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20 April 2015

The Importance Of A Disaster Survival Kit

By Stella Gay


Life is unpredictable and disasters can strike at any moment. There is no planning when the moment is now and the world is in a state of chaos even if it is a temporary one. There is usually only panic and fear. This is why a disaster survival kit is a necessity for individuals and groups who want to ensure that the odds are in their favor if the unthinkable happens.

Kits of this nature are ideal for individual as well as group usage. Families for instance, need to ensure that they have one or more kits for these emergency situations. Each member of the family should also be aware of the location of the kits and have access to them.

One of the first things to include in any emergency care pack is first aid tools. Items such as band aids, rubbing alcohol and dressing salves for cuts and bruises are obviously very important for any post catastrophe situation. This is so because minor and major injuries are often features of disastrous happenings. First aid items in these kits will become important in these situations as the need to provide immediate help until aid agencies arrive becomes crucial.

It also important to bear in mind the health conditions that exist before the emergency situation arises. This is so because these health needs are likely to escalate after a traumatic experience such as a natural disaster. Heart patients therefore, should have their medication included in their kits. It is therefore important for each family or individual to make an assessment of the needs that are likely to arise in their unique situations.

Among the essential items for these kits are food and water. During times of turmoil brought about by disasters, survival items such as food and water may become scarce. In many cases, the suffering that people experience after the event is compounded by challenges faced as they try to access food and water. In fact, some disasters compromise the safety of water and food. When people consume food or water that is unsafe, other complications arise, sometimes resulting in death. Experts advise therefore, that people have enough food and water to last for between a few days to a week in the event that aid takes that long to arrive.

Also important for inclusion in the kits are movement aiding items. One such item is a flashlight or battery powered bulbs or lamps, and of course, batteries. These are important in the event that power goes out and visibility is required at night. Mobility can be hampered at night when there is no electricity and this is where alternate lighting sources such as flashlights become necessary.

Important official documents such as marriage and birth certificates should also be included in the packing. They should be carefully sealed to protect them from damage before they are added to the pack. Including these documents is important because life goes on after a disaster. It is easier to pick up the pieces when at least some of the pieces have been carefully preserved.

The video and photographic footage from disasters in various countries over the years should serve as reminders of the importance of preparedness. Even though predicting most disasters is impossible, preparing to deal with them is within the control of the individual. Those who prepare stand a greater chance of surviving should the unthinkable happen.




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