Staying Alive. What You Need In a Storm Survival Kit

Dec 28, 2012

Proper preparation for storms can make all the difference in how bad hurricanes and storms impact your life. With the season at its end, hopefully you were one of the few lucky Texans able to avoid any complications of hurricanes and storms.

Hurricanes Ike and Isaac took the season by storm, causing deaths, destruction and extreme power outages to many of Texas’ coastal cities. Some victims may have had to take out loans in Texas to help pay to fix the damages that cost the state, cities and citizens a large sum of money.

Take a proactive approach to storm protection by preparing a storm survival kit. We can’t always predict when bad things are going to happen, so it’s best to always be prepared.

Food And Water

Three days worth of non-perishables, such as canned goods, should be a major part of any survival kit. Be sure to include foods that do not make you thirsty and have a manual can opener. If you want to get fancy, include gas and charcoal camping grills.

Arguably the most important part of your survival kit is water. After a storm, normal water sources can be contaminated and water-processing systems may be down, halting the flow of running water. Federal Emergency Management Agency1 (FEMA) suggests 1 gallon per person a day for drinking and sanitation uses. it’s best to store purified, unopened water in its original bottling in cool dark places. It is possible to store your own tap water, but it is not suggested because not all containers are meant to store water. If you do choose to do this, be sure to research and acquire the right materials.

First Aid Kit

There are no limits when it comes to having a first-aid kit2; make your own or buy one pre-packaged. No matter how you choose to prepare, your kit should contain the following: Fire extinguisher; scissors and metal tweezers; antiseptic towelettes and alcohol pads; hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment and burn cream; antacid and pain-relief tablets; adhesive bandages. gauze and adhesive tape; plastic gloves; q-tips, sterile cloth and a washcloth.


A hand battery-operated radio is important when power and cell-phone towers are down, as radios keep you connected to the outside world and up-to-date on progress and rescue efforts. A flashlight, or other camping lights, are a must. Solar-powered charging ports and rechargeable batteries are a great way to keep cell phones and small electronics working. Candles, matches and lighters are a necessary back-up.

Apparel and Linens

Each person should have a warm blanket, and depending on your climate, multiple blankets to combat very cool temperatures. Long sleeves, jackets, coats and durable shoes are all musts. If you have the option, choose water-resistant sleeping bags3, shoes and jackets.




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