There is likely more coming, especially post-election. If you live in a metro area I urge you to be prepared. There are many great resources and articles out there that cover this topic. (links below)

A couple of important things to keep in mind:

Riding on public transport - be cautious when using public transport especially alone. These areas where you are confined can be targets of protesters and violence.

Do your best to keep a low profile. I am not talking about stealth and sneaking around. Rather, don't engage with protesters or looters. Call the police if necessary, but the best bet is to vacate the area and encourage other bystanders to do so as well.

Safety when driving. Stay in if you can but if you must go out then avoid the areas of unrest and don't travel alone. Look for alternate routes that don't put you in harm's way. One technique when at a stoplight or stop sign is to leave plenty of space in between you and the car ahead of you. Giving you room to drive around or turn around if you need to. This will lower the chance of getting blocked or trapped in your car if any rioters approach.

Watch out for looters. Communicate with your neighbors to keep an eye out for looting. Know your local laws regarding the defense of yourself, your family, and your property.

Check on the elderly/disabled. Be sure to check in with grandparents and elderly neighbors or friends. They are more vulnerable to riots and the dangers they pose. If you believe their residential area may be affected it is best to help them get somewhere safe ahead of time.

Check out these blogs for more techniques on preparing for civil unrest and be safe:

https://urbansurvivalsite.com/prepare-for-civil-unrest/

https://thepreppingwife.com/surviving-civil-unrest-and-staying-safe/

https://www.dystopiansurvival.com/2020/10/final-pre-election-preps-heres-what-and.html

As we have seen over the past year, global pandemic, civil unrest, and natural disasters are no laughing matter. Virtually everyone has been affected.

What can you do to provide your child with safety and security when they are at school?

If you can't be there, your influence still can be. You probably have already provided them with emergency contact numbers and emergency meeting place. But, you can also discuss with them the officials/police/teachers they should seek out and listen to when they are away from home.

You can also provide your kids with survival items when they head off to school. Virtually all students use a backpack for school and there is no reason why they should not include extra food, water, first aid, emergency blankets, etc.

These items are perfectly safe for kids and with proper instruction can be life-saving. Children may even enjoy working with you to make their school backpack into a "survival kit".

For more comprehensive preppers or for if your kids are going to camp, on a trip, or if you live in high risk areas for natural disasters you may want to go a step further.

There are 72-hour kits designed specifically for kids that will provide you with peace of mind and make sure your children have all their needs covered should something happen.

We offer the Emergency Zone "Keep Me Safe" Childrens backpack. Here is what's included:

Entertainment/Comfort Items

• 2x Activity Pads
• 1x Note Paper
• 1x Pencil
• 1x Stuffed Bear
• 1x Crayons

These items are aimed at helping pass the time and occupy children during tense moments. They can serve to comfort and distract your kids from axious situations. Scared kids can be hard to deal with during and emergency, that makes these simple toys valuable survival tools.

Hygiene Items

• 1x Toothbrush
• 1x Toothpaste
• 1x Comb
• 1x Shampoo
• 1x Soap Bar
• 1x Washcloth
• 6x Wet Naps

Keeping clean and sanitary when forced to evacuate your home or if you would lose water/power is valuable to maintain morale and health.

Food/Water

• 1x Children’s Water Bottle
• 1x 2400 Calorie Food Bar
• 2x Millennium Food Bars
• 6x 4.2oz Water Pouches

Don't overlook the importance of food and water. If a disruption occurs where food/clean water is not available for a short period of time you will be thankful.

First Aid & Safety Tools

• 1x N95 Mask (subject to current availability)
• 1x Children’s Bandaids
• 1x HeatStore Reflective Blanket
• 1x Emergency Reflective Blanket
• 1x Children’s Green Poncho
• 3x Hand Warmers
• 1x Light Stick
• 1x Rubber Flashlight with AA Batteries
• 1x Signal Whistle
• 1x Informational Insert

Providing these items to your child are a simple way to ensure that unexpected disasters don't leave them helpless. One of these things on their own may not always be necessary in an emergency. However, the combination of taking all these precautions will give you peace of mind knowing that you your children are prepared.

Find more details on The "Keep Me Safe" Childrens Survival Kit here. <<<

Check the cost here.

Stockpiling food for an emergency or unforeseen future calamity seems like a simple process. Step 1: Buy food with a long shelf life, Step 2: store said food. Wrong!

While the basic premise of food storage is simple and the reasons to do so are quite practical, there are some challenges. These include space, safety, organization, and rotation.

Emergency food supplies can take up a lot of storage space. If you live in an apartment or have a large family, you likely don't have a lot of extra space for storing anything let alone food. To make matters worse, many foods you buy in bulk don't come in quality repacked containers that will protect the contents from damage. Plastic and paper packaging can breakdown when transported, from moisture, and from insects or rodents. It becomes extremely vital to have solid-walled containers that will provide protection from these elements.

You also need containers that are sealed well from moisture and provide peak freshness over a long period of time. The use of oxygen absorbers helps but works best with a container that seals tight. Common plastic totes and plastic bags do not provide this, not to mention they are hard to stack and inconvenient to handle. This makes organizing hard and takes up excess space. You must have a container that can be handled and stored easily.

Finally, you need to be able to rotate your food supply, after all, dry goods, rice, beans, flour, etc, do not keep forever and must be used up before they "expire". The difficulty with standard containers and buckets is that your oldest food is at the bottom. How do you use the oldest first without emptying all the contents?

With Emergency Zone's new Food Storage Flip Bucket you get a safe food storage container that is convenient to handle, safe for food, seals up great, and lets you access the food on the bottom easily!

With a strong resealable lid on the top and bottom, you can easily add more beans, rice, etc, to the top. When you need to use some up, simply flip over the bucket and remove the bottom lid. This grants you convenient access to the older food stored and ensures that your emergency food supply is rotated without waste or complication!

Check out the bucket in action:

You can get your own here!

Emergency Zone is a national provider of emergency preparedness products. They supply bug-out bags, emergency kits, and survival gear. In addition to this, they also provide crucial guidance for families, businesses, and schools to help them discover the most effective way to prepare for an unexpected disaster.

Their wide variety of comprehensive kits are made for specific events or situations. Whether you are preparing for hurricanes, earthquakes, pandemics, or manmade disasters, they likely have a kit to meet your needs.

Bug-out Bags

Each bug-out bag or emergency backpack offered by Emergency Zone will come with all FEMA recommended components for a 72-hour survival kit. Food, water, hygiene items, lighting, communication, first aid. We currently offer free weatherproof matches with each Emergency Zone backpack kit.

Large families, urban dwellers, kids; Regardless of your situation, there is an Emergency Zone backpack kit to meet your needs.

Check out all the options here.

Emergency Kits

Emergency Zone also builds emergency and survival kits for specific disasters and situations. In addition to personal and family emergency kits, they provide a large variety of products designed for large groups in schools, offices, and communities. All of the necessities of survival are taken into account plus disaster specific items such as hard hats in earthquake kits and honey bucket toilets for office or school lockdown kits.

Check out all the options here.

Survival & Emergency Gear

If you are looking for individual survival items to supplement your survival kit or replace an item, you will find that Emergency Zone offers a huge collection of gear from emergency tents to weather radios to cooking mess kits.

You can view more of their selections here.

Most important Emergency Zone offers superb customer service and we are proud to represent their products!

Follow Emergency Zone on social media:

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Youtube

When a disaster strikes, you may be subject to anxiety, fear, and panic . . . if you don't have a plan. While it is not possible to prepare for everything, if you plan ahead you will be in a better position to respond. True peace of mind does not come from thinking bad things won't happen, instead, it comes from being confident that you are prepared to face what happens.

Disasters are a reality. Floods, fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes cause billions in damage annually. Add in civil unrest, terrorism, and blackouts, you will start to understand why so many people are determined to be self-reliant. Each of these disasters can force people to evacuate their homes. Often a severe disaster will destroy homes completely and leave people stranded with no electricity, food, or clean water.

These disasters are not as rare as you might think and the toll they take is immense. They bring loss of life, property, and emotional stress that cannot be measured. There is also a huge financial cost left behind by major disasters. In 2018 natural disasters cost $160,000,000 in damages. The hardest part may be starting over. Once the calamity is over and people can return to their homes many find that the cleanup and stress of starting over can be very emotional. The realization that things may never be back to “normal” can be hard to overcome.

Despite these facts, most Americans are alarmingly unprepared. According to FEMA, only 39% of Americans have developed an Emergency plan even though 80% of citizens live in counties that have been affected by a weather-related disaster in the past 15 years. Many Americans either believe that they will not be affected, or that emergency personnel and government agencies will provide rescue and support.

Although in the US we are blessed to have the best emergency service people and resources, disasters affect them too. If there is flooding or fire, rescue personnel will be there putting their lives on the line for others but they may be limited in their ability to access disaster victims. If rescue teams can reach you or you are able to safely leave your home, you are then forced to rely on whatever food and water they can provide. When large groups of people are affected the local resources can be stretched thin.

Many other people find the idea of emergency preparedness overwhelming. Without knowing exactly what to prepare for, they decide to leave it up to chance.

If you have not taken any precautions or made a plan to handle the unexpected, you are leaving your family's needs up to others. Imagine your family in a crowded shelter competing with hundreds of other people for limited food and water. This may never happen but you don’t want to leave it to chance. You can take simple steps to ensure your family's safety and maintain your self-reliance.

This post will explain how to identify your risk, and then determine how to mitigate these risks. You will learn how to prepare your family by making a plan, learning survival skills, building an emergency kit. You will also find valuable information about disaster recovery and helping members of your household cope.

If you only take one thing away from this guide, remember to keep calm. This may mean the difference between life and death. In many disasters, people have been killed or injured needlessly because they were not taking time to think clearly and make sound decisions. If you can control your emotions and rely on your knowledge you will be in the best chance to succeed.

This post will provide you with information on the topics below:

Identifying Your Risk

Making a communication Plan

Emergency Warning Systems

First Aid

Assemble an Emergency Kit

Recovery

Identify Your Risk

What disasters or emergencies are most likely to affect you? If you live in the mountains, flooding may not be very likely, but if you live near a major river obviously it would be prudent to prepare for high water. What type of natural disasters can occur in your area? Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes? What local and regional features could pose a possible threat? Nuclear power plants, large urban centers, high crime areas? For example, if you live in Miami, you probably don’t need to keep a parka, but obviously, if you live in northern Minnesota, you would want warm clothing and matches/firestarter included in your kit. This will help you when making your disaster/survival plan.

You can also do a mental walkthrough of your normal day. Think about every part of your daily routine from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed. Think about the things you do that require electricity, what requires freshwater? You need to have something included in your emergency pack to fill the void of these crucial needs if you were without electricity or access to food/water or medical care. Start with a need you would have in an emergency then think of the item(s) that would meet this need rather than thinking of specific items and what uses they may have.

Getting Started

List all the possible “disasters” that are possible in your daily life. (this can be daunting. Focus on disasters that will leave you without one of the following: food, water, transportation, weather protection, electricity, communication/phone, and access to medical care.

Rank these possible events from least likely to most likely to occur using a 1-5 ranking. This helps you to prioritize what you should plan for first, and what is the most threatening to your household and loved ones.

Things to Consider:

• Local climate
• Proximity to power plants, toxic chemical plants, or other dangerous facilities.
• Family size and ages of the members of your household
• Mobility needs of household members
• Health issues or needs
• Local disaster history

Communication Plan

It might be obvious to an adult, but for kids, it is important to have a list of ,,emergency contact information available in a location where it can be easily accessed. These contacts should include your doctor, the family pediatrician, fire department, utilities, police, and other emergency service providers. Also include family members, neighbors, and friends your children are familiar with that may be able to provide assistance. This list should be labeled as an Emergency Contact list and it can help first-responders in the event that the injured individual is unresponsive.

Choose a local, out of town, and out of region contact if possible. You will want someone in your neighborhood who can lend a hand in a medical emergency or home fire. However, if a major disaster threatens your neighborhood you will want to have a contact out of state who is unaffected by the event that you are dealing with. Ideally, your contacts will be someone that your whole family is familiar with. Texting is the recommended method of communication during a disaster. This leaves phone lines/networks open for emergency workers.

You probably spend 1/3 of your time away from home and separate from you and your family members. Should a disaster jeopardize your normal routine, what would you do?

You need to have a prearranged meeting place for specific events. You also need a plan for how everyone will get there. If you have young children the best option may be having them wait at school/daycare until an adult member of your household can get them. Just as with the emergency contacts, designate a local, out of town and out of state/region meeting place. (Your out of town/region contacts could serve as meeting places.)

Determine who children should contact if they are away from home, and how. Cell phones may not work, pre-arranged meeting places and contact information of trusted friends/neighbors are essential for kids to know. It may be the best option for kids in an emergency to remain at school with staff or seek out local authorities (IE police, medical personnel.)

