Disasters can happen at any moment. You might not be able to avoid them, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t prepare for them. Having a proper survival plan in place can definitely help you get through even the most difficult situations. Improve your chances of survival by following these essential disaster preparedness tips when SHTF. (h/t to Survivopedia.com)

Learn what potential disasters your area could face

Different geographical locations face different kinds of natural disasters. Read up on your local area’s history to find out what kind of disasters your area is prone to. Does your area frequently experience hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural calamities? Once you know the past, you can be better prepared for the future. Finding out what you are likely to face can go a long way in helping you formulate your survival plan. (Related: You need to know these 8 essential survival tips to prepare you for the next catastrophe.)

Sign up for emergency alerts

It is important to stay informed and up-to-date on your local news and weather reports. Nowadays, you can easily sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone. That way, you can always know ahead of time when severe weather is on its way.  There are also plenty of emergency apps you can download on your phone that can serve as useful tools when SHTF.

Prepare your family’s emergency kits and bug-out bags

You and your family members should each have a 72-hour emergency kit containing all the essential items that you need to survive for at least that amount of time. If you need to make a sudden evacuation, you should also have bug-out bags ready in easily accessible areas in your home. Some preppers may combine both their emergency kit and bug-out bag in one convenient pack. Depending on your needs and priorities, you can choose to do the same. Some of the important items you should pack include water, food, first aid supplies, flashlights, blankets, a cell phone charger, a multipurpose tool, spare cash, and personal hygiene items. Make sure that you and your family members know how to properly use the items in your emergency kits and bug-out bags.

Learn your local area’s evacuation routes and shelter locations

In dire emergency situations, you might need to bug out somewhere else until it is safe for you and your loved ones to return home. In this case, knowing your local area’s evacuation routes and shelter locations can certainly come in handy, especially if you and your family are separated when the disaster hits. Planning a designated meeting point can let you and your family know where to go, even if the cell phone towers are down and no one has any access to other forms of communication.

Do an indoor and outdoor home assessment

On the other hand, there might also be times when it is simply safer to stay put and bug in. In this case, you will need to do a thorough assessment of the interior and exterior of you home to make sure that it can provide ample protection when SHTF. Get rid of any dead trees or overhanging branches that may pose as hazards during a hurricane. You may also need to upgrade your home’s security and defense systems. Additionally, you should make an inventory of the supplies you will need to wait out a potential disaster and stock up on these items.

Learn more disaster preparedness tips by going to Preparedness.news.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

WorkingMother.com

Prepping can be as easy or hard as you make it to be. In whatever situation you may be in, any experienced prepper will tell you that it is your mindset that counts for survival. If you think building a bug-out bag (BOB) is going to cost you a lot of money, well, it will. This isn’t to say that everything is all magical and that just wishing for something will make it appear. You still require a certain amount of mental discipline and foresight to succeed. That being said, there are simple ways to make life a little bit easier, and less expensive. Here are some tips to consider on building a BOB on a budget.

First: There is no such thing as the perfect BOB. We’ve written a lot of prepping articles on what should be included in an ideal BOB, but what is ideal for us may not be ideal for you. Your BOB should be carefully designed to suit your needs, situation, and area. If you have a physical disability or medical condition, for example, you must stock up on the items that you’d need.

This is the most important thing to consider because it will help you determine what items you really need to survive at the bare minimum. Do you have a bug-out location in mind? Is it fully equipped for long-term survival? If so, your BOB need not carry so much. If you do not have a bug-out camp, and are deciding to bug in, your BOB should still reflect that. You may also want to consider other options, like your car. You can get away with a less-equipped BOB if your vehicle is already properly stocked.

Now, you may want to look at the stuff you already have. One misconception about prepping is that you have to build everything from scratch, but nothing could be further from the truth. You can easily save money by looking around your house or apartment and packing items that you already own. Try to look for more versatile items, such as a Swiss Army knife or rope. You can also pack “basic” items such as cloth, needles, and thread you have lying around. This is where sewing skills will come in handy. Not only will these materials take up less space in your BOB, but they are a lot cheaper bought as separate items, rather than as a “finished” product which you can easily make yourself.

