Protect yourself, consider a survival bag.

Many suggest that the contents of a survival bag contain enough to keep you going for 72 hours and up to a week. That would have to be a very large bag and not too many people would have the money for that or be able to grab and run with a bag that large. If you are one of the lucky ones that can do this, that is great. If you are not then just make sure your bag has the essentials for a few days.

Get a back pack because in an emergency you can sling that over your shoulder and carry it on your back so it will not be separated from you. You can even have a back pack for each person in the family. Just be sure everyone knows where they are and make sure to do drills, especially if you have children. Drills make it so there is no panic when an emergency actually does arise. It will be automatic for everyone to quickly stop and grab their survival bag and proceed to a safe area.

A disaster bag should have a flashlight. It can be a battery operated one with fresh batteries included or you can get one of the new crank flashlights. You take the handle and crank it and it will stay lit for a time. When it dies out again you just have to give it some more cranks and it will continue to work. Also include a battery operated radio or get a crank radio. You will be able to hear what is going on in the community and proceed with instructions.

You will also need a first aid kit that will include some antiseptic, gauze and bandages. If you are prone to acid stomach and headaches put some antacids and pain reliever in too. Any medication taken on a regular basis should be included but always remove it every so often and replace it with new medication so it will not expire when you need to use it. If you take medication that has to be refrigerated you can try to get to the refrigerator on your way to safety. If it is too dangerous do not try it. If you take insulin be sure to put some syringes in the survival bag. If you cannot get to your medications find a Red Cross volunteer as soon as the emergency is over. They can usually get emergency insulin to diabetics in a short period of time.

Those that wear contacts may want to put a contact case and solution in the survival bag so they can clean their contacts and take them out for a period of time. You might want to throw in your old glasses too. If you are a woman you might want to include a few feminine products just in case the disaster happens when you will need them.

Copy your drivers license, ID card, health insurance documentation, social security card, policy for your home, car or renters insurance. You might need them following the emergency and not be able to get to the originals. Do not put the originals in the bag however, just use copies. Put in a small amount of money so you can purchase things if you have to. You probably will not find too many ATM machines working during a disaster.

You can include candy bars or energy bars because they last a long time and put in crackers, bagged tuna and non perishables. A pocket knife would be very helpful in some cases. Make sure to put in some matches. Some articles of clothing including clean underwear and socks should be store in the bag if you have room. There are blankets you can get that will retain heat or reflect it away. Place some family pictures in the bag so you can give them to searchers if you become separated. This will aid in the search. Make sure to put in a whistle. Should you become buried under rubble you can be heard if you blow on a whistle.

A survival bag can make a big difference during a disaster or severe power outage. It can mean the difference between life and death in some cases. Place it in an area that is easy to get to and take it with you on the way to the basement or outside to a safety area. Even those that do not have a lot of money can get a bag ready to take with them if they need to vacate the area quickly. You do not know how much it can save you if you need it.

Find out more about the essentials you will require in case of an emergency today! There are many supplies needed for 72 hour kits to be effective. Having a survival bag can protect you and your family in case of a disaster!