Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Urban Survival


What items do I need for urban survival?

There are many opinions regarding the items necessary for urban emergency preparedness. I have compiled the following list of items based on my training. The categories are listed in their order of importance.


WATER:

  • Water treatment using either boiling, filters, chemicals, purifiers, or a combination.
  • Minimum of 1 gallon of drinking water per person per day
  • Need of water storage. Depending on the situation this may include accordion type,
    collapsible, drums or other types of containers.
  • Must have a grey water storage and use system

SHELTER:

  • If housing is destroyed a 3-4 season tent or temporary shelter is needed.
  • If housing is intact personal warmth becomes the primary shelter concern.
  • Sleeping bags, thermal blankets and blankets are essential for keeping warm while sleeping.
  • Plenty of warm clothing that can be worn in layers, including thermal underwear
  • Some type of heating like space heaters, fire place or wood burning stove
  • An ample supply of fuel and fire starters for your heating devices(s)
  • Several sources of illumination, such as candle lanterns, flash lights as well as extra
    batteries and or fuel
  • Basic tools such as a shovel, ax and saw can be used for a multitude of tasks.
  • A weather and or AM/FM radio
  • Signaling devices such as mirrors, fluorescent markers or flare guns can be useful
    if you need to signal rescuers
  • Utility tarps can be used for many purposes, including temporary repair to your shelter
  • A first aid kit is an absolute necessity
  • Extra supplies of any prescription medications

FOOD:

  • EACH person needs at least 1200 calories per day
  • Food can be canned, freeze dried, dehydrated, or special survival rations.
  • A stove and fuel are essential
  • A food storage system must be used to ration and maintain food stores, pales barrels and other systems might be employed

HYGIENE:

  • Extra clothing
  • Containers and supplies to wash clothing by hand
  • Toilet paper
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Plenty of cloth towels
  • Soaps, possibly low water products like “ no-rinse” or biodegradable soaps

1 comment:

Offthe said...

Really love this idea and your suggestions!! I live in Texas and we were most definitely affected by Hurricane Katrina and then by Ike. I'm thinking about writing a blog this afternoon for those people who are staying at home and might
lose electricity. Most of your suggestions will be applicable for both! Kudos for a great blog once again!!
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