GetReadyGear Explains the Top 5 Items to Include in an Emergency Survival Kit

Online, February 15, 2010 (Newswire.com) - To help families and businesses stay prepared for an emergency or natural disaster the experts at GetReadyGear are offering a list of the essential items to include in an emergency survival kit.

"Staying prepared for emergencies and natural disasters is very important," notes Jim Serre of GetReadyGear. "If you cannot afford to purchase an already assembled emergency survival kit, then you could easily make one of your own. Just be sure it contains the following five essential items."

1. Food and Water
During an emergency it is important to stay well hydrated. Any emergency survival kit should have a sufficient supply of water, as well as sanitary ways to drink it. A good option is disposable water boxes that are similar to juice boxes, but with pure water instead of juice. Because of their shape, you can easily pack a dozen or so boxes in your kit. They are easy to open, and recyclable. For additional security, you can purchase water purification tables that will allow you to create pure water, by eliminating viruses and cysts.

Proper food rations are also essential for any 72 hour survival kit. Although many people generally include a few canned goods in their kits, they can be difficult to open, often require water or heat and are heavy. Instead, you should consider investing in emergency meal packs, or survival bars.

2. First Aid Supplies
Every 72 hour emergency kit should also contain the essential first aid supplies, including bandages, gauze, gloves, antibiotic ointment, etc. Although this may seem like a "no brainier," you should take the time to ensure that your first aid kit has all of the supplies you would need in an emergency.

3. Sanitation Supplies
In an emergency situation, or natural disaster, sanitation will become an issue. Since you might be without water for hours or even days, it is important to have items like hand sanitizer, and sanitary wipes in your 72 hour emergency kit. Additionally, since you might be without a working bathroom it is a good idea to include a bucket and emergency toilet seat, or a portable toilet with your emergency kit.

4. Communication
If you are injured in an off-road accident, lost in the woods, or stuck inside during an earthquake, then you may need a way to signal that you need help. It is a good idea to keep some type of communication device in your survival kit. A simple whistle can be effective, but you could also opt for flare guns, flashlights, sirens, two-way radios, etc.

5. Shelter and Light
If you find yourself in an emergency situation that you cannot get out of, then you might have to stay in a safe place until help arrives. You should always have a light source in your survival kit (both a flashlight and candles are best), as well as materials to create an emergency shelter. This could include a tarp and string to build a tent, or an emergency privacy shelter. It is also a good idea to keep a sleeping bag, or thermal blankets with your shelter supplies so that you can stay warm during a cold night.