The past decade has seen numerous natural disasters and man-made crises, and still people are largely unprepared. The chance of surviving after a cataclysmic event are dramatically greater with just a little foresight. The goal is surviving for at least three days without any of the conveniences we take for granted, and having an appropriately filled emergency preparedness kit is the key.
The need which will take the most space in the pack is water, but it is more than worth it, as one can not live for more than a few days without it. A minimum of two liters per day is needed to keep a person conscious and alert. One should drink when thirsty and avoid unnecessary strenuous activity, as sweat dehydrates an individual quickly.
Having something nonperishable to eat included in the container is not as critical, but it is important. Individuals who are famished have less energy and are less alert, complicating a difficult situation. While one can survive without food for weeks, the ability to help oneself get rescued is significantly diminished.
A backpack is a good choice to keep the items, and a first aid kit is a great addition, but paying attention to what is in the kit is prudent. N addition to scrapes, cuts and burns, there are some critical injuries that can be life threatening, but simple items can save lives. Tourniquets and plastic cards can turn out to be very useful and take little room.
In the event of widespread destruction as one would experience during an earthquake, very few communication devices will be operable, but in most cases a cellular phone is an ideal tool. A battery powered radio is essential for gaining information about response activities and locations. Another important device is a light emitting diode flashlight for both signaling at night and simply seeing.
Signaling people who may be looking for survivors is one of the most important ideas beyond physical survival and the devices needed are not complex or expensive. A whistle can be heard from much farther away than the human voice can be heard. A reflective material like a mirror allows one to use the sun to signal people very far away, even passing aircraft.
Filling out the backpack with other items can make the situation more convenient, but are not as critical for preservation of life and limb. Signal flares are a good idea, but add a measure of danger to storing the backpack when not in use. Anything one might use in such situations can be helpful, masks for dusty environments, and tools, either a small multi-use pack or a multiple tool knife like a Leatherman is a good choice.
Most of the time a situation that would require one to use an emergency preparedness kit will be significant enough for local authorities to convene a response team. This is not done instantaneously, however, which is why one should shoot for at least three days of independent survival. Being ready to take care of oneself is the best way to make it through in a crisis.
The need which will take the most space in the pack is water, but it is more than worth it, as one can not live for more than a few days without it. A minimum of two liters per day is needed to keep a person conscious and alert. One should drink when thirsty and avoid unnecessary strenuous activity, as sweat dehydrates an individual quickly.
Having something nonperishable to eat included in the container is not as critical, but it is important. Individuals who are famished have less energy and are less alert, complicating a difficult situation. While one can survive without food for weeks, the ability to help oneself get rescued is significantly diminished.
A backpack is a good choice to keep the items, and a first aid kit is a great addition, but paying attention to what is in the kit is prudent. N addition to scrapes, cuts and burns, there are some critical injuries that can be life threatening, but simple items can save lives. Tourniquets and plastic cards can turn out to be very useful and take little room.
In the event of widespread destruction as one would experience during an earthquake, very few communication devices will be operable, but in most cases a cellular phone is an ideal tool. A battery powered radio is essential for gaining information about response activities and locations. Another important device is a light emitting diode flashlight for both signaling at night and simply seeing.
Signaling people who may be looking for survivors is one of the most important ideas beyond physical survival and the devices needed are not complex or expensive. A whistle can be heard from much farther away than the human voice can be heard. A reflective material like a mirror allows one to use the sun to signal people very far away, even passing aircraft.
Filling out the backpack with other items can make the situation more convenient, but are not as critical for preservation of life and limb. Signal flares are a good idea, but add a measure of danger to storing the backpack when not in use. Anything one might use in such situations can be helpful, masks for dusty environments, and tools, either a small multi-use pack or a multiple tool knife like a Leatherman is a good choice.
Most of the time a situation that would require one to use an emergency preparedness kit will be significant enough for local authorities to convene a response team. This is not done instantaneously, however, which is why one should shoot for at least three days of independent survival. Being ready to take care of oneself is the best way to make it through in a crisis.
About the Author:
When you need the best emergency preparedness kit take a look at www.responsiblepreparednesspackages.com. RPP offers a large variety of emergency survival kits, for car, motorcycle, boat and personal evacuation needs, and you can find us on the Web at http://www.responsiblepreparednesspackages.com.