,,View Emergency Planning,, Guide

Emergency Alert Systems

EAS is a national wide warning system that was put in place in the US to provide timely and dependable systems that can alert the American citizens in the event of natural calamities or man-made disasters. The emergency system is designed to provide mechanisms that allow the US president to address the nation through all TV and radio stations in case there is a national emergency. The system can also be used by state and local governments to convey important emergency information to their people. All these measures are put in place to promote a culture of disaster preparedness in the case of harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes, flash floods, and AMBER Warnings in case of family emergencies.

How the Emergency Alerts Systems Work.

The Federal Communications Commission works in collaboration with FEMA to implement the emergency alert system at the national level. At this level, only the president is legally allowed to decide when the EAS can be activated and has delegated this responsibility to FEMA. This body activates the national Emergency Alert System and leads the national Emergency Alerts Systems checks and exercises. The National Weather Service, on the other hand, uses EAS at the state and local levels to convey important alerts and warnings to the public about dangerous weather and other disastrous conditions.

The Emergency Alerts Systems allows emergency responders to rapidly and automatically send and receive emergency information. The equipment put in place by the EAS provides a mechanism of automatic disruption of regular programming. In some instances, emergency messages are transmitted in other dialects other than English. At the family level, FEMA has put in place, ,,family emergency preparedness programs that aim at educating the community about disaster preparedness. These programs target everyone in the community to educate, promote, and assess their disaster preparedness. FEMA also trains and assists local government officials, private companies, and volunteers on how to design activities aimed at testing their emergency plans.

Emergency alert apps available in the US

For individuals living in the US, technology has made it easier for them to access emergency alerts. This is through the use of emergency alert apps on cell phones. You quickly receive wireless emergency alerts by signing up for either text or email notifications in your jurisdiction.

You can also sign up for the CodeRED community notification system. This mobile alert app enables users to receive emergency alerts directly to their mobile phones anywhere around the country. CodeRED delivers location-based emergency alerts. The free emergency alerts available are emergency alerts, community alerts, and missing person alerts.

How can you find out about Local Emergency Alerts in Your Area?

Receiving Emergency alerts directly to your phone can save your life. Sometimes, these notifications can be annoying, but in reality, they can save you a big deal. The good thing with these alert apps is that they follow us everywhere. The only thing you have to do is to sign up, and all those emergency notifications will pop up on your screen.

First Aid

Many medical emergencies will be beyond the average person’s ability to treat, and a doctor or emergency medical personnel will be needed. Obviously, it may not be feasible to contact a doctor or you may not have access to a phone or transportation during a disaster. If it is not possible to contact emergency medical help then it is crucial that you seek ways to find help as soon as possible. Keeping a medical reference book or first aid guide can provide you with more instructions on how to keep a severely injured individual alive until you can get help. There are also ,,first aid apps for your smartphone that are very user friendly. You may not want to rely on these during an emergency due to network down, dead battery, damaged phone, etc.

First aid is the initial treatment given to an injured or sick person that is intended to stabilize their condition and prevent death. Disasters bring danger to you and your family, but your children may be at an even higher risk because they lack the maturity or experience to recognize real threats. Being prepared and knowing how to provide first aid for children is therefore a very good idea. Below are guides for how to handle some common injuries that can happen to a child and when appropriate the differences between treating a child and an adult are pointed out. Besides having the know-how, you may also want to invest in a ,,first aid kit to have at home in case of an emergency to easily help your child should the need arise.

How to stop bleeding

In the event of an evacuation, urgency and panic can result in accidental injuries like cuts and lacerations. Children are smaller than adults and therefore more sensitive to blood loss. If the wound is on the head or neck you should contact a doctor for advice (more on head trauma later). You should also contact a doctor if the wound becomes red, warm, and leaks pus as it might be infected. Call an ambulance as your child may need immediate medical attention when:

• the bleeding spurts from the wound
• the bleeding has not stopped in 5 min
• the wound is on the chest
• you suspect internal bleeding

Smaller cuts

First, make sure you wash your own hands before performing first aid to minimize the risk of infection. Then wash the cut with water and some gentle soap to clear out any dirt. If you have a well-stocked first-aid kit, bring it out and take some clean gauze or a bandage to cover the cut. An adhesive or surgical tape can help keep the gauze in place or it can be used to keep the edges of the cut close together. Typically these smaller cuts heal rapidly to form a scab. Once this has occurred the bandage is no longer needed. Make sure you keep an eye on the cut, preferably every day, to catch an infection early on.

Larger wounds

As with smaller cuts, clean your own hands before helping the child. Start by rinsing the wound to estimate the size and depth. If the wound is more than half an inch in length or you can see bone or ligaments, seek medical help as soon as possible, as the wound probably needs to be sown by a doctor. For wounds smaller than that, you can provide first aid by covering the wound with clean gauze or cloth and applying pressure. This is most easily done with the palm of your hand. Should the bleeding soak through the gauze, simply put more gauze on top of the previous one and keep applying pressure. If the wound is on a limb, raise it as high as possible (preferably above heart level) to help stop the blood flow. As mentioned before, blood loss is more severe in children so when possible, contact a doctor if their general state worsens and the child becomes pale, weak, or sweaty.

How to tend sprains and dislocations

Sprains are injuries to ligaments and can easily occur after sudden, severe movements or falls. These sorts of injuries are not very common in children but become more likely in older children and adults. A sprain is associated with swelling, pain, warmth, and stiffness or difficulty moving the limb. Sprains typically heal themselves after a while but there are things to do to speed up the process. The standard methods for tending to a sprain is normally abbreviated as RICE, and stand for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In short, you should cool the injured area, apply pressure, and keep the limb elevated whenever possible. However. convincing a child to rest can be somewhat difficult. Depending on the location of the sprain, a splint or cast of some sort may aid in keeping the injured limb immobile and limit further use and damage. To manage the pain, over the counter painkillers can be useful. Just make sure you follow the dosage appropriate for a child as that can vary from the adult dosage.

A dislocation is similar to a sprain but is due to joint damage and not ligaments. The symptoms are also similar to a sprain (swelling, pain, warmth) but a dislocation can in addition make the joint seem deformed. RICE is the common way of treating dislocations as well. Sometimes the joint does not come back into place on its own and needs to be manually repositioned. Incorrect repositioning can make matters worse so if you suspect this is the case (deformed joint or low mobility), call a doctor when possible to have a professional put the joint back into place. For both sprains and dislocations, having ice packs and maybe some splints and a sling in your emergency kit is good preparation in case this happens.

How to deal with head and neck injury

Head injuries in adults can range from a mere bump to a concussion or skull fracture. Typically, medical attention is not needed unless the person starts experiencing symptoms such as severe dizziness, becoming very tired, losing consciousness, or vomiting. For children, some of these symptoms are more difficult to assess especially at a younger age. Therefore, contacting a doctor for advice can be a good idea even when you are not sure how bad the injury was. Children otherwise exhibit many of the same symptoms as adults, only you may need to be the one seeing them as they may not know or be able to put words on what they are feeling. Keeping a close eye on them for two days after the injury is recommended after any hit or trauma to the head. Even though it may be hard, try to limit any excessive activities as these increase the risk of further damage. As many types of painkillers can worsen potential bleeding, contact your doctor or a medical professional about what types are suitable after a head injury and make sure you follow the appropriate dosage for a child.

Neck injuries can have a wide range of causes too. Some are mild and can be treated at home whereas others require medical attention. For milder injuries, rest, and cooling or heating the area can be used as a first-aid if the injury is related to the muscles. However, if the pain comes from a traumatic event or stiffness is also present you should contact a doctor for a more complete examination. As was mentioned earlier, you should contact a doctor after any head or neck injury that results in bleeding.

First Aid Kit Checklist:

PPE

Non-Latex Gloves

N95 Masks

CPR Masks

Sanitation

Antibiotic Ointment

Antiseptic

Sterile eye pads

Hygiene

Sanitary napkins

Feminine Hygiene items

Hand Sanitizer

Eye Drops

Bandages

Bandages of Varying Sizes

Fingertip Bandage

Roll of Gauze

Elastic Wrap Bandage

Wound Dressings

Absorbent Pads

Triangular Bandage

Butterfly Bandages

Triangle Sling

Tools

Trauma Shears

Thermometer

Tweezers

Small Scissors

Razor

Adhesive Tape

Ice-pack

Tourniquet

Safety Pins

Medicines

Aspirin

Ibuprofen

Personal Medications

Antihistamine

Burn Cream/Gel

Antacid Tablets

Imodium

Hydrocortisone

MIsc.

Defibrillator

Moleskin

First Aid Guide

Biohazard Bags

Emergency Blanket

Assembling an Emergency Kit

A 72-hour kit is a bag or backpack filled with items that will help you in the event of an emergency. Some refer to it as a bug-out bag, an emergency kit, or a survival backpack. Whatever you call it, it is an important tool to help protect your family.

What is the significance of 72 hours? The length of time is not arbitrary. 72 hours (3 days) is the length of time that has been identified by disaster response and emergency management agencies that it can take for rescue or emergency personal to arrive after an unexpected disaster. This is known as “lag time” and if a disaster strikes, you may find yourself without food, water, electricity, communication, and much more during this time. That is why you need a 72-Hour Kit and this article will help you build one!

FEMA provides guidelines for putting together a kit that will help your family be safe and self-reliant during an emergency or disaster. They recommend that you keep 1 gallon of water per person each day. Additionally, 1200 calories of non-perishable food per person for each day. Along with food and water, they advise keeping a radio, flashlight, and first aid kit. You should also keep items that may be relevant for you personally, such as medications or insurance cards. There are many other items that you may need depending on your situation.

When building your 3-day emergency kit, it doesn’t take long for the weight to start adding up. When you add enough food and water for each person along with hygiene items, flashlights, and first aid, your bag can start to fill up fast. One of the most important attributes of any good go-bag or bug-out bag is the ability to be easily grabbed from your storage spot and loaded in your car or carried on foot. If your bag is too heavy to heavy to easily carry then you are limiting the effectiveness and value of your emergency kit. This is why it is important to prioritize what you pack in your 72-hour bag.

However, this is easier said than done. The potential items you could pack is essentially limitless. The main issues are 1) disasters by their very nature are unpredictable and 2) your family's daily needs are not going to be the same as everyone else.

You know that food, water and shelter are the basic necessities for everyone and you need to include items to meet these needs in your 72-hour kit. However, different natural disasters or emergencies bring different problems and every household will have unique needs. If you take medication or If you have someone in your home who requires any medical equipment daily, this is going to need to be a part of your survival pack. If you have small children or pets you may need an entire bag just for them.

You should keep your 72-hour kit stored in a safe location that all adults can easily access. Store small items in watertight plastic bags. If you live in a floodplain, store on the highest level of your home. If you spend a lot of time on the road or have a long commute, consider keeping a car/roadside emergency kit as well. A sturdy backpack works well and is easy to carry. Use a backpack or bag that's the color will stand out if someone is searching for it in a closet or storage room.

Personalizing Your Kit

In addition to the essentials, you may consider packing items in your survival kit that are relevant to your personal needs. Medications, family photos, spare keys, insurance cards, etc.

When you have a list of all you need for your family to survive 72-hours, you can get creative and find the most efficient and lightweight way to get these items in your survival kit.

You can find a detailed list of items to keep in your 72-hour emergency kit in our blog post: ",,Bug-Out Bag Contents".

Recovery

How to Declare If It Is Safe to Return Home

Once the authorities have allowed you to return home after a major disaster, it is imperative to do so in an orderly manner. You should also be prepared to live short term without the resources and services that were available before the evacuation.

In most cases, you will need a special pass issued by local authorities to residents of affected communities.

Before leaving home, make sure you bring enough fuel in your vehicle. There could be snow on the roads in the mountains. Also, you should bring enough winter clothes and blankets. Do not forget to travel at a prudent speed and be alert to find obstacles on the road.

Do not expect to find gas stations and shops open in affected communities. Include food and drinking water for several days, for you and your family.

It is possible that in the initial stage of return there are too many vehicles on the route and the authorities will surely allow only the indispensable vehicles. Do not carry trailers, whether mobile homes, cargo, or to tow boats in the initial stage of return; wait for the situation in your community to normalize.

When entering your home, remember the following things:

-Check that the electrical circuit is in good condition.

-Examine the food and discard any that have been spoiled, either due to lack of refrigeration or that have been in contact with the smoke and toxic substances used to fight fires.

-When cleaning, use gloves, and other personal protection items. Do not use substances to clean that are flammable; especially, if there was a fire and could still be smoldering embers.

-Inspect items in your home that may have been damaged and disinfect your refrigerator and other kitchen appliances before using them. This helps eliminate dangerous bacteria. Read the instructions for use of cleaning products.

