When things go sideways, being ready isnt just smart, its everything. Your personal survival stash can make all the difference between a tough time and a true disaster. Let’s break down the essentials.
Securing safe drinking water
Water is life, simple as that. You can go weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Aim for at least one gallon per person, per day. For a 72-hour kit, thats three gallons each.
Storing water:
- Buy commercially bottled water. Easy, but check expiration dates.
- Fill sturdy, food-grade containers with tap water. Replace every six months.
But what if your stored water runs out? You’ll need ways to make found water safe.
- Boiling: A rolling boil for one minute kills most nasty stuff. Needs fuel though.
- Water Filters: Devices like Lifestraw or Sawyer Squeeze are great. They physically strain out bacteria and protozoa.
- Purification Tablets or Drops: Chemical treatment. Lightweight, but can leave a taste and take time to work.
Here’s a quick look:
| Method | Good For | Keep In Mind |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling | Kills nearly everything | Uses fuel, takes time |
| Filters | Bacteria, protozoa | Can clog, doesn’t get viruses |
| Tablets/Drops | Bacteria, viruses | Wait time, taste |
Always have a couple options. You never know what youll face.
Keeping the lights on
Darkness can be dangerous and demoralizing. Reliable light and some power are crucial.
For light:
- LED Flashlights: Get a couple good ones. LEDs are bright and batteries last ages.
- Headlamps: Hands-free light is a game changer. Seriously.
- Lanterns: For area lighting in a tent or room. Battery or crank powered.
- Extra Batteries: Lots of ’em. AAA or AA are common, try to standardize.
For power:
- Power Banks: Keep your phone and other small USB devices charged. Pre-charge it and top it off regularly.
- Solar Chargers: Slower, but can recharge power banks or devices if you have sun.
- Hand-Crank Radio/Charger: Many include a flashlight and USB port. A bit of work, but better than nothing.
Think about what you absolutely need to power. A phone for communication or information is usually top of the list.
Essential first aid supplies
Getting hurt is always possible, even more so in a stressful situation. A well-stocked first aid kit isnt just nice to have, its a must. You can buy pre-made kits, but customizing your own is often better.
Key items include:
- Assorted bandages and sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
- Adhesive tape and medical wrap
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Tweezers and small scissors
- Latex-free gloves
- Any personal medications (a week’s supply)
- Burn cream or gel
- Moleskin for blisters
- Maybe an emergency blanket
Consider taking a basic first aid course. Knowing how to use your supplies is as vital as having them. And check expiration dates on medications and ointments every six months or so. A small boo-boo can turn nasty quick without proper care.
Mastering fire starting
Fire means warmth, a way to cook food, purify water, signal for help, and a huge morale boost. Don’t rely on just one method to make fire. Redundancy is your friend.
Your fire-starting kit should have at least three ways to make a spark or flame:
- Lighters: A simple Bic lighter is hard to beat. Keep a few.
- Waterproof/Stormproof Matches: These stay lit even in wind and rain. Store ’em in a waterproof container.
- Ferro Rod (Fire Steel): Scrape it with a striker, and it throws super hot sparks. Works even when wet. Takes practice though.
You also need tinder – something that catches a spark easily and burns long enough to ignite small twigs (kindling).
- Dryer lint (pack it tight)
- Cotton balls smeared with petroleum jelly (these burn for a good while)
- Commercial fire starters (wax-infused pucks, tinder tabs)
- Birch bark shavings, fatwood
Practice, practice, practice. Try starting a fire in different conditions with all your methods. Knowing you can make fire when you absolutely need it… thats a real confidence builder. It really is.