Build Your Own Survival Kit

We provide a wide assortment of 72-Hour Emergency Kits. This makes it easy for you to secure basic pre-packaged preparedness supplies. Yet, it’s interesting. We have found that many people have not purchased disaster kits due to confusion with respect to the individual items a proper kit should contain. They just aren’t sure which survival items to purchase. Conversely, there are many of you who have already created disaster plans and are assembling your own personal or family safety kits.

Which Emergency Survival Items Should One Include in a Kit?

Our Website offers you a wide assortment of survival/preparedness products from which you can select needed items. The composition of these items may vary for a variety of reasons. Consider these factors: Where you live; the potential disasters that can affect your area; the number of people living with you; whether you have pets; the length of time it will take rescue personnel to reach you; the specific medical conditions and first aid supplies you may require; and a number of other considerations.

Other Considerations in Building Your Own Survival Disaster Kit

Will you require shelter in one place or need to move to another safe location? And then, how are you going to store your items? There are a number of options. Some people prefer to store their survival items in a backpack or ready bag (also known as a “Go-Bag”) so they can grab and easily carry it. Other people prefer to store their items in a waterproof bucket. The typical bucket used is about 5 gallons in size and can double as a water gathering device or emergency toilet.

Experts in the emergency preparedness field differ in their opinions as to all the items your 3-day kit should have. However, there are a number of items they universally recommended. These include:

Emergency Food and Water – Your kit should include a 3 day supply of non-perishable food and water with a 5-year shelf life per person.

Emergency Radio – Information is important during a disaster. Your kit should include an emergency radio that does not require electricity for operation. You may be faced with a blackout where there is no power. A radio that can operate by battery, solar energy, hand crank or a combination of ways, is recommended.

Flashlights – In almost all emergency/disaster situations it is important to have a flashlight. These can be used both as a source of light in a dark situation as well as a way to signal your location to others such as recue personnel. We recommend having more then one flashlight as many people panic in the dark. Having a flashlight is also important should a person have to leave the group in search of help.

First Aid Supplies – A basic first aid kit is recommended for all preparedness kits. These supplies should be kept in your kit and only used in case of emergency or disaster. You should have other first aid items on hand for everyday use. If you or someone in your family takes prescription medication, you may want to consider having an extra supply on hand that can be added to your kit.

Emergency Whistle – This is a great item with which to signal other people and rescue personnel notifying them of your location

Dust Mask – Often in an emergency or disaster situation it becomes harder to breath. This can be due to smoke or dust and other debris. It is a good idea to have a dust mask for each person.

Personal Sanitation Supplies – This can include personal hygiene items like a toothbrush and toothpaste, moist wipes as well as toilet bags.

Information/Disaster Plan – Often, this is one of the most overlooked items. You should take the time to put together an emergency disaster checklist, information on where you may need to go and directions to get there, important phone numbers and personal information and anything else you believe may be necessary in a disaster. You should keep a copy of this in a safe place such as a safety deposit box or home safe. You should also keep a copy in your 72-hour kit.

This list of items certainly doesn’t cover all of the survival supplies you may need. In addition to our Website, we recommend that you refer to your own expert sources as well as governmental checklists. Your careful research will determine which survival and emergency kit items are best suited for you, your family, your friends and co-workers.