-New emergency preparation plans have to be adjusted to the current local conditions and based on adequate knowledge of the social, political, and economic context. In addition, such plans must be flexible and dynamic and must be revised and readjusted periodically depending on the circumstances and new risks.

Resources

The following resources will provide more information to prepare for and handle emergencies.

American Red Cross Apps: ,,https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

National Safety Council: ,,https://www.nsc.org/safety-training/workplace/emergency-preparedness

FEMA Guidelines: ,,https://www.ready.gov/plan

Backpack

A survival kit should be stored in a clearly marked bag or backpack, and stored in a secure place easy for all adults in the house to access. We recommended a backpack. Your disaster survival kit's main function is to provide you with the food, water, first aid, hygiene items, etc to sustain you for 3 days during an emergency, it can also serve as an evacuation kit. Storing the items in a quality backpack will make your 72-hour survival kit much easier to take along in an emergency.

There are many things to look for in a survival backpack. You can find extensive details in this ,,guide to selecting a survival backpack.

Some main considerations are:

• Heavy-duty straps
• Comfortable fit
• Capacity, 30 liters is generally plenty of capacity for a 72-hour kit however if you have a large family you may opt for more capacity or multiple backpacks.
• Pockets/Zippers
• The material of construction/Strength, 600D polyester is a common strong material for tactical and outdoor backpacks.
• Is it water-resistant?
• Easy to find (Some people may opt for a discreet backpack to blend in.)

Food & Water

Food and water are basic necessities. Store 3 days worth of non-perishable food. MREs and survival food rations are portable and have a long shelf life. These are great options because you know they will be there in a disaster and you can easily carry them in your emergency backpack. Water is harder to transport. It is a good idea to keep some sealed water pouches on hand for extreme situations, but a water filter or purification kit is a lightweight option that will provide a near limitless amount of drinking water assuming you can find a source.

Checklist:

• You need a minimum 3 day supply of food. Each person needs 1200 calories/day minimum.
• In order to cover your hydration, hygiene, and cooking needs of 1 person, you need one gallon of water per day. Store enough for at least 3 days.
• A gallon of water is heavy. If you want your 72-hour kit to be mobile, include a water purification system. There are many portable water filters and purification kits available.
• Include a portable water vessel. Collapsible water pouch, reusable water bottle, etc. Something that works best for you and easily fits in your kit.
• Mess kit, stainless steel cup, utensils, etc. Lightweight and compact items to eat or prepare food

Survival Food & Water suggestions:

• ,,SOS food bars, not the best option for taste but they don't need to be to be prepared and keep for 5 years.
• ,,SOS water pouches, sealed and lightweight. These will not provide a lot of water but are perfect for storing in a car or taking along when hunting, hiking, etc.
• ReadyWise freeze-dried, food. This can be costly but with a 25-year shelf life this will take a lot of worries away.

Weather Protection/Shelter

Hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters can force you from your home or worse destroy it. Snow, rain, and cold temperatures can be life-threatening if exposed for long enough. The right gear in your survival kit will allow you to withstand the elements.

Checklist:

• Reflective Sleeping Bag
• Emergency Poncho
• Tube Tent
• Hand Warmers
• Blankets
• Change of clothes
• Firestarter (matches, lighter, ferrous rod, flint striker, kindling, etc)

First Aid

There are many comprehensive First Aid Kits on the market. Make sure that they include most items on this list if not more. You can get 100-125 item kits very reasonably priced that will fit easily in a backpack. It is also advisable to keep a first aid guidebook in your kit. Taking a first aid course is also a good idea for anyone but if you don’t have time you can download a first aid app on your mobile device. The Red Cross has a great app that asks questions and can guide you through different scenarios, even with no cell service.

Checklist:

• Bandages of varying sizes
• Wound dressings
• Adhesive tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic
• Cold compress
• Aspirin
• Imodium
• Roll of gauze
• Non-latex gloves
• Triangular bandage
• Tweezers
• Oral thermometer
• Instant ice pack
• Thermal blanket
• Sterile eye-wash
• Scissors
• First Aid guide book
• vaseline
• moleskin
• witch hazel
• iodine

Hygiene

If you are forced to evacuate your home, things that you take for granted can become an issue. Don’t overlook hygiene when packing your emergency kit. Good hygiene is important for your health and morale. Imagine going for three days without a shower or toothbrush. These personal items can keep a bad situation from getting worse.

Checklist:

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste - Oral hygiene can improve your morale and make a difficult time less stressful.
• Comb
• Razor
• Shaving Cream - (Did you know that shaving cream can be used as a cleaner and can provide some pain relief from a sunburn?)
• Shampoo
• Soap Bar
• Feminine Hygiene Items
• Washcloth
• Toilet Paper
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen
• Moisturizer/aloe

Communication

A whistle is an effective way to draw attention from potential rescuers. It does not way much so every kit should include one. A radio will keep you updated on the situation and an NOAA weather band radio gives you access to continuous local weather information. If cellular service is available a smartphone is obviously an invaluable tool in a survival situation. It makes sense to include a charger that works from solar power or a hand crank.

Checklist:

• Survival Whistle
• Radio - NOAA, Weatherband
• 2 - way radio
• Cell phone charger (solar, hand crank)
• Signal mirror
• Signal light

Light Sources

Many disasters involve power outages so a light source is essential for any 72-hour kit. There are many artificial light sources and each can serve a different function. Any that you can fit in your kit is probably worth having.

Checklist:

• Glow Sticks
• Candles
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Hand crank light
• Firestarter (matches, lighter, Ferro rod, flint striker, kindling, etc)

Tools

No one can predict what is going to happen. The more tools and gear you can fit and carry without issue the better your chances of survival will be.

Checklist:

• N95 Masks
• Paracord rope
• Work Gloves
• Zip ties
• Multitool Knife
• Can Opener
• Watertight bag
• Sewing kit
• Firestarter (matches, lighter, Ferro rod, flint striker, kindling, etc)
• Hatchet
• Wrench for shutting off utilities
• Duct tape

Miscellaneous

Here are many options that may be considered "non-essential" however they can be very useful and depending on your situation they may be a high priority.

• plastic garbage bags
• aluminum foil
• fishing kit
• firearm/ammo
• playing cards
• photo ids
• important documents/USB drive
• Cash

Well-Stocked water supplies will vary quite a bit depending on the size of your household. When planning your supply make sure that you have at least one gallon (Approximately 4 Litres) of water per person or pet, per day. If you are purchasing water supplies directly from the store, keep in mind that store-bought water has an expiration date, and after a certain point the plastic bottles in which the water is enclosed will begin to leach potentially toxic chemicals into the water. Be mindful of the expiration dates of your store-bought water, and replace the water as needed. To reduce waste, try and be mindful of the expiration date of your water supply. When there is about a month left before it expires, then cycle new water stores into your supplies, and use the water you removed for daily use. This ensures that all of the water is used while it is still safe.

If you are storing water in reusable containers, ensure that these containers were constructed for long-term repeated use. Furthermore, ensure that you drain this water every six months, and replace it with new water from your tap. This ensures that your supply of water remains safe, and your family is protected.

While you should boil and then filter your water if it becomes contaminated, occasionally boiling the water may not be an option. If you are unable to boil your water, add one to two drops of liquid bleach (if using a 5-6% solution of bleach, see more details ,,here), mix the solution well, and then let it sit for an hour. After an hour the water will be considered safe to drink as most harmful viruses and disease-causing bacteria would be eradicated. You do not want to depend on this method however as more resistant pathogens can still remain.

You can save time by using the calculators below to determine how much water you need to store for emergencies, and how much bleach to use when treating your water before drinking. These calculators are meant to be guides and your personal situation may vary. When using bleach to treat water, always refer to the label and double-check how much bleach you are using.

Sources:

Creating and Storing an Emergency Water Supply, ,https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/drinking/creating-storing-emergency-water-supply.html

It is important to have a list of emergency contact information available in a location where it can be easily accessed. These contacts should include your doctor, the family pediatrician, fire department, utilities, police, and other emergency service providers. Also include family members, neighbors, and friends your children are familiar with that may be able to provide assistance. This list should be labeled "Emergency Contacts" and it can help first-responders in the event that the injured individual is unresponsive.

You probably spend 1/3 of your time away from home and separate from you and your family members. Should a disaster jeopardize your normal routine, what would you do?

You need to have a prearranged meeting place for specific events. You also need a plan for how everyone will get there. If you have young children the best option may be having them wait at school/daycare until an adult member of your household can get them.

Determine who children should contact if they are away from home, and how. Cell phones may not work, pre-arranged meeting places and contact information of trusted friends/neighbors are essential for kids to know. Again, it may be the best option for kids in an emergency to remain at school with staff or seek out local authorities (IE police, medical personnel.)

Consider Your Risks: Before doing anything else, take time to consider your risks. Three factors to consider are 1) Disasters most likely to affect your area 2) Your children, their ages, and ability to be self-sufficient/responsible and 3) medical issues, regional factors, etc.

Choosing Emergency Contacts: Choose a local, out of town, and out of region contact if possible. You will want someone in your neighborhood who can lend a hand in a medical emergency or home fire. However, if a major disaster threatens your neighborhood you will want to have a contact out of state who is unaffected by the event that you are dealing with. Ideally, your contacts will be someone that your whole family is familiar with. Texting is the recommended method of communication during a disaster. This leaves phone lines/networks open for emergency workers.

Emergency Meeting Place: Just as with the emergency contacts, designate a local, out of town, and out of state/region meeting place. (Your out of town/region contacts could serve as meeting places.) These meeting places should be accessible and familiar to all members of your family. Obviously out of town and out of state meeting places will only be necessary for extreme situations where evacuation is ordered, but knowing there is somewhere you can find help and potentially reunite can provide hope during a crisis.

Important questions children may have:

• Where is everyone during the day (Work, church, schools, activities)?

Keeping a weekly schedule posted on your fridge or in some other accessible will allow children, neighbors, or emergency responders to contact parents or guardians if they are not at home.

• How will you(parents) find me?

Children may have concerns about being separated from their parents during a disaster or emergency. Discuss plans with your children. Let them know who would pick them up. Be sure that members of the family are aware of the methods the school and daycare centers use to distribute information. Many schools have alert systems that you can subscribe to and receive texts, emails, or calls regarding safety and emergencies.

• How will I know what's happening?

Anyone with a smartphone can sign up for emergency alerts to keep them updated about local disasters. Advise your kids that they are to listen to teachers, police officers, and trusted neighbors in their absence. Forming a good relationship with neighbors and school teachers is crucial especially for families with unique and special needs.

• How do we get in contact?

There are numerous ways to connect these days. Texting is recommended for communicating during a disaster. Leaving notes, using social media, can be an alternate means of communication. If a smartphone/cellphone is not functional or available, kids should know where and who they can go to for help.

• Where is the local Police station, Fire department, Hospital?

Show kids where local police and hospital locations are and under what circumstances you may need to go there.

As part of your emergency plan, you should explain to your children where important things are like your emergency kit, first aid kit, or fire extinguisher. You should also discuss specific things to do during disasters that are the highest risk for your area. If you live in areas especially vulnerable to earthquakes or hurricanes, then you should make certain your children are aware of the specific threats they pose.

Adults and older children with smartphones can download useful apps with tons of first aid and emergency information. ,,These two apps are free and full of life-saving information

Without a plan, parents and kids may be subject to anxiety, fear, and panic. It is not possible to completely eliminate the fear and anxiety that comes from the unknown. However, if you plan ahead with your children you can relieve their anxiety during a disaster.

The first thing you will want to determine is the contents of your survival kit. How many people is your kit going to support, how much food do you need, what type of climate do you live in? Knowing the answer to these questions will help you when you need to determine the size, material, color, and other aspects of your survival backpack.

Size & Volume

The volume of your survival backpack will be based on your needs. An individual will be able to pack their complete emergency kit in a smaller backpack while groups or families may need a large backpack or more than one. If your children are old enough to carry their own backpack then they certainly can. Just make sure they aren’t still at the age where they tire easily and you may end up carrying two!

For our purposes, we will assume a 3 day supply emergency kit. This is based on guidelines provided by FEMA. It may be right for your family or organization to plan for a longer period of time, however, survival backpacks, bug-out bags, go-bags, etc are intended to get you through a short term evacuation or displacement from a major disaster or event.

With efficient packing and compact items, packing all the essential survival needs for 2 people to survive a period of 3 days can be done in a 20-30 liter volume backpack. This would include food, water, hygiene items, flashlight, first aid kit, radios, weather protection, a change of clothes, and possibly a small survival tent. Your personal needs and preferences will determine if you need to use a larger or smaller backpack to contain your gear. If you plan to maintain a go-bag or bug-out bag with extensive survival tools and equipment it may take a backpack with a volume of 50 liters or more to hold everything.

