One thing that is predictable today is that tomorrow is unpredictable. Weather patterns have changed significantly and have brought about floods, wildfires, tsunamis, and hurricanes among other natural disasters. Earthquakes have also increased over the past few years.
In addition to natural disasters, unpredictable things can take place at home such as fire, the collapse of a building or fighting that may force you to evacuate from your home.
In order not to be caught unawares, you need to have a survival kit that will sustain you before you get help from others. In most areas prone to disaster, many people are advised to have survival kits ready.
Why Possess a Survival Kit?
1. It is Trustworthy
Survival kits that are already packed contain items that have been checked and approved for quality. Your safety is thus guaranteed. Some kits have a guide on how to use the items in the kit which makes it easier for you to effectively make use of the kit.
2. It Saves You Time
During an emergency, you may not have time to pack the items you require. Besides, you may not be in your right mind and thus forget to pack some items. When you have a survival kit ready, it saves you time and allows you to immediately evacuate the premises.
3. It Helps You Stay Prepared
Having a survival kit will help you stay prepared at all times. You will not need to worry about missing any items during the most crucial moments of your life.
Buying a Kit vs. Packing Your Own Kit
Some people prefer buying survival kits since it saves them effort and time they would spend packing one. Others prefer making their own kits since it is much cheaper. What should you do?
Packing your own kit is definitely cheaper. It will contain everything you need, some of which may not be found in kits that are bought in stores.
Things such as medication for any condition you have may not be included in the kits purchased from stores.
However, you need to research what you need since it is easy to forget some items that may be essential.
Buying a kit will cost you more than packing your own kit. An advantage to buying a kit is that you do not have to individually purchase the items required. Some purchased kits also come with instructions which can help you in case you do not know how to use some items in the kit.
If you are an expert in handling disasters and you know exactly what you will require, then you can pack your own kit. For most people who are not sure what they require and which brand of items are of good quality, it is advisable to buy a kit from the store.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a Kit
1. Number of People
Some kits can sustain just one person while others are designed to cater to large groups. Before purchasing a kit, ensure you know how many people you will be and buy a kit that will cater to all of you.
To avoid burdening one person with all the weight, you can purchase a kit for each individual. This is safer since circumstances may dictate that you separate. If only one person carries the kit, the rest will suffer. If you have a toddler, you may have to carry what they need in your kit.
2. Expiration Date of Items
Some items in survival kits have expiration dates. Such items include food, water, and medication among other things.
Always check the dates and avoid purchasing a kit with items that are close to the expiration date.
If possible, buy a kit that has items expiring in two or more years.
Even if you do not use your kit since no disaster has stricken in your area, always remember to replace any items that are close to expiring.
This will prevent you from experiencing further distress during a disastrous situation.
3. How Long Can the Kit Last You?
Some kits contain items that can last you for a day or slightly longer. Since you are not sure how long you will wait before receiving any help or reaching your destination, it is best to purchase kits that will last you a bit longer. Probably a week or two. The most important things that should be in great quantity are food and water.
4. Kit Size
When you go shopping for a kit, you will come across compact kits and larger ones. Of course, the larger kits have more items which are advantageous. However, it may be a bit bulky and this may slow you down in situations that require you to move fast.
You thus have to consider what is necessary for your situation and purchase a compact kit that has what you require.
5. Additional Items
If you decide to purchase a kit instead of packing on, you should still go through the items in the kit and determine whether you need any items. This should be the case if you take medication for any disease you have such as high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease or any other.
Apart from medication, you may need other items such as toothpaste, toothbrush, and toys for toddlers to soothe them.
6. What Do You Need?
One problem people face is differentiating between what they need and what they want. They thus end up packing a lot of items they do not need which leads to further frustration during a disaster due to the bulkiness of the kit and lack of items they really need.
Before packing any item, ask yourself if you really need it. Additionally, when packing items such as food, consider things that will actually benefit you instead of packing junk food.
At BriteSafety, you will get quality products you can pack in your survival kits. We have first aid kits that contain everything you need in case of any injuries and other survival items. Visit the categories section today, go through the items listed and purchase what you require for your survival kit. Do not wait until it is too late.
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