Choosing the right survival kit

Which survival kit is right for me?

Choosing the right survival kit for your family or business depends on several key factors.

Determine the Purpose of the Kit
Is the kit for:

Natural disasters (earthquake, hurricane, flood)?

Power outages or winter storms?

Evacuation or shelter-in-place?

A business continuity or employee safety plan?

For families: Focus on comprehensive daily needs and comfort.
For businesses: Include provisions for liability, employee safety, and continuity.

Decide How Many People and How Long
Survival kits are often labeled by:

# of people: 1, 2, 4, 10, etc.

Duration: 72 hours (standard), 7 days, or longer.

Rule of thumb: Plan for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency per person.

Check for These Core Components
A good survival kit should include:

Category Essentials
Water 1 gallon/person/day (or water pouches + filtration tablets/devices)
Food Non-perishables with long shelf life (MREs, energy bars)
Shelter/Warmth Mylar blankets, ponchos, tents, hand warmers
First Aid Comprehensive kit + meds, sanitation supplies
Tools/Lighting Flashlight (with batteries), multi-tool, whistle, radio
Communication Emergency contact info, signaling tools
Sanitation Toilet bags, wipes, masks, gloves
Documents Copies of IDs, insurance, contact info

Consider Special Needs
Factor in:

Children and babies (diapers, formula)

Elderly (medications, mobility aids)

Pets (food, leash, waste bags)

Medical conditions (extra prescriptions)

For businesses: accessibility, diverse needs, employee count

Portability & Storage
Portable kits (in backpacks): Ideal for evacuation

Shelter-in-place kits: Bulkier, stored on-site (home, office)

Waterproof, clearly labeled containers are ideal.

Pre-Made vs Custom Kits
Pre-made kits: Fast, convenient, usually cover basics.

Custom kits: Ideal for tailoring to personal or business-specific needs.

Maintenance Plan
Review your kit every 6–12 months

Replace expired items

Update based on changing needs (e.g., new family member, new location)