9 Must Have Survival Tools

Disaster scenarios are occurring with a much greater frequency than at any time in history.  Whether it is a natural disaster or manmade disaster, you and your family must be prepared for anything.  In order to increase your family’s chances of survival in a disaster scenario you should have the following nine things:

1.    Water purification tablets

Water is the most crucial element to survival.  The average adult can last only three days without water.  Dehydration can kick in well before the three-day mark, and if you’re an avid survivalist, you know that extreme dehydration equals hallucinations.  Hallucinations can get you killed in a disaster scenario.  Water purification tablet enable you to take seemingly contaminated water and quickly turn it into potable water.  Having water purification tablets doesn’t guarantee your survival in a disaster environment, but it definitely increases you and your family’s chances.

2.    MRE’s

Next to water, food is going to be your most important resource in a disaster scenario.  MRE’s or meals-ready-to-eat have been around for years, and militaries around the world still feed their soldiers this way.  Most MRE’s come with a heating pouch that will heat your food for you once you add water.  MRE’s are a cheap, portable, and high-energy way to endure your survival during and after a disaster.

3.    Magnesium fire starting stick

So now that you have your water and food handled, it’s time to get a heat source up and going.  Hypothermia can kill you faster than starvation and dehydration, so a heat source is crucial to you and your family’s survival.  Matches and lighters go out very quickly, and are rendered ineffective when wet.  The best way to ensure your ability to start a fire post-disaster is to carry a magnesium fire starting stick.  The sticks are only a few inches long and can be worn around your neck as a necklace.  To start a fire with a magnesium stick you just scrape your knife along the edge of the stick and ample sparks are produced.  Magnesium fire starting sticks will ensure you a fire source when you need it most.

4.    Duct tape

Duct tape may seem like a silly survival tool, but any veteran survival expert will tell you that the uses for duct tape in a disaster scenario are endless.  You can use it to lash things together, bandage wounds, repair machinery, and many other uses.  It barely takes up any space and it can save you and your family when it counts.

5.    First-Aid kit

A First-aid kit seems like an obvious thing to have, but you’d be surprised how many families do not have a first-aid kit in their home.  Spending a few extra bucks and purchasing the all-inclusive kit that has everything under the sun is worth the investment.  Make sure that your kit includes both a tourniquet and clotting powder.  These two things can save a life when utilized under the correct circumstances.

6.    Knife

Yes, back to basics.  A knife is one of the most important tools in your survival tool kit.  Purchase a durable blade and keep it sharp.  A good knife is critical in most survival scenarios.

7.    Machete

Some people may say, “Oh, I don’t need a machete.  I have my knife.”  Do not listen to them.  A machete is a very different tool than a knife and they should never be used to perform the others job unless absolutely necessary.  With a machete, you can clear a forested area for a home or for a landing zone.  Good luck clearing a landing zone with your trusty knife.  You can also utilize your machete to chop branches for building materials.

8.    Iodine

Many people forget about the largest threat posed by a nuclear-disaster: the radiation.  You don’t have to be in the blast zone to die from the effects of the radiation.  Your only hope at that point would be iodine.  Always a good idea to carry a bottle in your survival bag.

9.    Sub-zero sleeping bags

The last but, maybe most important thing is a sub-zero sleeping bag.  If utilities are knocked out or you are forced into the wild then you are going to need a good sleeping bag for those chilly nights.  Just make sure it’s rated for below zero temperatures.

Keeping these nine survival tools close at hand in case of a disaster is not a guarantee that you will survive, but it will greatly increase the chances of you and your family making it out alive.