List of Basic Survival Items

Whether a major hurricane or blizzard traps you in your home, there is wide-scale power loss due to an energy crisis, or rioting makes streets unsafe, you need to be prepared. Although each situation is unique and calls for tools with specific functions, there is a definite collection of basics which are good to keep in your home for any emergency.

Water

• Clean drinking water is the most important thing to have on hand in an emergency. Humans can only survive for about three days without water. Water can also be used for cooking, bathing and putting out fires. The Department of Homeland Security recommends having a gallon of water per person on hand, and enough water to last three days. Water purification tablets should also be available in case you need to replenish your water supply.

Non-Perishable Foods

• Food is essential to providing the energy to keep you functioning in any situation, let alone in an emergency. The human body can go for about a week without food under perfect conditions, but let's face it: survival situations are not perfect conditions. You should stock enough non-perishable food items to last a week. Especially important are any sort of canned goods, powdered milk and energy-dense foods such as peanuts, rice, beans, trail mix and protein bars.

First Aid Kit

• You should put together a complete first aid kit, containing more than just the basics. Other than band aids, gauze, splints and medical tape, you should consider analgesics, disinfectants, anti-diarrheals and any important prescription medications. A needle and thread should be on hand in case you need to give yourself stitches. Survival situations may make seeing a doctor or surgeon impossible, meaning you will need to provide your own medical treatment.

Pocket Knife

• Pocket knives are useful for their extreme versatility. They are useful for sharpening, cutting through things if you become trapped, self-defense, hunting and minor surgery. You should select a knife which folds and which is sharp enough to cut through tough materials with ease. If the knife can cut through a seat belt or wood, you are in good shape. Avoid cheap Swiss Army knockoffs; while many of the tools may seem useful, none of them--including the knife--are very effective.

Compass and Detailed Regional Map

• You may eventually have to venture out and get more supplies or find help. Even if you think you know an area like the back of your hand, routes may become unavailable or dangerous. Having a map and compass to navigate will ensure you can find alternative routes. You should not rely on a GPS device, which may run out of power or stop functioning due to weather conditions.