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SURVIVAL KITS
Every year lives are lost in natural hazards. When we hear the media cover the story we usually wonder, how would I have handled the situation. This brings us to the subject of preparedness. Having a survival kit can make all the difference.
Although a pre-packaged survival kit might be sufficient, choosing your own components for your kit can make a substantial difference. The more familiar you are with the terrain you will travel, the simpler your selection becomes.
Do not wait to be in the middle of a survival situation to learn how to use your emergency equipment.
KNIFE / MULTITOOL
We will cover knife selection in detail on another article. Our survival kit usually includes multiple size knifes. Your knife will be one of your most important tools.
When building a kit, we try to think of the basic necessities a human needs to subsist. Often we hear about the survival law of three. This was used as a basic guideline but your most immediate need will differ for each survival situation. Our preferred method is to divide your kit using the following:
Water - water purification and procurement
Fire - fire starters
Shelter - tarps, cordage
Food - food gathering, spices
Health - medicine and hygiene
Item choices per area:
WATER
Replenishing the body with fluids is a basic necessity. The human body cannot live without water for long. So proper hydration should be on the top of our list. Dehydration symptoms can occur within the first day and death can occur within days.
Water should be properly purified before consumption. We do not want to increase water loss through water-borne disease. Our kit should include items that will help us with water procurement as well as purification.
Sodium Chlorite
Iodine tablets or crystals
Potassium Permanganate
Plastic sheet (transparent)(solar still and water catcher)
Condom (water carrier)
Survival straw
Ziploc bag
Perspiration bags (clear garden bags)
Sodium Chlorite
Chlorine dioxide used to treat water through chlorination.
Iodine
Iodine tablets or Iodine Crystals
Potassium Permanganate
Mixed with other chemicals such as glycerine will create ignition.
Survival Straw (purification)
Transpiration / Perspiration Bags
Water can be gathered without much effort using several clear bags. We place the bag over a tree branch facing the sun and seal it. As the day passes water condenses in the bag and drips to the bottom. We have been able to produce over a cup of water with two bags in a ten hour time period.
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Solar Still
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Perspiration / Vegetation Bags
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SHELTER
The importance of shelter will vary depending on the situation. Whether in the desert or arctic, proper shelter can save a survivalists life. Shelter can keep you out of the sun in arid areas and keep you warm as the temperatures drop at night. A poncho or plastic sheet can be used to build a temporary emergency shelter.
Possible items for a survival kit:
Plastic sheet
Parachute cord
Tea candles - light and warmth
Poncho
Emergency blanket (mylar blanket)
Wool blanket
Trash bag
Poncho
A poncho or tarp can be used to put together a shelter. We can create different shelters such as the a-frame (double lean-to), lean-to, and other modified shelters.
Building a shelter with a poncho can get you out of the elements quickly. Keeping yourself out of the sun or precipitation can make a significant difference in body temperature. This is a simple lean-to shelter made out of a military poncho.
Emergency blanket
Usually smaller than the poncho or tarp, mylar emergency blankets are popular amongst outdoor enthusiast. The average survival blanket is not not sized to cover the entire body at a crouched position or standing. Keep this in mind and test your blanket.
Lean-to shelter using the survival blanket.
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Lean-to shelter
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Double Lean-to (A-frame)
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FIRE
Fire is very beneficial in a survival situation. Not only will it help to keep us warm but it can also provide light and comfort. Much of survival is mental. Something about a fire makes us feel like we have better control of the situation.
Fire can be used for:
Cooking
Water purification
Warmth
Ward off insects
Light
Drying clothes or gear
Smoke signalling
Possible items for a survival kit:
* Ferrocerium rod fire starter
* Magnesium Block
* Spark-Lite
* Potassium Permanganate / Glycerine / Glucose/ Anti-freeze
* Matches
* Lighter
* Magnifying glass
* Tinder – cotton balls, compressed fuel tablets, steel wool
Ferrocerium rod fire starter
Ferrocerium rod fire starters such as Swedish Firesteel, Blastmatch, or just a small ferro rod.
Magnesium Block
Spark-Lite
Magnifying glass
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FOOD
It is said the human body can endure living without food for weeks. However, we should assess the situation and eat readily available sustenance from the moment we realize we are in a survival situation. Proper nutrition will prevent disease and keep us mentally strong. Mental health plays a considerable part of our will to live.
Methods of obtaining food include:
Hunting
Fishing
Plant harvesting
Scavenging
Possible items for a survival kit:
Snare wire
Spices (Salt/Pepper/Garlic)
Fishing kit
Bouillon cubes
Food items
Electrolytes - only take electrolytes when adequate water supply is available.
Cordage - used to make spears, bows, traps
Fishing kit
Electrolytes
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HEALTH and MISCELLANEOUS
Possible items for a survival kit:
Bug repellent
Surgical blade
Wire Saw * most "survival" saws will break. Please test your saw before you need it.
Flashlight
Flare
Paper clips
Zip lock bags
Radio
Surgical tubing
First aid items
Safety Pins
Flashlight
First Aid Supplies
Antibiotic ointment, band aids, antiseptic creams, Alcohol wipes, Anti-diarrheal, Antihistamine, Aspirin
Poncho
Safety Pins
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