How to Make a Homemade Survival Kit

Your survival kit may get you through a treacherous winter storm.

Thanks to modern technology, we often know when an emergency is upon us, but it's the nature of emergencies to happen quickly without notice. Being self-reliant with enough food, water and emergency supplies on hand can take the experience from a threat to an inconvenience. What people keep in their survival kit can be an individual choice, but certain basics exist to help you get through an unforeseen event.

Things You'll Need

• Daypack or container
• Water
• Food
• Batteries
• Cell phone (optional)
• Solar battery charger
• Blankets
• First aid supplies

Instructions

1. Find a container for your survival kit. Daypacks are perfect for an emergency survival kit, or you can use a box with a tight fitting lid. Water takes up a lot of room, but you need water for the kit, especially if you're traveling or venturing away from home in the summer. Never use empty plastic milk jugs for storage, since the proteins are hard to remove, even after washing, and can cause the water to go bad. Food grade plastic containers are safe for long-term water storage, or you can keep jugs of water in the trunk that you buy from food stores.

2. Put dried food that is easy to cook in the survival kit. Some noodles cook quickly, and you can find dried, powdered beans in grocery stores that mix with water for a good source of protein. Include some dried fruit, canned nuts and peanut butter, which are high in calories and nutritious. Add sports and nutrition bars, which are light and contain valuable calories and nutrition. Canned food is convenient, and your survival kit must have a can opener and a few utensils like a sharp knife, spoons and a few forks. Have enough dry or canned pet food for an emergency, as well.

3. Have an alternative way to cook. Backpacking stoves and alcohol fuel stoves do not take much space. If you're stranded in the wilderness, the matches or lighter you keep in the kit can help you start a fire. You can boil water to purify it if you have a pan or clean, empty can in the kit. Candles also illuminate and are an essential part of a survival kit.

4. Check your supply of batteries and keep at least one flashlight in the survival kit with a spare battery. Having a battery-operated or crank radio can help keep you informed. You can use solar battery chargers for your cell phone.

5. Go through your medicine cabinet to verify that you have adequate first-aid supplies like disinfectant, antibacterial creams, tape and gauze and moist towelettes. Place these items in a separate plastic bag so you can find them quickly in an emergency. Insulating blankets made from Mylar take up almost no space and are good for retaining body heat if you're stranded. Some people keep extra sleeping bags or blankets in their vehicle before traveling anywhere in the winter.

References

• Ready: Get a Kit
• University of Florida: Hurricane Preparation: A Q&A Guide to Water and Food Safety and Quality
• Survival-Homestead.com: Homemade Survival Kit