Toughen Up Tuesday: Are You Packed?

Disaster can strike at anytime. Sometimes it's good to have a plan for when that happens. One of the things my dad taught me was to have a "survival" bag ready.

When I got my first car, he gave me a bag. It had a bunch of stuff to help if my car got a little funky, like jumper cables, an air compressor and attachment, emergency road markers, gloves, bungee cables, and other things like that. But I also ended up adding in some things, like a towel, water bottles, WD40, and other helpful things. Water bottles were the best, because they worked as a funnel in a tough situation, kept you hydrated, helped melt away stubborn snow or ice in a bind or helped wash off your windows if your wipers decided they didn't want to work. The WD40 helped when those lugnuts just didn't want to budge. And everyone knows you shouldn't go anywhere without a towel. I might consider adjusting it more after I read some recommendations on Survival Life.

That bag kept me prepared for all car issues. Sometimes, though, we just might want to be prepared for all sorts of mishaps. I am scared to death of tornadoes - pack a bag for that. Maybe you live in an area where there are tons of wildfires - pack a bag for an emergency exit. Maybe your significant other just went into labor - pack a bag for that.

Whatever it is, think about what you would pack. Below are some survival bag recommendations. You can never be too safe and, as I learned in Girl Scouts: "Always be prepared!"

According to Survival Life, here is how you should prep for 12, 24, 48, or 72 hour survival:

First, all bags need a First Aid Kit (adjust as you see fit or buy a premade one):

• Adhesive bandages of all sizes
• Gauze pads
• Gauze tape
• Antibiotic cream
• Alcohol pads/wipes
• Cold pack
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Any prescription medications you take
• OTC pain and/or allergy relief medications

Other general items to keep in a kit no matter what it's for are:

• Flashlight (headlight, handheld, lantern, etc.)
• A way to communicate (Sometimes phones are good enough or towers go down. Maybe a walkie-talkie or two-way radio.)
• Water
• Some food (If it's a survival for more than a day out hiking or heading out into the big wide world, you probably want to stash more than some snack bars and jerky.)
• Swiss Army Knife (If you've never considered it before, consider it now. It's a great, multi-purpose tool to have.)
• Paracord
• Poncho
• Bandana (This has numerous uses, such as protection from the sun, breathing mask, or rag.)
• Towel (Seriously... always have a towel.)

Depending on what kind of event you're packing for, you will need to adjust rations and materials.

For example:

• Toilet paper (maybe pack this no matter what...)
• Soap
• Other toiletries
• Fire starters
• Maps and compass
• Extra clothing (socks and gloves are great recommendation)
• Hand warmers or a battery fan (depending on climate or time of year)
• Hat
• Overnight gear (sleeping bag, tent, etc.)
• Axe
• Fishing kit
• Batteries
• Cooking Materials
• Bug Spray
• Suntan Lotion
• A secret stash of a little money

So whatever emergency you want to have a survival bag for, make one up today. I consider the car one to be essential, but pick what fits your lifestyle.