparedness kit include:
· WATER
In an emergency situation, water supply may not be readily available. Thus, one gallon per day is recommended for each person (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home). This should be rotated every three months.
· FOOD
Non-perishable and easy-to-prepare food items (or food items that are not required to be cooked) carefully packed in air-tight containers are recommended (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
· Light
High power LED flashlight is necessary to see in the dark as the power supply may be disrupted or totally lost in an emergency. The kit should also contain a battery-powered or hand crank radio to get information as it relates to the safety and rescue of the survivors. Extra batteries should also be carried.
· Health and First Aid Kit
This will often include medications (7-day supply, e.g. antibiotics) and medical items (gauze, disinfectants, etc.), sterile cotton wool, adhesive tape, etc.
In addition, navigation signaling and communication items are included in the survival gear. This is very important as other items may be exhausted quickly defeating the aim of the kit. Such navigation items include a local map(s) (of the area) and charts; compass; flares; distress radio beacon.
Other items included in the emergency preparedness kit are
· multipurpose tools (which are recommended for their versatility, e.g. metal water bottles, heavy needle, and thread, army knife, camp stove, etc.)
· sanitation and personal hygiene items
· Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
· cell phone with chargers
· family and an emergency contact information
· Extra cash and credit card and emergency blankets.
The above are the general contents for survival kits. As explained earlier, survival kits are designed with the particular emergency situation in mind. Thus, there are kits for vehicles, for the military, for spacecraft/ boats, natural disasters, and so much more.
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