If you have a backpack or are shopping for one you can easily determine the overall volume it will carry. The simplest way is to measure the backpack’s height, width, and depth. If you have a tactical backpack with multiple compartments, measure the height, width, and depth of each one. Then add their volume together for the total volume of the backpack. Many backpack manufacturers will express volume in cubic inches or liters. As long as you know the dimensions you can easily calculate your volume.

This calculator will convert your measurements in inches to volume in liters:

Volume is not the only size factor in a backpack. Your torso length should be taken into account. All 40-liter backpacks will not have the same dimensions. Measuring from the top of your hip bones to just above where your t-shirt color would be on your neck, can give you a guide to help determine how tall of a backpack would fit you best. Backpack manufacturers typically have a sizing chart that will tell you what size backpack you need depending on your torso measurement. This is less important for small go-bags that you may plan to stow in your car or closet for “bugging-in” but it never hurts to be ready if you would have to carry your survival backpack for an extended period.

Choosing a Color

The color or pattern of your emergency/survival backpack is more important than you make think. A color can send a message, and if your plan is to provide yourself security then you don’t want to send the wrong message. Consider what your surroundings are, where you will store your backpack, and who needs to have access to it.

A red backpack will stand out. This is a great option for family and office emergency kits. If you want something that is easy to spot quickly among the other items stored in your closest this may be the best option. Red or orange can be especially beneficial in the event that someone who doesn’t know where you store your emergency kit is needing to find it. You can even get custom backpacks with specific labels and embroidery to help family members or employees easily identify the emergency kit.

Red is a great color when you want your survival kit to be conspicuous in a home or office. But, outside in a busy or crowded area, this may not be ideal. If you live in an apartment or urban area, a disaster may force you to evacuate or move to a public shelter. A black or gray backpack will not draw as much attention in this setting and can keep your possessions safer from nosey neighbors or thieves.

If you plan to assemble a survival kit for your children, you can pick their favorite colors or characters. Obviously children don’t make rational decisions about their safety. A backpack that they enjoy can provide some distraction and increase the likelihood that your child won’t want to lose or leave their backpack behind.

Choosing a Material

Backpacks today are made of many different materials. Canvas, nylon, polyester, and others. It is important to note the material thickness, often measured in Denier. For example, 600D (denier) Polyester is commonly used in tactical and military-style backpacks. It provides good strength, durability, and abrasion resistance. When looking for a strong and durable backpack make sure to check the label, some backpacks will have a PVC backing for added strength. Do also note that most materials and fabrics used in the manufacture of commercial and military strength backpacks are not waterproof by themselves, they require a special spray-on coating. The label or product description should indicate if it is water-resistant.

Deciding what material strength is best for you depends on your needs. If you are going to require a backpack that will be carried daily and subject to the elements, then go with a 600d polyester backpack or one of even greater thickness. If you just need a grab and go bag that you will keep in your car, you may be fine with a less expensive backpack, however many 600D polyester bags are very affordable.

Straps

The straps of a backpack are crucial. Weak straps can break if you are carrying heavy items and poor padding and non-adjustable straps can make carrying your backpack a painful task.

When you make your backpack selection, be sure to consider what kind of weight your straps will need to handle. Consider the width of the pads and make sure you can adjust the straps to fit you properly. If you plan to carry a heavy load for long periods of time you will want a bag that has a hip belt. When fitted properly the hip belt will take the brunt of the backpack’s weight, relieving your shoulders from the burden.

“Load Lifters” are the tiny straps at the top of many backpacks & rucksacks intended for hiking. They are often ignored but they can make a big difference in the distribution of the weight of your backpack. The chest strap is another neglected strap that will help to take away the pain of your shoulder straps rubbing in one area.

An additional feature of many tactical style backpacks is the “drag” or "grab" handle on the top. This handle can make grabbing and lifting your survival kit much easier. Without this handle you have to lift the bag with a shoulder strap; this is less convenient and can lead to wear over time. Ideally, this handle should be strong enough to support the full weight of your loaded survival backpack.

Large tactical backpacks and rucksacks may include adjustable straps on either side of the main storage compartment. These straps can take the strain from all the weight off the zippers. They can also help you compress your load, bringing the weight of your load into a more comfortable position.

Padding

Padding varies on different tactical backpacks. In general, more padding will provide more comfort. But, bulky shoulder straps and pads can make your backpack cumbersome. Larger shoulder straps and belts may not fit your body type, making it hard to comfortably carry your tactical survival pack.

Back padding can provide comfort but also keep space between you and your bag. This provides much-needed air movement around you helping to reduce moisture from sweat. Many backpacks offer mesh padded shoulder straps and pads to aid this function. Don't overlook this aspect of choosing a tactical backpack.

Storage Features

A good survival backpack needs to provide pockets and compartments that will make accessing crucial items easy while keeping them secure. There are many styles and configurations of backpacks on the market. As with the size, color, and material, the storage features you desire in a tactical backpack will depend on your needs and preferences. However, here are some features that you may find useful when packing and accessing your emergency gear in a pinch. Expandable - As the name suggests, this feature provides the ability to compress your bag when empty or near empty with straps or zippers. Making for easier travel and handling. When you need more space you can easily expand to the full capacity and carry all your essential survival gear.

Clamshell compartment - A zipper that spans nearly all the way around the perimeter of the backpack may seem unnecessary. However, when opened you can lay your backpack out flat like a book and easily pack your clothes and larger items securely inside using the provided straps and clips.

Zippers - Robust zippers can make a huge difference when your survival kit is under heavy use. You want a smooth zipper that does not catch or snag as you pull it. Zipper pulls can be made from nylon cord, hard plastic, or other materials. They should be easy to grab and strong enough to be pulled on hard without breaking. The zippers should have a protective cover to limit moisture from getting inside each compartment.

MOLLE - If you are not familiar with MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment), it is the "webbing" or nylon/poly straps sewn all over the front and sides of most tactical backpacks. It allows the user to customize their bag by adding additional pouches, belts, holsters, tools, etc.

How do you know what MOLLE configuration to get on your backpack? You can answer this question after you determine what additional pouches or tools you want to secure to the outside of your survival kit. First aid kits, water containers, & knives can be easily attached with a MOLLE set up for easy access. If you are a frequent hunter, hiker, or camper your survival kit will likely evolve over time as your needs change. MOLLE will give you the ability to adapt and change so when choosing a tactical backpack for your survival kit you can opt for MOLLE even if you don't think you will use it initially.

Pockets

It can be hard to keep items organized and distributed evenly in common backpacks. You want to select a backpack that has internal straps and pockets inside the compartments. Adjustable internal straps will help to secure and organize clothing along with other larger items. You can even find tactical bags with clips and "D" rings for attaching smaller items inside your bag with paracord. This makes it easy to quickly pull out things like compasses, flashlights, etc.

A variety of pocket and slip sizes will give you options for things like laptops, note pads, ammunition, etc. If you plan to use a hydration bladder with your survival kit, be sure that there is a port for the tube and clips or a specific compartment to keep the bladder secure.

There are tactical backpacks that have an option for, a companion rain cover to keep out the rain. This is a nice feature, but it can be improvised with a poncho or trash bag. However, if you live in a wet climate it may be worth the investment.

Conclusion

No matter what your survival kit needs are, you can find a suitable tactical backpack to build your kit around. Making the choice of what backpack to use will ultimately depend on your personal needs and preferences. Hopefully, this article provided you with some tips and helpful insights for selecting your perfect survival backpack.

What is The Emergency Alert System?

The Emergency Alert System or EAS is a national wide warning system that was put in place in the US to provide timely and dependable systems that can alert the American citizens in the event of natural calamities or man-made disasters. The emergency system is designed to provide mechanisms that allow the US president to address the nation through all TV and radio stations in case there is a national emergency. The system can also be used by state and local governments to convey important emergency information to their people. All these measures are put in place to promote a culture of disaster preparedness in the case of harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes, flash floods, and AMBER Warnings in case of family emergencies.

How the Emergency Alerts Systems Work.

The Federal Communications Commission works in collaboration with FEMA to implement the emergency alert system at the national level. At this level, only the president is legally allowed to decide when the EAS can be activated and has delegated this responsibility to FEMA. This body activates the national Emergency Alert System and leads the national Emergency Alerts Systems checks and exercises. The National Weather Service, on the other hand, uses EAS at the state and local levels to convey important alerts and warnings to the public about dangerous weather and other disastrous conditions.

The Emergency Alerts Systems allows emergency responders to rapidly and automatically send and receive emergency information. If there is a gap in the EAS, the members of the public have alternative sources of emergency information. The equipment put in place by the EAS provides a mechanism of automatic disruption of regular programming. In some instances, emergency messages are transmitted in other dialects other than English. At the family level, FEMA has put in place, family emergency preparedness programs that aim at educating the community about disaster preparedness. These programs target everyone in the community to educate, promote, and assess their disaster preparedness. FEMA also trains and assists local government officials, private companies, and volunteers on how to design activities aimed at testing their emergency plans.

Emergency alert apps available in the US

For individuals living in the US, technology has made it easier for them to access emergency alerts. This is through the use of Emergency alert apps on their phones. You quickly receive wireless emergency alerts by signing up for either text or email notifications in your jurisdiction.

You can also sign up for the CodeRED community notification system. This mobile alert app enables users to receive emergency alerts directly to their mobile phones anywhere around the country. CodeRED delivers location-based emergency alerts. The free emergency alerts available are emergency alerts, community alerts, and missing person's alerts.

How can you find out about Local Emergency Alerts in Your Area?

Receiving Emergency alerts directly to your phone can save your life. Sometimes, these notifications can be annoying, but in reality, they can save you a big deal. The good thing with these alert apps is that they follow us everywhere. The only thing you have to do is to sign up, and all those emergency notifications will pop up on your screen.

When a natural disaster or state of emergency shuts down transit systems or calls for evacuations there can be little time to prepare. What happens when members of your family have mobility issues or require special medications? What happens when you have an infant who needs diapers and formula? How will you care for those with special needs when access to supplies are cut off? This article will help you prepare for emergencies when your household has unique needs.

Have a Plan

A disaster emergency plan is a great tool to have for any family. And for those who have family members with special health or mobility needs, it is something that simply cannot be overlooked. The very old, very young, and very sick are the most vulnerable members of our population. When things go sideways and communities are cut-off from care and supplies, the burden of survival falls on the caretakers.

A family emergency plan is both a formal, written plan for what each member of the family should do in an emergency situation and a collection of resources to sustain family members until assistance is available. Although organizations like the American Red Cross and FEMA provide aid relief during and after emergency situations, the arrival of that aid can be delayed by days or even weeks. In the United States, we have fabulous emergency personnel but the reality is that not all jurisdictions have the proper resources to provide adequate service to elderly or handicapped individuals during a natural disaster. Having a reserve of resources available and plan to take care of your family until help arrives could be life-saving for the most vulnerable members of the family.

Once you identify your risks and the special preparations you need to make, you can begin to put together a written emergency plan. Every detail of the family emergency plan should be put in writing with copies provided to each person. The details should be discussed verbally, tested, and practiced. For most people, normal daily routines often take them outside of the home and to different locations. We do not always get notice ahead of an emergency, sometimes they strike without warning. Having a plan in place that everyone knows and has copies of is the best way of making sure that your family will be reunited quickly in the event of an emergency.

Compiling Your Emergency Plan

Notify and register with local emergency management officials - Local police and rescue agencies often keep records of handicap, special needs, and disabled residents in order to provide assistance in the event of an emergency. (This is a great resource but redundancies should be in place through your personal network.)

Mobility Needs for Elderly or Disabled - In the event of an emergency, elderly and disabled family members with limited mobility will have specific needs that require planning and preparation. In fact, if you can create a support network of multiple people that can assist these individuals, it will be easier to get help when the need arises. Local police and fire agencies often keep a record of area residents with physical and mental disabilities to ensure that they receive help during a disaster.

Planning for Medical Equipment - If someone in your family uses medical equipment that they cannot reasonably live without, the care, operation, and replacement of this equipment should be included in your Emergency Plan. Find alternative power sources for medical equipment in case a prolonged power outage occurs. Write down models and serial numbers of all devices in case they need to be replaced. Document contact information for all hospitals, clinics and medical equipment suppliers in the area. This includes making arrangements for service animals, if you do not have a plan or food for them you may be forced to leave them behind.

Plan ahead for Treatment Centers and Transportation - Make a list of all of the services that might be able to provide transportation including public transit, para transport, and private transport services. There is no guarantee that all transportation services will be operational in the event of an emergency. Your emergency plan should make the assumption that traditional transportation services will not be available.

Document Important Information - In addition to having a plan in place for what to do, the Emergency Plan should also include documentation of important information like the names and numbers of schools and insurance policies. The key here is to have important information available when and where it is needed. A digital copy in the cloud and on a flash drive is good, but will not be useful if there is no power. Hard copies of important names and numbers should be kept (securely) in several different places, at home, at work, and in the car.

