Creating a Survival Pack: Lasting Five Days
by D.J.I.

A list of basic items that are needed to prepare a survival pack to support you through a disaster or emergency for five days or more.

Brisbane was hit with what has been said as the worst storm in 20 years or more on Sunday November 16, 2008 and was hit with another two severe storms in the 4 days following. Many people have no electricity, houses are damaged or destroyed, cars have been crushed by trees and debris is everywhere. Some places literary look like a battle zone.

In this time, many people have lost everything and now have to rely on others for the bare essentials. Something that could help in this instance and in the future is to have prepared a survival pack that will support you for at least 5 days.

Here are some basic things you can put together in a back pack and keep in a convenient place in case a disaster or emergency arises.

Clothing

Grab all sorts of clothing including things for warm and cool temperatures. These can also double as a pillow at night. If you don't want to put your good clothes in there then go to an op-shop or second hand clothing store and pick up some cheap clothes. Remember this is for an emergency so you really don't have to be in the most stylish clothes. A scarf, hat and rain coat are important items to have.

Food

Without food you will go hungry, loose energy and become sick. The foods you need to pack need to be pre-cooked. Dried foods, muesli bars and some canned goods will do fine but foods that require heating or large amounts of water to cook are not ideal. Make sure the food you pack is liked by yourself and your children if you have them. Idea foods include dried fruit and nuts, energy and muesli bars, jerky, tin fish, canned fruits etc.

Water

Water is essential to life so this is a crucial element of your pack. You can get by on 2 litres (half a gallon) of water per day so 10 liters (2 and a half gallons) of water will last 5 days. Bottled water is best for the pack as it's already treated and will keep for a long time. It is also good to have water purifying tablets just in case you need to use other water sources. Flavor sachets are also nice to make the water taste a little better.

With food and water, you'll also need utensil to eat with and maybe even some preparation equipment if you decide to get some food that needs heating. I know some people that have small hexamine tablet stoves that heat very quickly.

Shelter

You will need something to protect you from the elements whether its rain, sun or just the night. A tarpaulin (tarp) is easier to carry and use and will keep you dry and protected. A lightweight hiking sleeping bag is also ideal to keep you warm.

First-Aid

You never know when you might need a band-aid or bandage so put together a small first-aid kit containing lots of band-aids, bandages, antiseptic cream, pins, tweezers, scissors, alcoholic cleaning wipes, disposable towels, antibacterial soap, insect repellent, cold pack and adhesive tape. This is a basic kit that will get you through most minor injuries.

Hygiene

This is important as during a disaster such as flood, some things can get contaminated. Make sure you put liquid soap, waterless soap (in case there is no water), disposable wipes and towels, Aloe Vera, feminine products and plastic bags. For women, a few feminine products are important and if you have little children or babies, make sure you have enough nappies and wipes.

Personal Items

It is always a good idea to have personal items and information stored safely. This includes medications you need, contact numbers and addresses, social security numbers, tax numbers, copies of insurance policies, birth certificates, bank details, and other important documents.

Survival Items

You will also need a few extra items that may come in handy such as rope, pocket knife, matches, compass, battery radio, batteries, multi-tool, fire starters, fire steel, compact shovel, and a map.

So here is your basic list of items. Remember to personalize the list to suit you and make sure you have one pack per person including children, although a child's pack will be very light and not contain much. It is also a good idea to put everything in water proof bags and also include a few toys to keep the kids occupied.

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