Today, we will discuss having 72 hour survival kits in your vehicles. There are many items that would be convenient to have, but some items are totally essential. In any extreme situation you cannot survive for more than: 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water or 3 weeks without food. This is called the “Survival rule of 3”

1. Shelter – A small tent will suffice. You can also use a tarp or a trash bag as a poncho. Shelters can also be made using natural materials in a wild.

2. Water -You need a source of drinking water along with water for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. Having 55 gallon drums filled with water and stored in your garage is the optimal solution. There are other solutions including: soda bottles filled with water, 5-7 gallon jugs, a water bob – this is a plastic bag that fits in your bathtub and you fill it just prior to emergency. There is also a supply water in your hot water heater that can be taken advantage of an emergency.

3. Food – High calorie foods will be needed in a survival situation. This includes a MRE’s (meals ready to eat) and energy bars.

The first three items are critical to life. The rest are necessary but can be obtained as needed.

4. Extra clothing – since you never know what you will be doing or wearing when an emergency happens, you should have clothing for the current season. Hypothermia is a risk when outdoors. As such, extra socks, underwear, shirt, pants, gloves and hat are essential items.

5. Sanitation items – toilet paper along with a small shovel, soap, feminine hygiene items, toothpaste, shampoo can keep you from feeling like a savage in the wild.

6. Pocketknife and/or multipurpose tool– both of these should be carried at all times. If you would choose carry one, a high-quality multipurpose tool should be your choice. Be sure that all the gadgets that you desire or on the multipurpose tool you choose.

7. Fire starting – some way to start a fire is critical including matches preferably waterproof, Bic lighter, or fire steel. You could also start a fire with steel wool and a 9 V battery.

8. Flashlight – a high lumen LED flashlight along with extra batteries will be extremely helpful during nighttime travels.

9. Cell phone – a cell phone and charger are essential parts of your communication plan. If cell phone towers are down during an emergency, emergency crews will work diligently to get the towers back up.

10. Extra cash – having extra cash on hand for an emergency can be critical to your success. I would recommend at least $100 kept on you at all times. Be sure to have small denominations since there may be no way to break the hundred dollar bill.

11. Medications – any prescription or nonprescription drugs that you need to stay healthy should be included in your kit with a minimum of three days supply. Be sure to have this for all members of your family.

12. First-aid kit – a basic first aid kit can come in extremely handy if it includes Band-Aids, sterile gauze, disinfectant, medical tape, medical scissors, disposable gloves, tweezers, cotton swab’s, thermometer, and a first aid manual. Any other additions can also be very helpful.

13. Documents – important documents like drivers license, passport, insurance policy, birth certificate, proof of address can all be useful. These may be stored on a thumb drive for emergency purposes. However, they may not suffice for authorities.

14. Map and compass – if you’re in an area that is unfamiliar, the map and compass can get you where you need to be. You must study how to use a compass along with a map to get your bearings.

15. Weather radio – a small battery operated radio will keep you informed of the current conditions and situation in your area. Also emergency personnel can tell you when and where to seek shelter if needed. Some emergency radios have solar panels or crank handles so that batteries are not needed. Some can charge cell phones, iPods or other electronic equipment.

16. Miscellaneous items that come in handy when an emergency arises but are not always necessary can include: body warmers for your feet and hands, sunglasses, and any other comfort items that you may need.

All these items should be carried with you at all times. You need to keep a bag in your vehicle with these items stored for your entire family. You never know when an emergency will happen and if you’re not prepared you will pay the price.

Tim

THRIVE Life Independent Consultant

http://www.foodstorage4u.thrivelife.com