How to Create an Emergency Survival Kit

No matter where you live, it’s important to be ready for emergencies. Whether it’s a cold spell, power outage, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, fire or countless other natural or manmade disasters, preparation is your best defense against potential tragedy. 

Because the truth of the matter is: You Never Know. We’ve seen that all too well with unexpected and devastating events like COVID and the Texas freeze.

I often talk about preparedness in terms of having a supply of food, water, extra cash, extra medicines and some silver or something to barter. That’s the broad stroke. 

Let’s get specific and talk about other items that also should be in your emergency survival kit.  You might need to make some tweaks based on where you live, but these are solid recommendations.  

You can find most of the following at a local sporting goods store, Costco, Target or a dollar store.  And, of course, there is always Amazon. Make sure that you have the first four items in place as soon as you can. Then you can put the rest of your kit together gradually (although I would keep it top of mind so that you make it happen.)

1. Water. Have both bottled water and gallons. I’m always picking up extra water at the grocery store, usually at least two to three and a half gallons a week.
2. Food. Have a supply of canned boxed food that can stay for a long time. You might have some backup frozen food, but don’t rely on your freezer because of power outages. You should also store longer-term freeze-dried food that can last for years. 
3. First Aid Kit. Include prescriptions, vitamins, antibiotics, antibacterial ointment, Band-Aids, alcohol antiseptic, aspirin and allergy medicine.
4. Extra Cash. Credit cards don’t work when the power goes out so you need hard cash. Get lots of singles, some fives and tens and larger bills for your cash pile.
5. Silver. It’s hard to get silver, but it’s good to have on hand because many states have now approved it as a currency. 
6. Something To Barter With. If things get rough, food may run short.  People aren’t going to care about money.  Have something to barter with like extra food, alcohol or medical supplies. 
7. Warm Clothes. Make sure you have socks, a hat, jacket and boots. Cooling off is a lot easier to do than staying warm.
8. Pet Supplies. Have an extra leash, feeding bowls, medicine and toys for your pet. And don’t forget extra food and water. 
9. Backpack. In California, we have “bug out” bags in case of earthquakes where we have supplies already put away in a bag just in case we need to leave the house in a hurry. 
10. Blankets/Sleeping Bags. It’s terrific if you can create a safe alternate heating system in your home, but makes sure you have a ready supply of blankets and sleeping where you can cuddle up together and share body heat.
11. Candles. An assortment of candles and even a gas lantern is important for lighting. I also saw tea candles and a large clay pot used to create a primitive heating source.  Place the pot upside down over the candles and then put the pot coaster on top of the pot. The heat does not escape through the hole in the pot but rather radiates from the pot. 
12. Gas/Propane. Necessary energy sources to provide warmth.
13. Camp Stove. An important addition that you can use to boil water and heat food. 
14. Matches/Lighter. Get some big boxes of matches and lighters because you will use these quite a bit. 
15. Wood. Have enough wood for at least a week and don’t forget the newspaper of fire starters for kindling.  
16. Solar Thermos. Again, a helpful alternative power source to heat water and make a hot meal. 
17. Flashlights/Batteries. Have an assortment of different flashlights from the big, heavy duty ones with strobe and high beam features to smaller-sized ones. And, of course, a supply of batteries.
18. Solar Cell Phone Charger. Communication is your lifeline so you need an alternative source of power when your batteries are running low.  Your car battery is one source, but it only lasts for so long.  So invest in a solar charger. 
19. Battery-Operated Radio. This might be your only way to connect with people and find out what’s going on. 
20. Swiss Army Knife. A great tool with an extra knife, can opener, scissors and more. 
21. Duct Tape. A lifesaver because of its flexibility to attach, tie together and seal things. 
22. Tarp With Rope. Used as to create a makeshift shelter or roof. 
23. Hand Sanitizer/Bleach. Indispensable for cleaning and sanitizing. 
24. Garbage Bags. Very handy to store items, haul things and collect garbage.You want to get a variety of sizes. 
25. Toilet Paper. Nothing needs to be said about this one except have lots of extra rolls.  
26. Written Emergency Information. Nowadays everything is in our phones. So you need an alternative if it is not working.  Go old school with a notebook filled with the numbers and addresses of friends and relatives, doctors, stores, gas stations and anything you might need in an emergency. 

Please adapt and add other items to your own emergency survival kit. You’ll be able to weather through a crisis very well and not be stressed waiting in line or hustling for things because you’ve already got everything taken care of. That’s part of being wealthy and smart. 

Want financial freedom?

Get your free report: "3 Easy Steps to Maximize Your Wealth Building". You're about to learn 3 things to accelerate your wealth building, that you won't hear from most financial experts.

GIVE IT TO ME!

Please check your email. Thanks