The next thing you should do is make a list of the items that you’d need. Look for – or be aware of – the various sales around your area for prepping items. Prices for backpacks, for example, typically drop after school starts or during holiday sales. Use these to your advantage to pick quality pieces at more affordable prices. You can also ask your neighbors for items that they no longer need but can be reused in a survival situation. One great example of this is asking for leftover crib blankets which can be re-purposed into various things (again we emphasize the importance of knowing how to sew when SHTF).

You may also want to drop by your local dollar store. A lot of these stores carry a variety of items that are incredibly cheap. The quality may be so-so, but they’ll do during an emergency. It’s a good idea to buy these items in bulk, or in the bundles usually offered by the store. For example, a $6 “female travel kit” would already contain shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, comb, and a bag to keep it all in. Not bad for a few days of cleanliness.

We also suggest being a little bit more creative on where you go shopping. Your local arts and crafts store may have items that can be useful in a survival situation.

Lastly, set a budget on how much you’re willing to shell out for your BOB. Try to adhere to this plan as much as possible, and again, be as creative and ingenious as you can be to choose versatile items.

Sources include:

TheSurvivalMom.com

ThePreppingJournal.com

KnowPrepareSurvive.com

It can sometimes be difficult for preppers to resist the urge to hoard large quantities of survival gear and other useful items on the off chance that these might come in handy later on. After all, having the right materials at the right time can allow you to be more prepared for a greater variety of challenges. But what is the point of a home so filled to the brim with prepping equipment that it is impossible to find anything when you actually need it?

There is nothing wrong with stocking up on plenty of survival gear as long as everything is properly organized and easily accessible at a moment’s notice. Here are five useful tips on getting organized the prepper way. (h/t to LivingLifeInRuralIowa.com.)

Declutter your home

This is an endeavor that you should commit to entirely. Do a thorough sweep of your home and get rid of all unnecessary junk. Take the time to declutter your home to create more free space. This endeavor shouldn’t be rushed, so you should ideally devote around one to three months to sort out what should stay and what should go. There are many ways to give new life to items that have outlived their usefulness. You can sell them at a yard sale to make a small profit or you can simply donate them to people whom you think would still be able to make use of them. If you can think outside the box, you can even find other uses for items other than what they were originally intended for. (Related: Survival scavenging: 10 Items you can re-purpose when SHTF.)

Identify and prioritize your belongings

Go through all of your personal belongings and categorize them based on their practical use or what they personally mean to you. Your main priority should be survival gear and items that are beneficial to your health and well-being. Decorative and sentimental items can still have a place in your home, as long as they can justify the amount of space they take up. This means that if they really do have sentimental value for you, they shouldn’t just be tucked away in a corner gathering dust. Keepsakes can inspire you and keep memories alive, but you shouldn’t accumulate them to the point of hoarding. Follow the “Power of Three” by keeping only three of each type of item. For example, you can keep up to three motivational posters and get rid of any duplicates.

Have a system in place

In an emergency situation, every second counts. If you suddenly need to get your first aid kit, do you instinctively know where it is? You can’t waste precious time looking through your belongings when someone’s life could be on the line. Having an organized system in place can go a long way. Your critical survival gear should be in the most easily accessible areas of your home. Familiarize yourself with where you place everything, so that you can quickly grab your prepping items without even thinking. You can also keep better track of your supplies by having an inventory.

Buy storage containers

In order to keep your personal belongings out of sight and organized in a logical way, you should store them in convenient baskets, buckets, bins, or other storage containers. Your storage cases don’t even have to be brand new. Second-hand containers can do the job just as well as new ones. Use post-it notes to label your containers so that you know where everything is. Everything should be neatly tucked away and properly arranged when not in use. Storage containers can also be stacked on top of each other to maximize your free space.

Put together your kits and bug-out bags

If you haven’t prepared them already, take this chance to put together your family’s 72-hour survival kits, first aid kits, and bug-out bags (BOB). You can make an inventory list for the items in these kits as well. That way, while you’re organizing your home, you can already set aside items on the list as soon as you find them. Keep your BOB just as organized as your home by packing everything in an orderly and easily accessible manner.

