Got Your 72hr Survival Kit Ready?
If Not, Should You?
Following recent press releases by the EU (European Commission) advising people to create 72hr Survival Kits (as a minimum safeguard), I felt it useful to give some indicators on what exactly that looks like and why.
This is just one press take on the EU announcement:
And an EU YouTube release:
The motivation behind all of this is actually not necessarily prepping for WW3, but naturally it’s a consideration at the back or forefront of our minds (depending on your feelings about the global unrest we all live in now).
Most countries have had a similar level of advice for many decades, the USA being seen as almost a standard but not recently given a “call to action”.
The Fundemental Reasons Why:
While the specific types and likelihood of natural disasters vary greatly from country to country due to geographical location, climate, and geological factors, some types of events are potential risks in virtually any nation:
1. Floods:
Why they are widespread: Heavy rainfall can occur almost anywhere, overwhelming drainage systems and causing rivers and lakes to overflow. Poor urban planning, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure can exacerbate flooding.
Examples: Riverine floods, flash floods, urban flooding, coastal flooding (though the latter is geographically limited to coastal areas).
2. Severe Storms:
Why they are widespread: Atmospheric instability can lead to various types of severe weather globally.
Examples:
Windstorms: High winds, which can occur in many types of weather systems, can cause damage to property and infrastructure.
Hailstorms: While more common in some regions, hailstorms can occur in many parts of the world, damaging crops, vehicles, and buildings.
Heavy Snow and Ice Storms: These can occur in colder climates, disrupting transportation, causing power outages, and damaging infrastructure due to the weight of snow and ice.
Dust Storms/Sandstorms: Arid and semi-arid regions are most susceptible, but these can extend beyond those areas under certain conditions, reducing visibility and causing respiratory issues.
3. Extreme Temperatures:
Why they are widespread: Heat waves and cold waves can occur in many different climate zones. Climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves in many regions.
Examples:
Heatwaves: Prolonged periods of high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and other health issues, as well as strain energy infrastructure and agriculture.
Cold Waves: Extended periods of very low temperatures can cause hypothermia, frostbite, and disruptions to infrastructure like frozen pipes.
4. Wildfires:
Why they are widespread: While more prevalent in areas with dry vegetation and hot, dry conditions, wildfires can occur in various ecosystems if there is a source of ignition (natural or human-caused) and sufficient fuel.
Examples: Forest fires, bushfires, grassland fires.
5. Landslides and Mudslides:
Why they are widespread: These can be triggered by heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and human activities like deforestation and construction on unstable slopes. Hilly or mountainous regions are generally more at risk, but even areas with moderate slopes can experience landslides under the right conditions.
While events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and hurricanes/typhoons are geographically more specific (occurring near fault lines, volcanoes, coastlines, and warm ocean waters, respectively), the disasters listed above have a broader potential to occur in almost any country, making preparedness for them generally relevant worldwide.
So, as you can see, potential natural disasters are a worthy consideration when considering creating a 72hr Survival Kit…to be fair, I would go further and look at the possibilities of putting together resources for around 2 weeks…just my thoughts.
The following is a guide of a bare minimum kit for one person, just to gauge what we might look at bringing together:
Water:
Goal: At least 3 liters (about 0.8 gallons) of water per person per day for drinking.
Easy Solution: Three 1-liter bottles of water. These are easy to carry and store. If you can manage more, that's even better.
Important Note: If you have space and the means, consider water purification tablets or a portable water filter as a backup.
Food:
Goal: Non-perishable, easy-to-eat food requiring no cooking. Aim for at least 2000 calories per day.
Easy Solutions (choose a few):
Energy bars (look for high calorie content) - 6-9 bars.
Canned goods with pull-top lids (beans, tuna, fruit) - 2-3 cans.
Dried fruit and nuts - a couple of small bags.
Ready-to-eat meals (like those for camping) - 2-3 pouches.
Important Note: Don't forget a manual can opener if you include canned goods without pull-tops.
First Aid:
Goal: Basic treatment for minor injuries.
Easy Solution (pre-made small first aid kit or assemble these):
Adhesive bandages (various sizes) - 10-15.
Antiseptic wipes - 5-10.
Pain relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) - a small packet.
A small roll of medical tape.
Gauze pads - a few.
Important Note: Include any personal medications you need (at least a 3-day supply).
Light and Communication:
Goal: A way to see in the dark and potentially signal for help or get information.
Easy Solutions:
Small hand-crank or battery-powered flashlight.
Extra batteries (if it's battery-powered).
A whistle.
A basic AM/FM radio (hand-crank or battery-powered) to get news updates.
Important Note: Consider a power bank for your mobile phone, although relying on phone networks during a disaster can be unreliable.
Warmth and Shelter:
Goal: Protection from the elements.
Easy Solutions:
Emergency blanket (lightweight and compact).
A change of clothes appropriate for the season (including long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes, if possible).
Important Note: If you live in a cold climate, consider extra layers like a hat and gloves.
Sanitation and Hygiene:
Goal: Maintaining basic hygiene.
Easy Solutions:
Moist towelettes - a small pack.
Hand sanitizer - a small bottle.
Garbage bags (can also be used for other purposes).
Toilet paper (travel-sized roll).
Important Documents and Information:
Goal: Having access to critical information.
Easy Solutions:
Copies of important documents (ID, insurance info, emergency contacts) in a waterproof bag.
Some cash in small denominations (ATMs and card readers might not work).
Important Note: Consider having a physical map of your local area.
Tools:
Goal: Basic problem-solving.
Easy Solutions:
Multi-tool or a basic knife?
Duct tape (small roll).
Container:
Goal: A way to carry everything.
Easy Solution: A sturdy backpack or a small duffel bag that is easy to carry.
Tips for Easy Assembly:
Start Now: Gather items gradually. You don't need to buy everything at once.
Look Around Your Home: You likely already have some of these items.
Keep it Accessible: Store your kit in a place where you can grab it quickly if needed.
Check and Update: Review your kit every six months. Replace food and water that have expired and check battery life. Update clothing for seasonal changes.
This list provides a foundation for a basic 72-hour survival kit. Depending on your specific needs and circumstances (e.g., if you have children, pets, or specific medical requirements), you may need to add additional items. However, this is a manageable starting point to ensure you have the essentials to get through the initial critical period of an emergency.
None of this is meant to be a message of impending doom, and this is useful advice whether off-grid or any other lifestyle choice.
I hope you find it useful.
Until Next Time
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Message Dominus Owen Markham
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