Allergies and Special Dietary Needs - What if some members of your family suffer from severe food allergies? Does the food in your meal kit meet their dietary needs? When help becomes available, how easy will it be for these individuals to find safe food? As someone who lives with a food allergy or special dietary restriction, that person already knows how difficult it can be to avoid allergens in a structured world. In the chaos of post-emergency survival, food allergies and dietary restrictions are not always considered.

Video by HealthyPrepper:

In addition to the food that meets your specific needs, Include epi-pens and allergy medications in your survival kits. FEMA recommends that most individuals keep a 72 hour supply in their emergency kit. However, if you have severe food allergies or special dietary restrictions you may want to double that.

Special Medications - Insulin for diabetics, anti-rejection medications for post-transplants, and psychiatric medications are just a few of the types of pharmaceuticals that cannot be skipped in the event of an emergency. If going off of a medication, even temporarily, will have life-altering consequences then precautions should be taken to make sure the medicine is available.

Keep an extra refill in an airtight container inside your go bag in case of flooding. Keep a list of pharmacies where additional medication can be obtained in the event of an emergency. And, if you are expecting a potential emergency situation like an impending hurricane, try to collect your refills early in case access to pharmacies is cut-off.

Infants and Small Children - Due to their smaller body size, infants and smaller children are more vulnerable during emergency situations. Extra clothes and blankets should be available to help them maintain appropriate body temperature. For babies, keep your diaper bag stocked with baby formula (even if you breastfeed) and diapers in their current size to be your infant's go-bag in case of emergency. For small children, consider including activities to help with boredom like coloring books and crayons. A pair of noise-canceling headphones can help little kids remain more in scary situations. And, including straws or bottles with nipples can make it easier for little ones to drink water.

Create and Maintain an Emergency Kit

A “go bag” for evacuation that includes food, water, medications, blankets, flashlight, fire starters, and first aid supplies is a crucial item to have on hand and ready in the event of an emergency. You should have a minimum of 3 days of food and water for each individual, but you also need to remember food and water for service dogs or pets that may be evacuated with you. Communication is very important, a radio will keep you updated with any relevant information. There are many devices available that serve as radio, flashlight, charger combinations.

Pre-packed emergency backpack kits are available to make this part of preparation simple and affordable. A backpack is an easy item to carry with you if you need to leave your home. You can see a detailed list of survival items to keep in your emergency kit here and here.

Extra Preparation Can Make All the Difference

An emergency preparedness plan is a great tool for any family, but when a family has vulnerable members like the elderly, disabled or infants it can be more challenging to keep everyone safe. It may seem like a lot of work but most of the information and items needed you probably already know. Taking the time to compile the plan will give you peace of mind knowing you can provide the care your loved ones need in a disaster.

This video was created by The Provident Prepper:

There are many ideas and opinions about what items to include in an emergency kit, this shortlist will hopefully give you some you haven’t thought of before. Each item is simple, affordable and lightweight. Many of these survival tools have multiple uses and functions. Chances are many of these items are in your home already and can be easily gathered together to supplement your existing emergency kit or start one!

1. Plastic Trash Bags

Keeping a roll of plastic garbage bags in your survival kit is great for more than trash clean up. They can serve many purposes. They are lightweight, inexpensive and you don't have to worry about shelf-life. A plastic trash bag could be used to patch your tent or coat, serve as a poncho, or cover your backpack during rain. In a pinch, a trash bag can be used to cover feet and hands when shoes have holes or when you don't have gloves. When used with duct tape you can effectively prevent water from coming through a door or window that won’t shut tight.

Although it is not a long term option, it is a cheap and versatile tool. Black and opaque colored bags will provide the most protection from the sun and hide anything you want to be covered.

2. Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil makes cooking much easier, but there are endless possible benefits that foil can provide you in a pinch. In addition to being a very malleable metal, aluminum foil is a conductor, it reflects light, and it can reflect heat. So not only can foil can be used to make a crude cup, container or eating utensils, you can potentially fix poor electrical connections, create a signal mirror, or start a fire with a battery.

If you needed to keep warm and did not have a mylar emergency blanket, the foil will reflect heat and help keep you warm. Maybe the best attribute of aluminum foil is that you can reuse it for many different things. A roll of foil is light and inexpensive so be sure to include one with your survival kit.

3. Coffee Filters

If you are noticing a theme, you are correct. Common household items are lightweight, inexpensive, readily available, and with some outside of the box thinking, they have many uses. Coffee filters can be used to strain out dirt and debris from the water. Most common coffee filters are not a small enough micron to filter out bacteria and other extremely small organisms, so this is mostly for debris and not for water purification. Outside of filtration they can be used to clean eye-glasses, serve as kindling for a fire, toilet paper or tissue, use it as a cold compress, or use it as a bowl. In a pinch, you can write notes or directions on a coffee filter if you have nothing else.

4. Imodium

Imodium is one item you may not have in your home already, but it can be a huge help in a survival emergency. Imodium is a synthetic antidiarrheal you can take orally. If you are forced from your home after a disaster and have limited food options, taking the proper dose can relieve diarrhea and ensure that your body is getting nutrients from your food. This is especially important when your food/water is limited and possibly low quality. You should always read and follow label instructions provided on medicine or medications.

5. Digital Photos

Physical photos of loved ones can be invaluable to your resolve and morale, but they are hard to keep dry, undamaged, and become degraded over time. Digital photos keep forever, assuming you have a device/battery to view them. During a disaster, you may not have cell network reception but your phone should still work offline, and with hand crank chargers and solar backpack chargers, you don't have to worry about not having battery power. You can also keep pictures of important documents like IDs and insurance cards as backups.

6. Ear Plugs

Many natural disasters force people into crowded emergency shelters or unfamiliar sleeping arrangements. Sleep is vital and in a shelter or outside you may need help blocking out the noise. A pack of earplugs or two will take up little room in your emergency kit and provide you a good rest in a noisy environment. If you find yourself stranded or in the wild trying to survive, earplugs may not be a good choice, as you would want to be alert to dangers or be able to hear potential rescuers.

7. Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate is commonly called baking soda. It is a white, non-flammable powder found in almost every home. The uses of baking soda are almost limitless. It can serve to control fungal growth, it can be used as a mild disinfectant, and even put out small grease or electrical fires. When combined with water you can use it to make toothpaste, deodorant, or a cleaning agent. There are also many claims that it can help treat bug bites, however, you should limit the use of baking soda on your skin. You can see a huge list of other baking soda uses here.

Conclusion

If you haven’t included these items, you should consider it. You may already have other items that fill these specific roles, we would love to know what other ideas are out there! Disasters are unpredictable. You can never know when an emergency will happen or what necessities you may need but these items will give you versatility without costing much money.

There are a lot of survival tools and gadgets out there. Some are extremely useful and others simply aren’t. You can spend hundreds of dollars on gear but there is a free and easy way to boost your preparedness level today! No shopping, you don’t have to leave your home or wait for something to ship to you. You can download 2 FREE apps that will provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to take on almost any unexpected disaster or emergency.

#1 - First Aid App from the Red Cross

Chances are, you are not a doctor. Nevertheless, you may someday find yourself as the only person available to provide medical care to someone in need. Every day there are accidents and emergencies that result in injury or illness. Even when an ambulance can access your location quickly, your knowledge of first aid can potentially save a life or prevent further injury. Everyone should learn basic first aid and be ready to respond if the need arises. There is a lot to remember about first aid and emergencies are infrequent, so knowledge is forgotten or never learned to begin with.

The American Red Cross has built a super easy to use and extremely informative app. If you have not already downloaded it, we highly recommend that you do.

App Name: First Aid: American Red Cross

Developer: American Red Cross

Download: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html

Cost: Free

Functionality

This app has a simple and straightforward layout. 5 Main sections listed at the bottom: Learn, Prepare, Emergency, Quizzes, and Hospital.

Your start on the “learn” tab upon open. It shows a list of about 20 possible emergency medical scenarios. Tapping on any of them will take you to a step by step guide of how to handle the situation. Pictures are included when applicable. It has links to related first aid guides and even a FAQ section that can answer questions that may arise when giving first aid care.

The second tab is “Prepare”, this has a list of events/scenarios rather than medical symptoms or situations. There are checklists, guides and links to other information for hurricanes, earthquakes, chemical spills and much more. There is a ton of information under each different scenario listed.

The third tab is “emergency”. It would be nice if this was the default page that the app opened to because it is the information you want to get at quickly in an emergency. There is a long list of medical situations and under each one is a simple step by step guide on how to handle that particular injury or symptom. This section does not include the vast information that the “learn” tab has, it is simply designed to quickly and easily direct you during first aid treatment. In some of the guides, they even walk you through diagnosing the issue by asking questions and letting you select an answer, then giving further instructions based on your response. If the app determines you should call 911, you can call directly from the app. The fourth tab is “quizzes”. These vary in their value. Some are challenging and others are not. It can be a good way to test yourself and see if you are retaining the knowledge.

Finally, there is a tab called “Hospital”. If you allow the app to access your location, it will show you the nearest hospitals with their phone numbers. You can also search by zip code or city. This is very accurate and functions pretty quickly.

This app is very easy to use. The categories are clearly marked and within moments you can navigate the sections and find what you need. The design is very simple and the layout is easy to navigate. The colors and text are easy to read.

Content

This app is full of valuable information. Whether you are wanting to thoroughly learn about a topic or you need an emergency guide now, this app will provide you real answers and help. One of the best features is that most of the content is loaded in the app so even if you don’t have service you still have access to life-saving information. This app is the perfect companion to a good first aid kit.

#2 - Emergency Guide from the National Safety Council

What makes an emergency scary is their unpredictable nature. You can’t possibly learn all the skills or strategies needed to face the nearly limitless disasters that could smash your normally safe and predictable life. Rather than worrying about what you don’t know or leaving your fate up to chance, take advantage of this thorough and informative app from the National Safety Council. If you are like most people you always have your phone with you and now you will have access to a resource that can give you confidence and peace of mind. All you need to do is download the app and keep your phone charged.

App Name: EMR Guide

Developer: National Safety Council

Download: Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/emr-guide/id1184167315

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nsc.hybrid&hl=en_US

Cost: Free

Functionality

This app contains loads of information from a very reputable source. Unlike the Red Cross First Aid app, this one will not allow you to easily find what you need in an emergency instead is more geared toward planning/learning in advance. There are main categories that include dozens of guides and instructions for different emergency and medical situations. The simplicity helps you find what you need without distractions or loading issues.

The font size may be a little small for some but the design and background color makes it easy to read.

Content

There are ten main categories when you open the app: “memory aids”, “responder safety”, “assessment”, “circulation/airway breathing”, “medical”, “trauma”, “EMS operations”, “special situations”, “miscellaneous”, and “all topics”. If you are not in an emergency, rescue, or medical field then it can take a few minutes of browsing the categories to find the specific topic you want. The information, when found, is very thorough, many specific topics include pictures and step by step guides. If you are looking to learn how to handle different emergency scenarios or you want to have the information available when you need it the National Safety Council EMR App is a great option.

Conclusion

Neither of these apps will cost you any money and if you are connected to wifi you won’t even have to use your data to download them. Therefore it makes sense to have access to them on your phone because you never know what can happen. If you are part of an office safety committee, work with children, or work with the elderly, these apps can help you learn how to handle emergencies and give you some peace of mind. Knowledge along with the right survival gear will put you in the best position to face disaster.

Disasters bring danger to you and your family, but your children may be at an even higher risk because they lack the maturity or experience to recognize real threats. Being prepared and knowing how to provide first is imperative, but can we give the same treatment to kids and adults the same when it comes to first aid?

Below are guides for how to handle some common injuries that can happen to a child and when appropriate, the differences between treating a child and an adult are pointed out.

How to stop bleeding

In the event of an evacuation, urgency and panic can result in accidental injuries like cuts and wounds. Children are smaller than adults and therefore more sensitive to blood loss. If the wound, for instance, is on the head or neck you should contact a doctor for advice (more on head trauma later). You should also contact a doctor if the wound becomes red, warm and leaks pus as it might be infected. Call an ambulance as your child may need immediate medical attention when:

-the bleeding spurts from the wound

-the bleeding has not stopped in 5 min

-the wound is on the chest

-you suspect internal bleeding

Smaller cuts

First, make sure you wash your own hands before performing first aid to minimize the risk of infection. Then wash the cut with water and some gentle soap to clear out any dirt. If you have a well-stocked first-aid kit, bring it out and take some clean gauze or a bandage to cover the cut. An adhesive or surgical tape can help keep the gauze in place or it can be used to keep the edges of the cut close together. Typically these smaller cuts heal rapidly to form a scab. Once this has occurred the bandage is no longer needed. Make sure you keep an eye on the cut, preferably every day, to catch an infection early on.

