Saturday, May 16, 2015

How A Disaster Survival Kit Can Help

By Tammie Caldwell


Emergencies could take place anywhere and any time. Natural disasters are common and may result in destruction, damage and death. Usually limited resources are available in these situations, so a disaster survival kit is recommended. These are meant to include the basic necessities of survival in emergencies.

Families and individuals need to prepare these ahead of time. The need for these can strike at any moment. If there is an emergency evacuation, people must be able to readily grab the essentials. Rarely is there time to search or shop for supplies. After these situations, especially when there are natural disasters, people will have to survive on their own. They will supply all the food, water and necessities they need. It is suggested that people pack enough for at least three days work, although they may have to survive on their own for longer.

Relief workers and local officials may strive to be on the scene immediately, but it could be impossible for them to reach everyone quickly. Help may not arrive until hours or days later. Keep this in mind when building a kit. Furthermore, services like sewage, water, gas and electricity are likely to be unavailable in these situations. The supply kit should have enough to help with managing under these conditions.

These kits must be maintained. The contents need to be safe to use when the time comes. Canned food is to be stored in a cool and dry area, while boxed food needs to be in sealed plastic or metal containers that help keep pests away and extend shelf life. It is important that only foods that will not go bad quickly are included and if things do expire they must be replaced.

Water supplies, as well as store food, are to be switched out twice per year. Make sure to make note of the date on the containers that include the supplies. Reconsidering contents of these kits each year is important. Changes may be necessary to update them each year. Make use of airtight plastic bags for storage and place the kit in a container that is easy to transport, such as a backpack or trashcan.

People should have these in the places they frequent, such as work, vehicles and home. This is important because people never know when a disaster might strike and there is a need for this package. Home kits are expected to contain essential water, food and supplies to last for at least three days. This should be set in a designated place in the home and easily accessible in case evacuation is necessary.

Kits for work should offer enough to last a minimum of 25 hours. These are usually filled with water, food, medications and other major necessities. It is recommended that people pack comfortable shoes in the event they need to travel or walk long distances. These should also be in containers or bags that can be accessed quickly and easily. Vehicle survival kits may feature first aid kit, radio, sleeping bags, ice scraper, blankets, extra batteries, water, food, warm clothes, shovel and flashlights.

Remember, packages will differ based on personal or family needs. Some companies that offer starter packs that include general basics. Still, people are encouraged to customize or build their own.




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