A look at the ideal emergency bags

 

If history has taught anything, it's that disasters can happen at any time and when you least expect them. People have to do what they can to prepare themselves for the worst. This is why disaster survival kits or bags need to become a must-have for every household.

Image source: stormassist.org

According to public safety expert Martin Lloyd Sanders, the contents of emergency bags should have everything a person or a small group would need to survive for a few days.

Below is a shortlist of the essentials.

1. First aid kit

There is perhaps nothing more essential to an emergency bag than a first aid kit. From cleaning and patching up small wounds to preventing infection to providing the basic medication, first aid kits are nothing but indispensable to a person's survival.

Image source: maca.gov.nt.ca 

2. Water (at least a few liters) and water bottles

Many survival experts say that the rule of thumb of putting together an emergency bag is having at least a liter of water a day. Also, it's best to use reusable water bottles instead of plastic mineral water bottles since the plastic could contaminate the water if left sitting for a long time.

3. Bleach

Bleach is a surprising addition to an emergency bag mainly because it can be used to help disinfect water from sources like tap or rivers or lakes, Martin Lloyd Sanders adds.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, is an expert in biological safety and security. He has used his skills in his involvement in resolving biosafety and biosecurity issues both in the U.S. and abroad. Read more about his expertise on this page.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States Government.