Larger wounds

As with smaller cuts, clean your own hands before helping the child. Start by rinsing the wound to estimate the size and depth. If the wound is more than half an inch in length or you can see bone or ligaments, seek medical help as soon as possible, as the wound probably needs to be sown by a doctor. For wounds smaller than that, you can provide first aid by covering the wound with clean gauze or cloth and applying pressure. This is most easily done with the palm of your hand. Should the bleeding soak through the gauze, simply put more gauze on top of the previous one and keep applying pressure. If the wound is on a limb, raise it as high as possible (preferably above the heart level) to help stop the blood flow. As mentioned before, blood loss is more severe in children so when possible, contact a doctor if their general state worsens and the child becomes pale, weak, or sweaty.

How to tend sprains and dislocations

Sprains are injuries to ligaments and can easily occur after sudden movements in a limb. These sorts of injuries are not very common as the children are small but become more likely in older children and adults. A sprain is associated with swelling, pain, warmth, and stiffness or difficulty moving the limb. Sprains typically heal themselves after a while but there are things to do to speed up the process. The standard methods for tending to a sprain is normally abbreviated as RICE, and stand for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In short, you should cool the injured area, apply pressure and keep the limb elevated whenever possible. However. convincing a child to rest can be somewhat difficult. Depending on the location of the sprain, a splint or cast of some sort may aid in keeping the injured limb immobile and limit further use and damage. To manage the pain, over the counter painkillers can be useful. Just make sure you follow the dosage appropriate for a child as that varies from that for an adult.

A dislocation is similar to a sprain but is due to joint damage and not ligaments. The symptoms are also similar to a sprain (swelling, pain, warmth) but a dislocation can, in addition, make the joint seem deformed. RICE is the common way of treating dislocations as well. Sometimes the joint does not come back into place on its own and needs to be manually repositioned. Incorrect repositioning can make matters worse so if you suspect this is the case (deformed joint or low mobility), call a doctor when possible to have a professional put the joint back into place. For both sprains and dislocations, having ice packs and maybe some splints and a sling in your emergency kit is good preparation in case this happens.

How to deal with head and neck injury

Head injuries in adults can range from a mere bump to a concussion or skull fracture. Typically, medical attention is not needed unless the person starts experiencing symptoms such as severe dizziness, becoming very tired, losing consciousness or vomiting. For children, some of these symptoms are more difficult to assess especially at a younger age. Therefore, contacting a doctor for advice can be a good idea even when you are not sure how bad the injury was. Children otherwise exhibit many of the same symptoms as adults, only you may need to be the one seeing them as they may not know or be able to put words on what they are feeling. Keeping a close eye on them for two days after the injury is recommended after any hit or trauma to the head. Even though it may be hard, try to limit any excessive activities as these increase the risk of further damage. As many types of painkillers can worsen potential bleeding, contact your doctor or a medical professional about what types are suitable after a head injury and make sure you follow the appropriate dosage for a child.

Neck injuries can have a wide range of causes too. Some are mild and can be treated at home whereas others require medical attention. For milder injuries, rest and cooling or heating the area can be used as a first-aid if the injury is related to the muscles. However, if the pain comes from a traumatic event or stiffness is also present you should contact a doctor for a more complete examination. As was mentioned earlier, you should contact a doctor after any head or neck injury that results in bleeding.

Learn All You Can

There are many other First Aid skills that are valuable to learn like CPR and using an AED defibrillator. There are many organizations that can provide certification for these. They will also provide the latest and best practices. Regardless of your level of training, you should always call 911 if there is a severe injury or someone is unresponsive. The quicker emergency medical services can arrive the likelihood of survival goes up.

Today there are great resources available at the tap of a button on your smartphone. The American Red Cross has a free app that will provide step by step guides to assist you in various medical emergencies. The app also gives you local hospital information based on your location and if you need you can also call 911 directly from the app. You can find great information to learn and prepare in this app as well. One of the great features of this app is its simplicity so even if you open it for the first time you should have no trouble getting the info you need quickly (however, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with this app before and an emergency occurs).

First Aid Kits

Besides having the know-how, you may also want to invest in a first aid kit to have at home in case of an emergency to easily help your child should the need arise.

A good First Aid Kit should include antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointments, anti-itch creams, aspirin, and thermometers. They also include items such as bandages, tweezers, and gloves. In addition to these, Over-the-counter medications such as pain and fever killers, antihistamines, diuretics, and antidiarrheal medications should also be made part of your First Aid Kit. Special items like candy, crayons and colored bandages can be included in your first aid kit to provide comfort and distraction to kids. Every parent should always keep a first aid kit in their home, in a location that is reachable to all adults in the house.

Be Prepared for Anything

The differences in First Aid treatment for kids and adults may be subtle but it is important. Children often outnumber adults in households and are more prone to injury, therefore parents and guardians should know the best way to provide treatment for kids, especially during a disaster where medical help may be delayed or unavailable. Being prepared for disasters and emergencies is a daily lifestyle and not just buying a first aid kit and forgetting about it. Learning the basics of first aid treatment will give you peace of mind and help you care for those who matter most.

Note: Many medical emergencies will be beyond the average person’s ability to treat, and a doctor or emergency medical personnel will be needed. Obviously, it may not be feasible to contact a doctor or you may not have access to a phone or transportation during a disaster. If it is not possible to contact emergency medical help then it is crucial that you seek ways to find help as soon as possible. Keeping a medical reference book or first aid guide can provide you with more instructions on how to keep a severely injured individual alive until you can get help but will not replace professional medical care.

If you are in the process of assembling your bug-out bag or 72-hour kit, you are likely aware that there are hundreds of people online telling you what you need to include. Everyone has a different view on the best flashlight or how many days you need to prepare for, etc. The fact is each disaster scenario is going to be different and no one knows exactly what you will need.

It is important not to let the overwhelming number of options keep you from getting prepared. You don’t want a disaster to happen while you are still in the tedious process of picking out the perfect components for your emergency kit.

To jump-start the process you can use this comprehensive list of all the items that come in the 2-Person Urban Survival Bug-Out Bag. This kit meets FEMA guidelines for 72-hour kits and is designed to be discreet in a crowded urban setting. It is a great option for individuals or couples living in apartments with limited storage space. You can use this list as a guide to put together your emergency backpack kit. If you want to forgo the hassle and time of assembling your own kit, you can get one here.

Food/Water

2 x 3600 cal Food Bars with 5 Year Shelf Life (US Coast Guard Approved)

12 x 4.2 oz Water Pouch with 5 Year Shelf Life (US Coast Guard Approved)

1 x Folding 1L Water Container

5 x Water Purification Powder

1 x Water Purification Instruction Sheet

Without nourishment, your decision making can suffer and you can feel fatigued. Not to mention that long periods of time with no food can cause damage to your body. This is why food is an obvious essential to include in your survival kit. Your caloric daily needs depend on a lot of factors. Your weight, activity level, age, gender, etc, can all make a difference in your dietary needs. However, the general guideline from experts is 1200 Kcal a day for each person.

Water is vital to survival. It aids digestion, helps your body absorb nutrients, fight disease, and helps with bowel movements. Lack of water will obviously lead to dehydration and possible death so it is important to have multiple options in an emergency kit. Bottled and stored water is great but can be heavy if you are on the move. Water purification tools give you the ability to get drinking water almost anywhere you can find a water source.

The water purification packets that come with the Urban Survival Bug-out Bag will help you to treat suspect water. Agents help to remove pollutants when filtered through the provided cloth and then the chlorine kills the bacteria, cysts, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms.

Hygiene

2 x Toothbrush

1 x Toothpaste

1 x Comb

1 x Razor

1 x Shaving Cream

4 x Shampoo

1 x Soap Bar

2 x Feminine Pad

1 x Washcloth

1 x Toilet Paper (roll)

Morale is an overlooked aspect of survival. There are many instances of someone’s determination and perseverance, making the difference between life and death. Hygiene and cleanliness are tied to health and attitude. When massive natural disasters strike they force thousands of people to seek refuge in crowded disaster areas and temporary shelters. Imagine having to compete for toothpaste, soap, and other personal items in a situation like this.

First Aid

1 x 118 pc First Aid Kit

1 x Emergency Preparedness Guidebook

Disasters typically involve increased physical danger. They also tend to put a burden on the local emergency response and can delay response times by authorities. If you or someone in your household is injured or falls ill it may be up to you to provide first aid. Quick action and knowledge can increase the likelihood that the victim will survive until professional medical help can be accessed.

It is important to learn basic first aid skills and procedures, especially CPR, how to use an AED, Heimlich Maneuver, dressing wounds and burn treatment. Keeping a first aid reference guide can be extremely handy and there are Apps available for your smartphone as well.

The contents of your first aid kit are also important and there are many options available. Make sure yours has at least: bandages, adhesive tape, absorbent pads, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic, cold compress, aspirin, a roll of gauze, nonlatex gloves, triangular bandage, tweezers, and an oral thermometer. You don’t have to limit the items either, the more you can afford to carry the better.

Weather Protection

2 x Reflective Sleeping Bag

2 x Emergency Poncho

1 x Tube Tent

2 x Hand Warmers

Weatherproof Matches

It doesn’t have to be freezing for hypothermia to set in. In fact, if you are wet or exposed to wind you can get hypothermia in 50-degree temperatures if exposed long enough. The elderly are especially susceptible. There are effective tools to combat the elements that are compact and inexpensive. Ponchos, hand warmers, emergency blankets are lightweight items that will only cost a few dollars and are easily stored in a backpack.

Starting a fire is a survival skill that no one will discount. However, most people are not skilled in the different techniques of starting a fire without a lighter or matches. A box weatherproof matches or a lighter will provide anyone with a way to create a fire.

Light/Communication

2 x Glow Sticks

1 x 5-in-1 Survival Whistle

1 x Dynamo Radio / Flashlight

Light serves two major functions in survival. The first and most obvious is to provide a light source in the dark. Should you lose electricity you will need a stable and reliable source of light to get anywhere or do simple tasks in your home. If you are forced from your home in the evening you will be thankful you kept a flashlight, lantern, or another light source in your emergency supplies.

Secondly, a light source can be used to signal for help. If you are stranded, injured, or trapped, a signal light may be your key to your rescue. You can use a flashlight or mirror to signal SOS as this kayaker did.

Misc/Tools

2 x N95 Mask

Whether it is smoke from a forest fire or hazardous environment, a respirator mask can filter out up to 95% of dust mold and other particles.

1 x 5mm x 50' Rope

Paracord rope has multiple uses. Towing, repelling, repairs, and even first aid uses. 50’ of rope is not too heavy and can really be useful in a myriad of situations.

1 x Duct Tape

*Duct Tape is used by NASA. Need we say more? Repairing clothing, tents, leaks. Duct tape is a temporary solution for many things and can help you out in a pinch.

1 x Work Gloves

Something as simple as a flat tire on the way to work or picking up hurricane damage. A pair of gloves is always useful.

1 x Multitool Knife

Why just keep a knife in your 72-hour emergency kit when you can keep a multi-tool.

1 x Playing Cards

Waiting for a disaster to pass and return home can take time. Help pass the time during a storm or distract your mind from the situation at hand.

1 x GI Can Opener

Open any canned food you have or find.

1 x Pencil

Take notes and record anything you need to remember when your phone dies.

1 x Weatherproof Zip bag

Keep phones, id cards and other important documents dry.

1 x Sewing Kit (small)

If you are stranded or forced to evacuate with urgency then you may not have extra clothes. A sewing kit will allow you to make repairs.

Other items to consider:

Plastic trash bags - multiple uses, patch clothing/tent, capture moisture, keep things dry and collect trash, obviously.

Aluminum foil - multiple uses, cooking, reflective, make crude cup or container.

Coffee filters - strain out dirt and debris from water, make tea, clean glasses, start a fire, use it as paper, use it as a cold compress, use as tissue, use as a bowl

Imodium - eating new or abnormal things is more likely when traveling or in an emergency situation where options are limited. Imodium can relieve diarrhea and ensure that your body is getting nutrients from your food.

Laxative - if you are stuck eating dense food rations, you will want help going.

ID/insurance cards/personal documents

USB drive - backup for your important documents.

Photos - not just of loved ones but you can take photos of your important documents and save them on your phone, this will eliminate the need to carry lots of delicate paper items that can be destroyed and damaged easily when on the go.

Cash - Ensure you can purchase items if people stop taking credit cards, etc.

Wet Wipes - clean without using your drinking water. Easier on your posterior if you are “going” in unsavory places and conditions.

Earplugs - Do you have trouble sleeping away from home or on plains? Many do and if you are in a crowded emergency shelter you may need help blocking out the noise.

There are many opinions out there about putting together an emergency kit or "bug-out bag", but if you follow expert guidelines and know what your risks are you can put together a reliable 72-hour kit with confidence.

