So far on our journey toward building a 72-hour survival kit, we have discussed how to assess your circumstances and the essentials of shelter, water and food. If you have not had the opportunity, we encourage you to review parts one and two before continuing your planning.
After a disaster hits, your top three priorities are shelter, food and water. Once you have taken care of these essentials, the reality of your situation sets in ⎯ you might be here for a little while. That is why you will want to be ready with clothing, hygiene and first aid supplies.
Part 3 – First Aid, Hygiene and Keeping Comfortable
First aid. In many disaster scenarios, injuries are likely, which is why every prepackaged survival kit on the market includes first aid supplies. Even more important than having a good first aid kit is knowing how to use it. The Red Cross and other organizations offer courses that are reasonably priced and could save the life of a loved one. You might want to follow up your training with a wilderness first aid course as well, since in a disaster/survival situation, transportation to a nearby hospital may not be an option.
Once you are trained, you can customize your first aid kit by eliminating unnecessary items and adding other items not included. Don’t forget to include a short-term, fresh supply of your prescription medications and rotate them as necessary per the expiration dates.
Personal hygiene. While you might be okay going without a shower for a few days, there are some important things to include in your survival kit to keep healthy. Toilet paper is obvious, as are diapers, but don’t forget a bottle or two of hand sanitizer, liquid soap and wet wipes. A backpacker’s trowel is good for digging cat-hole latrines, though many experts recommend a supply of plastic bags and ties for receiving and disposing of waste. Appropriate feminine hygiene items should be included as well. Your kids might like the idea of a tooth brushing vacation, but you will want to make sure to include toothbrushes and travel-sized paste. Remember that some of your water supply will need to go for hygiene requirements.
Keeping comfortable. When you are surviving disaster, you are quickly reminded of all the comforts you once enjoyed. A clean change of clothes can make all the difference in helping you feel calm, collected and prepared for whatever might come next. Most survival kit lists include a complete change of clothes for each family member, but space may require some customization. For the little ones who are sure to fall into every mud puddle around, you might need two sets. If you have a high personal tolerance for being dirty, you might be okay just carrying some extra socks and underwear. As they say on the Internet, YMMV (your mileage may vary)!
In the interest of space, cost and convenience, most ready-made kits use a space blanket or Mylar sleeping bag. If you are likely to spend more time in really cold weather, you will need something more substantial. If you have space, a real sleeping bag greatly improves your comfort, but be careful not to pack these tightly. This will destroy their ability to loft, making them a shadow of their former insulating selves. An insulating layer under your sleeping bag can add extra comfort, protecting you from the cold, damp ground.
You’re on your way to a complete, fully stocked 72-hour survival kit. There are just a few more essential things to consider before packing it all up for storage. In our final article, we will talk about lights, tools and any other miscellaneous items you might need.