Survival Gear & Food

Survival kits, including gear and even some food, are marketed widely. But you can build a ready-to-go kit of the essentials you'll need to survive an emergency situation. The trick is taking the time to do it. It begins with a checklist, but even before that, some thinking about what surviving a catastrophe really means. Whatever type of survival situation you face, there are some common denominators. The chief ones are isolation and lack of access to food, health care, safety and communications.

Plan

• Your kit of survival gear and food is only as good as your plan. To prepare for an emergency at home, stock enough supplies for at least three days and up to two weeks. Some people prefer to have a much longer contingency, such as a few months. Store everything in airtight containers where it can be easily accessed. Put the kit in a part of the house where you would likely stay during the emergency.

Consideration

• Survival gear and food can keep you more comfortable in a disaster and maybe even save your life. Plan on facing a situation where you have no hospitals, electricity, water or communications. Think about not beging able to go to the supermarket or get gasoline. You and the people you are stranded with will be on your own.

Basics

• FEMA suggests a short list essential gear: Food and water for a minimum of three days, battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. They say to include a flashlight, extra batteries for all equipment, a first aid kit and whistle. FEMA also recommends a dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter-in-place.) For hygiene, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation.) Pack a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities and pack local maps and a cell phone with charger, inverter or solar charger. There is a more complete FEMA list at ready.gov.

Support

• Food and water will be needed to support your body during the survival emergency. One gallon of water per person per day is minimal and you will need extra if pets are with you. Add more for bathing and cooking. Today's packaged foods are well suited for putting in the survival kit. Canned and boxed food are easy to transport and prepare. Don't forget the can opener or pet food. A propane camp stove, bunsen burners or hot plate may each be useful for cooking depending upon the conditions. Don't leave out the pet food. See Resource 1 for information on properly storing food in your survival kit.

Environment

• Gear and tools make the difference between marginal and bearable survival struggles. In addition to the FEMA basic list, add a fire extinguisher, matches in waterproof container, more duct tape, a knife, screwdriver, hammer and nails. For sanitation, pack bleach, soap and alcohol-based waterless hand sanitizers. Towels including paper towels, garbage bags and rubber gloves are needed. See Resource 2 for an extensive list of supplies.