If you are looking for larger kits to accommodate more people or supplemental items for your 72-hour backpack you can see all the options here!

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A 72-hour kit is a bag or backpack filled with items that will help you in the event of an emergency. Some refer to it as a bug-out bag, an emergency kit, or a survival backpack. Whatever you call it, it is an important tool to help protect your family.

What is the significance of 72 hours? This length of time is not arbitrary. Disaster response and emergency management agencies have identified 72 hours (3 days) as the length of time that it can take for rescue or emergency personal to arrive after an unexpected disaster. This is known as “lag time”. If a disaster strikes, you may find yourself without food, water, electricity, communication and much more during this time. A 72-Hour kit can carry you through when you have little time to prepare and limited to no access to outside resources.

FEMA provides guidelines for putting together a kit that will help your family be safe and self-reliant during an emergency or disaster. They recommend that you keep 1 gallon of water per person for each day. Additionally, 1200 calories of non-perishable food per person for each day. Along with food and water, they advise keeping a radio, flashlight and first aid kit. You should also keep items that may be relevant for you, such as medications or insurance cards. There are many other items that you may need depending on your situation.

When building your 3-day emergency kit, it doesn’t take long for the weight to start adding up. After you add enough food and water for each person along with hygiene items, flashlights, and first aid, your kit can become quite cumbersome. One of the most important attributes of any good go-bag or bug-out bag is the ability to be easily grabbed from your storage spot and loaded in your car or carried on foot. If your bag is too heavy to easily carry then you are limiting the effectiveness and value of your emergency kit. This is why it is important to prioritize what you pack in your 72-hour bag.

However, this is easier said than done. The potential items you could pack is essentially limitless. The main issues are 1) disasters by their very nature are unpredictable and 2) your family's daily needs are not going to be the same as everyone else.

Unpredictable

You know that food, water and shelter are necessities for everyone and it's vital to include those items in your 72-hour kit. However, different natural disasters or emergencies bring different problems, and each household has different, unique needs. If you take medication or you have someone in your home who requires any medical equipment daily, this needs to be included in your survival pack. If you have small children or pets, you may need an entire bag just for them.

Identify Your Risk

If you live in the mountains, flooding may not be likely, but if you live near a major river, obviously it would be prudent to take this into account. What type of natural disasters can occur in your area? Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes? What local and regional features could pose a possible threat? Nuclear power plants, large urban centers, high crime areas? Considering these questions will help you choose appropriate items. For example, if you live in Miami, you probably don’t need to keep a parka, but if you live in northern Minnesota, you would want warm clothing and matches/fire-starter included in your kit.

You can also do a mental walkthrough of your normal day. Think about every part of your daily routine from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed. Think about the things you do that require electricity; what requires freshwater? You need to have something included in your emergency pack to replace or provide these needs if you were without electricity, access to food/water, or medical care. Start with a need you would have in an emergency, then consider the item(s) that would meet this need rather than thinking of specific items and what uses they may have. After all, when you buy a drill bit you aren’t buying a drill bit, you are buying a hole in your wall.

When you have a list of all you need for your family to survive 72-hours, you can get creative and find the most efficient and lightweight way to get these items in your survival kit.

Here are suggestions to get started assembling your 72-hour kit:

A Good Backpack - There are many options out there, find something that is comfortable and well built. There are lots of great military-style tactical backpacks but you can also use something more subtle without sacrificing the functionality and tactical features.

Smartphone/Charger - It is 2019, nearly all people in the U.S. have a portable, palm-sized supercomputer within arms reach at all times. While 90 % of the time we don’t use these remarkable tools for productive things, during an emergency they can provide you with communication to loved ones, access to government warnings, GPS location, maps, first aid guides, and practically any information you may need. Of course, if they are not charged and you don’t have access to electricity or the network is down you obviously can’t rely on these. Despite this, they are light enough that they should be included in your emergency evacuation planning. BONUS TIP: even if the network is down, as long your battery is charged, you will have access to the photos you store on your smartphone. This can be a real morale boost in a bad situation!

Personal/hygiene items - Speaking of morale. Cleanliness is also tied to your emotional and mental state. Keeping yourself and your loved ones clean and comfortable during an emergency or evacuation can make all the difference. Not being able to brush your teeth or wash your face like you do every day can make a stressful situation become even more so. Make hygiene/personal items a priority in your go-bag.

First Aid - Disasters are dangerous by their very nature. Injuries are to be expected and if you don’t have even basic first aid items, a minor injury can become life-threatening. A good first aid kit will have bandages, adhesive tape, absorbent pads, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic, cold compress, aspirin, a roll of gauze, non-latex gloves, triangular bandage, tweezers, oral thermometer, and more. The purpose of first aid is to prevent further injury and stabilize the victim until further medical help is available. In many cases, even simple first-aid treatment can greatly increase a victim's chances of survival. CPR can increase someone's chances of survival by 50% according to studies. In addition to keeping a quality first aid kit, you can educate yourself on the basic first aid techniques and treatments. There are many training courses available from the National Safety Council and The Red Cross. Whether or not you have first aid training it is always a good idea to include a physical copy of a first aid guide or reference book in your kit.

Clothes - Imagine wearing the same pair of clothes for a few days. You will be glad you included a change of clothes in your emergency backpack. At the very least you should have socks and underwear.

Medications/medical equipment - Pain relievers and other common medicines should be included in your first aid kit. But, If you have any medications or special medical needs, you should include at least a 3 day supply in your disaster prep backpack.

Important Documents - Insurance cards, IDs, contact info list (if your phone is dead would you remember anyone's number?). Tip: If you pack your phone and charger you can take photos of your important documents and store them on your phone instead of bringing along fragile paper that may be lost or damaged.

Food/water - It is recommended that you have 1200 calories of food per day for each person. 1 gallon of clean water a day is needed for each person as well. Water can be heavy to carry, therefore having something like water purification tabs are great and allow you to find a water source rather than lugging gallons of fresh water with you. It is suggested that you do carry at least one reusable water bottle per person.

Cash - Cash is king. Don’t plan on being able to use credit/debit cards or your phone. Cash may even be rejected by some people during an emergency, silver or gold coins could be the solution but you have to way the risk of carrying something of that much value.

Light - Hand crank flashlight/radio combos are a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Candles are perfect in a power outage and for a safe option, you can use glow sticks.

Communication - If your cell phone doesn’t work you will want to have access to news and emergency updates. Keep an AM/FM/Weather-band radio, as mentioned above, many hand-crank radio/flashlight combos are available.

Weather protection - Many of the emergencies that would force you from your home are weather-related. You should have something in your kit to protect you from the elements. A tent would be great but may not be practical to carry with you, however, there are many great alternatives. Emergency sleeping bags, hand warmers, emergency blankets are lightweight and extremely effective.

Fire - Whether you just need to light a candle or you need to start a fire to keep from freezing, you should have some reliable fire-starting tool in your emergency kit. Ferrous rods are lightweight and small. Matches require no skill to use but can be affected by wet/windy conditions. There are wind/waterproof matches available but there is no substitute for learning how to start a fire with limited tools.

Multi-tool - There is no way to know what kind of tools or gear may help save your life in an emergency. However, a multi-tool knife is a compact way to ensure you won’t be kicking yourself when all you need is a screwdriver and you don’t have one around.

Misc - Can opener (if not in your multi-tool), plastic trash bags, dust mask, duct tape, extra batteries, baby formula, pet food.

Prepare Emergency Plan - While not necessarily a physical item in your kit, an Emergency Action Plan is your family’s guide to stay safe, informed, and in contact during an emergency. The unexpected nature of a disaster necessitates the need for an emergency plan to ensure all members of your household are on the same page. This plan should be practiced by everyone including children so that all family members are acquainted with the plan.

In addition to this, a meeting place should be designated where all household members can meet after successfully escaping from the home. Furthermore, a family relative or a friend who lives outside your region should be appointed as a family contact person after a major catastrophe. This guarantees that you have someone who you can reach when your local contacts and relatives are affected by the same natural disaster as you. Your emergency plan should be updated whenever your family shifts home, your child changes schools, you change your jobs, have a new child, or experience some other major event in your life.

Storing Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit Keep your kit in an easy to carry backpack. If you have a large family or household with many people, consider a few bags. Items that you keep inside your kit should be kept in air-tight plastic bags to keep them from being damaged by moisture, dust, moths, etc. If you live in a flood plain, store your kit on the second level of your home if possible. The kit should be easily accessible by all adults and everyone should know where it is.

Conclusion

There are plenty of reasons why you should prepare for an emergency. Disasters happen daily all over the world and anyone is vulnerable. This makes putting together an emergency kit vital.

Today, most Americans do not plan for disaster, which results in failure to respond effectively to emergency incidents. Most often people do not have enough supplies or an emergency response plan to protect themselves or their family’s health and safety in the event of a natural disaster, a power outage, or pandemic. This should change and there is no better time to learn about disaster management than the present.

Every Natural disaster is different and destructive in its own way, but if you take the time to prepare and put together a complete 72-Hour Kit, you will be ready for almost anything. If you want to avoid the time and hassle of gathering these items you can find the perfect ready-made kit here!

A natural disaster can be devastating, but 41% of Americans admit that they have not prepared for a natural disaster. This is despite the fact that each year disasters affect almost 25 million people in the U.S. alone. Since 2008 over 15 million people have been forced from there homes as a result of a disaster.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfire, earthquakes, and floods are the most common disasters that exist. Even worse, one of these catastrophic events can happen almost anywhere and anytime. Preparing yourself and your family should be a priority, therefore, we decided to pull up some basic emergency preparedness for beginners. Let’s get started!

Are You Ready for The Next Natural Disaster?

A natural disaster can happen quickly and without warning. Having a disaster plan in place can help reduce stress and fear. This plan should take into account the disasters that present the highest risk for your local area. You should communicate this plan with the members of your household and practice this plan. Practice is especially important for the children in your home, knowing that there are specific actions that can be taken during an emergency will go a long way to help keep them calm.

In addition to making an emergency plan, FEMA recommends that you keep a “72-Hour Kit” on hand. A 72-hour kit is a bag or backpack with the items you would need to survive for 3 days if your home was destroyed or you had to evacuate. This is a kit that should have enough food, water, first aid and hygiene items to support each member of your household for 3 days (72 hours). You can add items that are specific to you and your household’s needs like medication, personal documents, insurance cards, emergency contact info, and cash.

The following is a general guide for planning but you can adapt to your specific situation:

If you have to be evacuated, never ignore an official notice. When you are told you must evacuate the area, do so immediately. If you have time, take your supplies for emergencies, and if possible shut your gas valve and shut off the electricity. Always lock your house when you leave.

Move quickly but calmly and remember that your safety and that of your family are more important than your property and personal assets. Know where you are going before you leave and always follow the evacuation routes suggested.

Make sure that your family is not threatened by any danger. See if someone is hurt. If they are minor injuries, treat them with first aid. Keeping a good first aid kit and knowing how to apply effective first aid will increase a person's chances of staying alive until expert medical care is available.

Provide your cooperation to local authorities and rescue groups. Obey the health regulations implemented to protect you and your community against diseases and epidemics. Follow the safety rules and food and water preparation. Use the phone only for emergencies. Listen to a local station to get the latest information about the disaster.

Notify your family members that you are in a safe place. Local authorities can waste time in your search if you do not notify them that it is okay. It may be easier to make a phone call outside the disaster area. If possible, have a contact outside the state who can call relatives and friends in other parts of the country. This helps the telephone lines in the affected area not be obstructed.

People with some disability or older people who are generally self-sufficient under normal circumstances may need help in a disaster (we discuss this later). If you know a person, friends or neighbors who are in this situation, offer help whenever you can.

These people always need more time to make the preparations. They may have difficulty hearing or seeing and you can be their source of information so they feel safe. There are people with diseases that require medications that cannot be interrupted. You can help them, since some people may not be able to communicate this information in an emergency.

How to Help Elderly When a Disaster Occurs

Elderly are at greater risk to natural disasters because they tend to have more physical limitations and medical issues. Earthquakes are specifically dangerous to them, a strong earthquake can cause anything from restlessness and fear to uncontrollable panic. In the event of an earthquake, the elderly and those who cannot fend for themselves can be victims of panic. You can help prepare them for an emergency situation. Put these recommendations into practice:

-Falling objects are the greatest danger during an earthquake. Older people are less agile and may have trouble moving around, making it difficult for them to quickly duck under a solid piece of furniture. That's why you have to remove obstacles that make it difficult to find shelter under a table or desk. Make sure doors, aisles and exits are clear so you can get out quickly.

-Be sure to secure to the wall medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks, heavy appliances, bookcases, and other heavy objects that could cause injury or obstruct passage.

-Place safety latches on cabinets and drawers so they do not open during an earthquake.

Accommodate heavy items on the lowest shelves or drawers.

-Move beds away from windows and mirrors and do not have heavy objects nearby that may fall on someone.

