DIY Survival Kits

In these uncertain times, you can never be too prepared, and a proper survival kit could literally mean the difference between life and death. There are a few broad categories of options to increase your chances of survival should the unexpected happen.  At the most basic level, you can prepare and maintain your own survival kit, or purchase one or more survival kits that contain supplies curated by survival experts.  Let’s explore the preparation of a DIY survival kit today.

When preparing your own survival kit, recommendations from the Red Cross and Ready.gov, in addition to suggestions from tactical experts, recommend a combination of the following to compile a basic survival kit:

• First-aid kit and medical supplies
• 1 gallon of water per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home for both food and water)
• Non-perishable, simple-to-prepare foods
• Knives and a multi-tool (add a can opener if not included in multi-tool)
• Emergency blankets
• Dust masks or other protective masks to filter contaminated air
• Flashlights
• Waterproof lighter and/or matches
• Whistle
• Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape
• Hand-crank or battery-powered radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Two-way radios
• Chargers for cell phones and batteries of various sizes
• 7-day supply of medications and medical supplies
• Items for sanitization and personal hygiene
• Personal documents (medication list and necessary medical information, proof of address, home deed/lease, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Information about your family and emergency contacts
• Cash
• Paper maps
• Pet food and supplies (if applicable to your situation)

To us, an obvious addition to the list above would include the firearm of your choice for self defense or hunting for food should the situation warrant. We know that there are many more recommendations from those with real-world survival experience, and will return to both those suggestions and pre-made survival kits in future posts.  In the meantime, we welcome your thoughts and comments on additions to the basic list above.  Stay safe out there!