A disaster can strike at any moment without warning and if you’re not prepared mentally/physically and with supplies… You and your families chances of survival are slim to none! Having an Emergency urban survival kit is essential as it will help mitigate the problems faced in a disaster situation. But what should your urban survival kit include? Fortunately, by talking to others who’ve survived through disasters… we have a good idea of what you’ll need.
90% of people in a disaster situation are rescued within 72 hours of when the disaster first hit. Because the large majority of emergency situations are resolved within 3 days…it’s recommended that your urban survival kit will last you at least 3 days. Keep in mind that although emergency relief workers will be able to initially provide you with basic needs… services such as electricity, sewage treatment, telephones, internet, gas and water can be out of service for weeks!
So what essential items should your emergency urban survival kit include? Consider the following:
- A minimum of 3 gallons of water per person (1 gallon per day)
- 3 days worth of non perishable food per person
- LED flashlight + extra batteries
- Hand cranked radio
- Basic first aid kit
- Whistle
- Wrench (to turn off utilities)
- Garbage bags
- Toilet paper
- Sanitizer/Bleach
- Large Tarp
- Local Maps
- Utility Knife
- prescription medication
- ID’s, Passports, and important documents
- Out of town contact information
- Emergency Cash/Visa
- Lighter/matches
Keep in mind, this list if for an extremely basic kit. We suggest you have multiple kits for different scenarios. You should have an EDC (everyday carry) kit, a kit for your vehicles, a basic urban survival kit at home, and a BOB (bug out bag). The more you prepare the better off you’ll be when shtf!
Suggested Reading:
When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes
This is not your father’s scout manual or a sterile FEMA handout. It entertains as it informs, describing how to maximize a survival mind-set necessary for self-reliance.