Being ready for whatever the future might hold in store is essential. Of course, since no one really knows what tomorrow may bring, being ready for virtually any development is all but impossible. At the same time, survival situations don’t exactly announce themselves before they come to pass. That means you never know exactly when you’ll need to be ready to spring into action. Still, you can take certain measures to be as ready as possible for many survival scenarios that may arise.
Taking a Look at Survival Essentials
No matter what type of survival scenario or apocalyptic situation you want to be prepared for, certain essential gear and supplies are universal. Companies like Prepared Bee offer a selection of gear for emergency survival situations. Having the tools, you’ll need to keep yourself and your family safe is crucial whether you’re weathering a natural disaster or facing a nuclear attack. Take a look at some of the essentials you’ll need to have on hand to survive if push comes to shove.
Water
Water is necessary for life, so that’s certainly one of the supplies you’ll want to stock up on. Just how much a person needs per day varies depending on age, climate, and level of physical activity. On average, though, adults need to consume at least half a gallon of water each day just to keep their bodies functioning properly. If it’s hot outside, more is required. Those who are constantly on the move, as you’d likely be in a survival situation, should drink even more.
Keep in mind, that’s only the amount of water each person needs to drink. You’ll need water for cooking, hygiene, and other tasks as well. Granted, it would be impossible to carry around enough water to meet all those needs for an extended period. As such, consider purchasing personal water filters or water purification tablets. That way, you can make use of nearby water sources, like lakes and streams. These water sources may appear clean, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe for consumption. Countless dangerous microorganisms could be lurking within, so being equipped with some form of filtration or purification is essential.
Food
Food is another no-brainer, but many people aren’t quite sure of how to properly prepare to feed their families if the foods we’re accustomed to become scarce. Canned foods are certainly an option. They have a fairly long shelf life, and numerous varieties are available. That being said, they’re bulky and heavy. If you’re preparing to weather a survival situation in a bunker or at home, canned foods may suffice. Otherwise, it would be best to choose other alternatives.
Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods are a better option if you’ll be surviving on the move. All the water has been taken out of these items, taking most of their weight with them. That means they’re easier to carry, and they take up less space. Some can be eaten as is whereas others simply require a little hot water to get them ready to enjoy.
Keep in mind, though, even carrying around enough survival-oriented rations to last several days would be difficult, and these handy, nutritious options will eventually run out. Because of that, you need to be prepared to live off the land. Research which foliage, mushrooms, berries, and other natural foods are safe to eat.
Equip yourself with fishing gear, like line, hooks, and lures. Providing the water and the fish within aren’t contaminated due to a nuclear incident or other disaster, you’ll be able to keep your family full and healthy with that extra protein. With the right skills, you can use snares and other resources to catch additional proteins as well.
Some people might be quick to point out that you could simply use a gun for hunting game. That’s certainly another option to consider. Remember, though, in a true survival situation, ammunition might be in limited supply. As such, saving the gun and ammo for self-defense might be a better choice. Still, if you happen to need to defend yourself against a spooked deer or an angry bird, there’s no point in wasting a good meal, right?
Fire
Fire is yet another must-have if you’re facing a survival scenario. Whether you’re lost in the woods for a few days or heading for safer territory in a major widespread disaster, you’ll need fire for cooking, staying warm, and other activities. Lighters and matches are the easiest options here, but they’re not always reliable. Matches and lighter fluid will eventually run out, leaving you in the lurch.
Consider arming yourself with a fire starter, like a Ferro rod or flint and steel. Those will last longer, and they’re less likely to let you down when you need them most. If you’re prepping for the future, think about saving your dryer lint and packing it into a Ziplock baggie. Dryer lint makes great kindling, and it can be compacted to fit nicely into your survival gear or bugout bag.
Shelter
You’ll need shelter, too. For that, a small, lightweight tent is a great option. You don’t need a large, luxurious model like you might use for a leisurely camping trip; a compact version with just enough room to lie down or escape the rain is perfect. Tarps make for suitable shelter as well, and they can serve multiple purposes. Be sure to have a sleeping bag on hand, too. Those that are meant for cold weather may be a bit much during the summer months, but you could always use them for added padding to make sleeping on the ground more comfortable.
Tools and Self-Defense
Having the right tools and self-defense measures at the ready is also recommended. Pack a multi-tool or survival knife for cutting, prying, and other needs and a sturdy fixed-blade knife for heavy-duty tasks. You may want to buy a hatchet for cutting firewood and limbs for building a shelter. Paracord, duct tape, and a small sewing kit could all come in handy as well.
In terms of self-defense, pepper spray can offer a certain amount of protection against wild animals and would-be wrongdoers. It’s not quite enough to provide full security, though. This is where a firearm with extra ammo would come into play. Those knives you have for other purposes may offer some protection against attackers, too.
First-Aid Kit
First-aid kits are crucial in survival situations, so they should never be left out of the mix. Be sure to choose a well-rounded one that’s stocked with supplies for a variety of problems. Bandages, gauze, and antiseptic are essential for disinfecting and covering cuts and scrapes whereas a tourniquet may be necessary for severe injuries.
Pain medications can control pain and bring down fevers. Adding allergy medications to the mix may also be helpful. If anyone in your party suffers from asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, take care to pack the extra supplies they’ll need as well. If you don’t want to purchase a pre-packaged first-aid kit, there’s no harm in creating your own customized version.
Light and Power Sources
Light and power sources shouldn’t be left out of the mix, either. Pack flashlights, headlamps, or both if you want to be extra cautious. Don’t forget about spare batteries because without those, your light sources may be useless. As an alternative to battery-operated lights, you can purchase shake lights. They simply need to be shaken for a quick recharge. If you’d like to survive in slightly more comfort and you have enough hands to manage it, a portable solar-powered generator could certainly be helpful.
Communication and Navigation
These days, everyone has at least one phone on them at all times. As such, people generally give little thought to communication and other related aspects. All you have to do is tap a name in your contact list to make a call or send a text. Besides that, there’s an app for everything, including news, maps, star charts, GPS, and compasses. In a major emergency, though, phones may be useless. With that in mind, be sure to have a standard magnetic compass and paper maps for navigation. A survival radio and two-way radios may also prove helpful.
Extra Essentials to Keep in Mind
In addition to all those supplies, certain other items could help foster your survival efforts. Consider packing extra clothing if you can, so you’ll be ready for all types of temperatures and weather. A rain suit can give you a bit of extra protection without adding much weight. Depending on the type of emergency situation you’re facing, a gas mask and extra filters may be necessary. Of course, you’ll need a heavy-duty backpack to store as many items in as possible and make carrying them much easier.
Facing Survival Situations with All the Right Gear
Keep all these factors in mind if you’re preparing for a worst-case scenario. You may need to sacrifice a few extras to make room for the absolute essentials, but with the right gear and packing skills, you should be able to keep the basic necessities on hand. Don’t hesitate to customize your survival kit based on your unique needs. Be sure to check all your gear regularly and perform maintenance and repairs as needed. All this will help keep you safe in an emergency situation and ensure you have what you need to survive.