You never know where you’ll be when a disaster or emergency occurs, so in order to prepare for the worst, it is best to keep survival kits in places where you spend most of your time. For the majority of people, these places will include their home, car, and office.
Naturally, a home survival kit will be larger and more extensive than a car kit or an office kit. The contents of your survival kits will vary between locations, but due to the spontaneity of situations, all should be thorough and thought out.
Home
If you’re at home with your family when disaster strikes, you will be very thankful for your survival kit. Your home survival kit should contain at least three days of food, water, and supplies. Depending on the amount of space allotted to the kit, you may be able to keep significantly more supplies on hand, allowing you to survive longer in case help doesn’t show up or others in your community need assistance.
Building your own survival kit is the best way to ensure it is full of items that you are familiar with and know how to use and that you will eat (and perhaps even enjoy) the food it contains. It can also be pieced together over time, so you can budget and research properly. If you would rather purchase a pre-made survival kit, check out these fantastic 72-hour kits or visit your local big box store or outdoor sporting goods shop. Whether you make your kit yourself or buy one, it is important to be familiar with everything it contains and keep it in a safe, accessible place.
Choosing the location of your home survival kit is almost as important as the kit itself. Consider the structure and layout of your home, and choose a spot that will remain dry and accessible to your whole family. Be sure to communicate with those in your home about where the kit is and what it contains. Basements, porches, and garages should be avoided in case of flooding.
Vehicle
Most Americans commute by automobile. In the case of an emergency occurring while you are driving or if you are stranded in your vehicle, your car survival kit may save your life. In addition to non-perishable food and water, first aid supplies, flashlights and batteries, and warm, dry clothes, a few additional items should be in your vehicle survival kit.
– Kitty litter or sand is a great addition to your kit for gaining traction if you’re – stuck in icy conditions
– Jumper cables
– A shovel
– Ice scraper
– Sleeping bags, blankets, or large towels
– Flares or small reflective road signs (triangles or posts)
– A fully-charged cell phone and charger (even better – a solar-powered charger)
– AM/FM radio
– CB Radio or other short-range two-way radio in the event that cell phone service is down or unattainable
– Diapers and formula if a small child is or may be present
– Small toolset in the event you need to repair damage on your vehicle
The kit should be accessible to everyone that may be present in the vehicle when a disaster, emergency, or inclement weather strikes. It is best to keep your vehicle survival kit under a seat or somewhere within the interior of the vehicle. If your trunk is not accessible from inside the vehicle, be sure to give everyone a key to the trunk or hide one in a place everyone can access and be sure to tell everyone in your family or anyone else who frequently rides in the car where the key is hidden.
During an emergency, remain inside of your vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so or you are told to exit by a safety official. Try to preserve battery life by refraining from listening to music and by only turning on the lights if you need to or you are signaling for help. Keeping your hazards on will help others find you but will drain your battery. Be sure to keep your tailpipe clear of snow or debris to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Opening the hood of your vehicle will alert safety officials and other motorists that you require assistance. Always stay in your car with the doors locked and roll down a window slightly to speak to strangers, and avoid getting in cars with anyone you do not know.
Office
Your employer should be prepared for emergencies, but it is wise to keep your own disaster kit under your desk, in your locker, or somewhere you will have easy access to during an emergency. This kit should contain at least 24 hours worth of food, water, dry clothes, first aid supplies, and, if applicable, prescription medications. Comfortable shoes are recommended in the event that evacuation requires walking long distances. Your office survival kit should be kept all together, in a single bag or container that is easy for you to carry.
Ask your employer about safety protocol, evacuation routes, and disaster supplies ahead of time so you will be prepared in case of an event. Communicate with others in your office about preparedness and survival in the workplace. If you are an employer, practice safety drills with your employees and communicate plans, supply locations, and safe places in the office or establishment.
There may be additional places you frequently spend your time, such as a summer/vacation home, additional property or vehicle, country club, community center, or the gym. If you have a locker, storage space, or personal space at any additional location, it is a good idea to keep a small, 24 hour kit there. In addition to having your own kit, it can be helpful to talk to staff or owners about on-site survival kits and plans.
Always know where your kits are stored and check on them occasionally to ensure they have not been compromised. Inform everyone on changes to the location of your kit. Never enter a dangerous situation to retrieve a survival kit. Replace and replenish supplies that are near expiring or items you used during an emergency once it is safe again. Keep your kit up to date and keep your family safe.