How to Pack a Survival Kit

First aid is an important of survival.

A survival kit is extremely helpful for emergencies, and can quite literally end up saving a life in the event of an emergency. Natural disasters, man-made disasters and terrorist attacks are a few things a survival kit can help you prepare for. By knowing what to pack in a survival kit and ensuring that you're stocked with the essentials, you can prepare for the worst. Most survival kits can be made for under $100.

Things You'll Need

• Large cooler or ice chest
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food items
• Medicinal supplies
• Cleaning supplies
• Can opener
• Blanket
• Rope
• Knife
• Metal camping pan
• Metal camping cup
• Sleeping bag
• Bug repellent

Instructions

1. Purchase a strong, sturdy container to place your survival kit items in. A cooler or ice chest is a sound choice because these types of containers are airtight and will keep animals out. Before leaving the store with the container, check to make sure all of the survival items you've purchased will fit inside the cooler. Another option is a large plastic tote with a lid, although it will not provide as much protection and strength as a cooler.

2. Purchase bottled water and food items that are non-perishable. Include energy bars, canned soups, canned meat, canned vegetables, trail mix and dried beef. In addition to the food, pack a can opener and any utensils you will need to eat the food.

3. Buy basic medicinal supplies like aspirin, gauze, alcohol and peroxide, anti-bacterial ointment, a tourniquet, cotton swabs, splinter removers, fever reducer and bandages. These are all easily attainable in pharmacies, and most first aid kits contain all of these supplies. Additional medicinal supplies you might purchase include medicines for snake bites or stings, as well as vitamins.

4. Add a sleeping bag or blanket to your survival kit to ensure that you have something to keep you warm. In the sporting goods section of your local department store, pick up a Swiss army knife, and a small cooking pan. Also, purchase a cup that can be used to drink from or boil water if needed. Add strike-anywhere matches to ensure that you can build a fire if needed. The last thing you'll need to add from this section of the store is bug repellent.

5. Check to ensure that the contents all fit inside the cooler you'll be purchasing. At home, add a change of clothes and two changes of socks to the cooler. This will keep your feet and body clean and dry, and will reduce the chances of hypothermia or bacterial infections.

Tips & Warnings

• If you take any medication regularly, include a week's supply in your survival kit and label it clearly.

References

• Field and Stream: Small Survival Kit
• Berghaus: How to Pack a Survival Backpack