-Keep a flashlight and a pair of shoes near or under the bed.

-Maintain enough supply of the medicine or special medical equipment that you may have. Include the name and phone number of doctor and pharmacy, as well as family and church members. Take this list with you if you have to leave your home.

-Keep another pair of glasses for elders, batteries for hearing aids, and medications you may need with emergency supplies. Be sure to replace the batteries once a year.

-Place security lights in the rooms. These lights plug into an outlet and turn on automatically when electricity is missing. They stay on for four to six hours and can be turned on and off manually.

-If you use a cane, walker or any other type of walking aids, keep it close to you. If possible, have similar equipment in other rooms of your home.

-Make sure you have a whistle always on hand to call for help in case of an emergency.

-After an emergency or earthquake, trusted friends, family or neighbors can check on each other and make sure that your residence is safe to remain in.

How to Secure Furniture and Appliances in Cases of Earthquakes

Look for ways to keep your furniture and appliances from breaking down and causing injury and perhaps serious damage to your home as a result of an earthquake.

There is a wide variety of products on the market to secure furniture and other objects to walls and reduce the damage caused by earthquakes. In particular, secure your home's water heater well; there are special clamps to achieve it. Also, make sure that the flexible gas supply hoses of the stove or clothes dryer have enough space to not break and adapt to the shock of an earthquake.

Look for ways to secure firm TVs, stereos, computers, lamps, and other devices so they do not fall or move during the shaking caused by an earthquake.

Give special attention to glassware and kitchenware; install safety latches on the doors of shelves, cabinets, cabinets, and cabinets where you keep fragile objects. Do the same with mirrors, pictures, and photographs hanging on walls, especially those that have a glass cover.

Secure bookshelves and other raised furniture so that they do not fall off the wall and collapse with the tremor.

If you have chandeliers and other types of hanging lamps, as well as ceiling fans, make sure they are securely fastened to the ceiling and that their chain or cable allows them to oscillate with the shaking but without detaching.

Home improvement stores will have a wide variety of products that can help protect your furniture and other valuable items in your home from the damage caused by earthquakes.

How to Declare If It Is Safe to Return Home

Once the authorities have allowed you to return home after a major disaster, it is imperative to do so in an orderly manner. We must also be prepared to live the following days without the resources and services that were available before the evacuation.

In some cases, you will need a special pass issued by local authorities to residents of affected communities.

Before leaving home, make sure you bring enough fuel in your vehicle. There could be snow on the roads in the mountains. Also, you should bring enough winter clothes and blankets. Do not forget to travel at a prudent speed and be alert to find obstacles on the road.

Do not expect to find gas stations and shops open in affected communities. Include food and drinking water for several days, for you and your family.

It is possible that in the initial stage of return there are too many vehicles on the route and the authorities will surely allow only the indispensable vehicles. Do not carry trailers, whether mobile homes, cargo, or to tow boats in the initial stage of return; wait for the situation in your community to normalize.

When entering your home, remember the following things:

-Check that the electrical circuit is in good condition.

-Examine the food and discard any that have been spoiled, either due to lack of refrigeration or that have been in contact with the smoke and toxic substances used to fight fires.

-When cleaning, use gloves and other personal protection items. Do not use substances to clean that are flammable; especially, do not use gasoline and other solvents that may catch fire; There could still be embers.

-Disinfect your refrigerator and other kitchen appliances with a solution of two tablespoons of chlorine per gallon of water. This helps eliminate dangerous bacteria. Read the instructions for use of cleaning products.

-The preparation plans have to be adjusted to the local conditions. It can be based on an adequate knowledge of the social, political and economic context. In addition, such plans must be flexible and dynamic and must be revised and readjusted periodically depending on the circumstances and new risks.

Disaster Recovery and the Emotional State of Children

Children can suffer emotional effects and behavioral changes after a natural disaster. If the adults around you cannot control their own feelings, they can suffer for months or even years and suffer more intensely.

If you are depressed or overwhelmed, this may also affect your children. Share your feelings with someone you trust, a member of the clergy or a mental health counselor.

Even young children can feel depressed and have temper tantrums, physical discomfort, sadness, excess activity, lack of interest and become withdrawn. They can express their feelings through games or talk about the disaster as if it were a person who persecutes them.

Children from 5 to 11 years old can present phobias, bad behavior such as lying, refusing to go to school or leaving their parents, sadness, anxiety and, in extreme cases, even wanting to take their own lives.

Teens can be withdrawn, tired, have difficulty sleeping or eating, abuse toxic substances, talk about doing dangerous things, suddenly change friendships, show hostility and want to commit suicide.

Any child may have difficulty sleeping and have nightmares or vivid memories after a traumatic disaster. They can easily get upset or hide their grief from the family. They may struggle in school and exhibit rudeness to others.

Parents may not realize the anxiety their children feel when they complain more about physical discomfort or stress. It is especially difficult for men to talk about the losses they suffered. Children are influenced by the behavior they see in their parents and other adults around them. This is why it is important to talk about what happened and reassure them.

The support of adults is essential for the emotional and physical well-being of the children. Share your grief about the disaster with them so they feel free to express their feelings. Let them know that it is normal for them to feel bad.

Talk about the losses and their plans to deal with them. Embrace and comfort your children. Discuss them and lean on their religious beliefs to give you hope and guidance.

If your kids have destructive acts towards property, hurting people or pets, frequent panic attacks or abuse of toxic substances, it requires the immediate intervention of a mental health professional. This is especially done to prevent suicide attempts that may occur.

Take Time to Prepare

Unfortunately, disasters are a reality that affects millions of Americans each year. You can’t predict them but you don’t have to be unprepared for them. Taking time to make a plan and keeping a 72-hour emergency kit will give you peace of mind and provide security for your family if you should ever need it.

Sources:

https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2015/04/28/sixty-percent-americans-not-practicing-disaster-fema-urges-everyone-prepare

https://today.yougov.com/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2018/07/17/americans-disaster-preparedness-2018

https://newsroom.ibm.com/2019-05-06-74-of-Americans-Surveyed-Think-Weather-is-Growing-More-Severe-Less-than-Half-are-Prepared-for-an-Emergency

https://www.livescience.com/414-scientists-natural-disasters-common.html

https://ourworldindata.org/natural-disasters

https://www.bankrate.com/finance/weather/natural-disasters/states-most-at-risk-for-major-disasters-1.aspx#slide=1

As enjoyable as camping is, it's not without its risks.

Nature is a powerful force that can turn into a foe in an instant. From wild animals to adverse weather events, there are myriad of emergencies that can happen.

This is where it pays to prepare.

You bring the bear spray, hiking gear, rations, thermal blankets, and other necessities to stay safe in the wild. Yet, you could be forgetting your most important accessory.

Survival backpacks are critical parts of any camping preparedness plan. Today, we're sharing seven reasons why more men than ever are making them the first things they pack when they're ready for an outdoor adventure.

Ready to learn more? Let's go!

1. Prepping is on the Rise

From television shows to online forums, the media is replete with communities that enjoy sharing their best tips and tricks for disaster preparedness.

While this has always been a rich, albeit niche market, it's jumped in popularity over the past few years. In fact, research shows that two-thirds of Americans have purchased supplies to help them survive a natural or political disaster.

This spending isn't limited to bug-out bags and canned goods. The same data reveals that in 2017, bomb shelter purchases were up by a staggering 700%.

Survival backpacks fit into this sphere, as they're designed to hold everything you'd need to stay alive in the face of a crisis. More affordable and compact than other gear in this market, they're a practical and convenient way to condense emergency supplies into a portable format.

2. The Outdoors Can Be Dangerous

You've heard of packing a survival kit backpack to use in the event of a disaster, but why are these popping up on the camping scene all of a sudden?

The answer is simple: While enjoyable, this activity can be dangerous and even deadly. If you're already packing a backpack to travel with, it makes sense to turn it into a well-stocked one.

A few of the concerns that campers face when they set out to make the outdoors their bedroom include:

Tick-borne diseases

Hypothermia

Heat stroke

Poison ivy

Wildlife, especially bears

While you can't control when an emergency will occur, you can be ready. In a dire situation, the best survival backpacks can help you and your companions survive for days while you wait for help to arrive.

3. They Provide Necessary Resources

Sure, it would be convenient to travel with a personal chef, meteorologist, nurse, and nature guide.

However, that would take away the rustic fun of roughing it that compels most men to camp in the first place.

When you invest in a survival backpack, you have firsthand access to these resources, packaged into handy formats that are easy to stash and grab on the go. Some of these must-haves include items that help support:

Basic sanitation and hygiene

First-aid

Food and water provision

Weather protection

Light and communication

Water purification

When you're deep in the woods or on a trail, you're miles from modern amenities. It's a relief to know that help is right there.

4. They're More Discreet Than Ever Before

In the past, traditional bug-out bags featured a military-style design that stuck out like a sore thumb. They were obvious, easy to spot in a crowd, and defeated any attempts to keep your survival efforts on the down-low.

Now? They look as sleek and stylish as any other tactical backpack. This makes them perfect for camping and traveling in a group.

To find the most durable backpack, look for ones that feature strong and comfortable straps, as well as cushions that won't strain your back after long stints. Weather-resistant material is also important in the event that you're caught off-guard by a downpour!

5. Family Protection is Key

Data reveals that almost two-thirds (61%) of American households include at least one person who goes camping on a regular basis.

As more families embrace an off-the-grid lifestyle and take a greener approach to everyday tasks, it's understandable that this pastime is on the rise, especially among the Millennial generation.

If you're planning to head out into the wilderness with your loved ones, it's important to take precautions to keep them safe. Carrying a survival backpack is one step that's easy to add to your routine, doesn't add bulk, and gives you the peace of mind you deserve as you make memories that last a lifetime.

6. They're Convenient and Affordable

While there are elaborate and high-priced measures that the most extreme preppers and survivalists can take, not everyone has access to the resources required to fund these pursuits.

Preparing for a disaster shouldn't drain your bank account. And, it shouldn't be an opportunity reserved for the elite.

This is especially true when it comes to outdoor and camping-related gear, which can set you back thousands of dollars in your quest to stay safe.

If you're looking for an affordable way to ease into this sector, a survival backpack is a great way to do so. You'll get access to the basics you need, without all the bells and whistles you don't.

7. You Can Start Camping Quicker

When you're getting ready for a camping trip, your mind is running a mile a minute. There's gear to stow, itineraries to make, and maps to follow. You don't need to spend hours combing the internet to find the best survival gear out there.

The reality is that you could spend months researching the topic and still not even scratch the surface of everything you can buy in this industry. That's why these backpacks are ideal. They contain everything you need, hand-curated by survivalist experts who have done the homework so you don't have to.

Find Survival Backpacks for Your Camping Trip

Are you ready to detox from the digital life and find solace and solitude in nature? If so, don't leave the house unprepared.

Camping can be a great way to connect with friends and enjoy the great outdoors, but you never know when an emergency will occur or disaster will strike. Don't wonder with every step if you'll be OK in the face of danger. Survival backpacks take the guesswork out of the game.

Interested in stocking up on some? We'd love to help.

We provide the kits you need to face any adventure with confidence. From backpack kits to survival gear and roadside supplies, we've got you covered.

Browse our shop to find products categorized by your need. Any questions? Contact us today and learn firsthand why this is an important step in the right direction.

According to FEMA*, nearly 5 billion dollars will be needed for their 2019 Disaster Relief Fund. We know disasters happen we just don’t know when or where. Everyone should be ready to face an emergency. When a tornado hits your town or a fire destroys a neighbor’s home, you will be glad that you took a little time to ready yourself and you won’t be waiting around for help to arrive.

*Source

There are three basic steps to emergency preparation: 1) Evaluate risk, 2) Make a Plan and 3) put together an emergency kit. The right gear and plan are crucial to emergency preparedness, but skills and knowledge are just as important. As an added bonus your skills don't have a shelf life, they don't add weight to your backpack and you won't forget them at home. You can spend hours or even days hunting down information on preparedness and survival, so I have listed out a few sources that I have found helpful. Be sure to check back as I am always adding more resources.

First Aid

Knowing simple first aid can save a life! Learning CPR, how to stop bleeding, and much more. First Aid knowledge is extremely practical for anyone who wants to ready themselves for the unexpected. Here are some Do’s & Don’ts.

Water

Water: Having clean drinking water may be the most important aspect of surviving a disaster. Fortunately, there are great resources to help you prepare.

Fire Starting

It sounds simple, but you cannot rely on conditions being perfect. What if you don’t have matches or even a flint/striker. Did you know you can start a fire with a 9-volt battery and steel wool? Learning to build a fire is a crucial skill to have, find out more here.

This helpful graphic is from https://rollingfox.com/how-to-build-a-campfire

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Check back often to see more survival and preparedness resources! If you are looking for an emergency kit check out these options.