Sources include:

LivingLifeInRuralIowa.com

SurvivalBlog.com

A tactical pen is more than a simple writing implement. In the right hands, a tactical pen can be used as a self-defense weapon and an emergency survival tool. (h/t to PreppersWill.com)

Take note that in some states, there are limitations on Everyday Carry (EDC) kit tools. You may need to improvise if you need access to a self-defense weapon, so choosing your tactical pen can affect your chances of survival when SHTF.

More than just a writing tool

Several years ago, some knife manufacturing companies realized that consumers need concealable tools that can also be used for self-defense. This is how the tactical pen market developed, and now these companies are offering this discreet tool to preppers.

A tactical pen is a writing instrument that you can use as a normal pen, with one or more special features.

The tactical aspect of this kind of pen comes from its construction:

• An all-metal body that is designed for striking an opponent.
• A flat end where you can place your thumb to prevent it from slipping in your hand.
• A pointed end so it can be used to break glass during an emergency.
• It must be long enough, with both ends extending at least half an inch past the edge of your closed hand.

Tactical pen categories

Before you buy a tactical pen, familiarize yourself with these three main categories so you can decide on a tool that suits your prepping needs.

Concealed use tactical pens

Concealed use tactical pens can be used at the office because they don’t look very tactical. They’re inconspicuous and suitable for EDC kits. While concealed use pens aren’t actually designed as tactical pens, they share similar features with one.

On-the-go use tactical pens

On-the-go use tactical pens tend to stand out because they’re designed for preppers. Most pens in this category are available in flat black or dark gray. An all-metal body is mandatory for these pens and they are heavier than concealed use varieties.

A field use tactical pen has grooves machined into the barrel or body to give you a good grip. These pens will have either one or two pointed ends that are specifically used for striking or partial penetration.

Some on-the-go pens have a cover to conceal the pen point. Others may have a pull or screw-type caps mechanism to reveal the pen point. These points can be used for striking.

On-the-go tactical pens tend to be longer compared to normal pens and they may stick out of your pocket. These pens are sturdy since they’re made from hard metals, and you can use them in the field without any problems.

Multi-use tactical pens

A multi-use tactical pen has additional features besides the two main ones: writing and fighting.

Depending on the brand, some multi-use tactical pens incorporate survival features such as:

• A DNA collection tip
• Fire-starting material (e.g., matches)
• Glass-breakers
• Handcuff keys
• An LED light
• A small blade/knife

When buying a tactical pen, consider the features of pens from the three main categories above and avoid a pen that:

• Has an industrial look with striking details.
• Has extremely pointed ends that make it look like a weapon.
• Is flashy or very tactical-looking.
• Is too heavy for your EDC kit.

Tactical pen brands to consider

If you’re not sure what kind of tactical pen to get, here are some brands to consider.

• Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen – This pen has a rugged, machined steel body and a stainless steel pocket clip. This pen has a glass-breaker, but it’s more expensive compared to the other tactical pens.
• Modkin Tactical Pen Survival Kit – This multi-use tool is a four-in-one high-quality aluminum alloy tactical pen that comes with a bottle opener, a flat head screwdriver, an LED flashlight, and a tungsten steel tip glass breaker. The pen has a hidden switch that turns on the LED flashlight which has a 12-lumen intensity that can last for about 10 hours. The pen can also be used in case of an emergency if you need to break glass or windows. The grip part of the pen has a diamond-thread design so you don’t drop the pen when you’re fighting off attackers. This pen is suitable for preppers who often go on outdoor trips. (Related: Here’s why you should carry a tactical flashlight, and tips on how to use it.)
• Uzi Tactical Pen Self-defense Tool (Uzi TP1-01) – You can keep this durable pen in your car since it also comes with a glass breaker. The Uzi TP1-01 is often used by First Responders, Marines, military pilots, Navy SEALs, and SWAT because it can withstand the elements. Made from aircraft grade aluminum, this pen has a diamond thread grip. It’s also discreet enough to be carried in your briefcase or pocket. The sleek-looking Uzi TP1-01 is an ergonomically designed and light-weight pen.

Keep these tips in mind when choosing a tactical pen for your EDC kit so you’re always ready when disaster strikes.

Sources include:

PreppersWill.com

USPatriotTactical.com

There are many prepping myths that have no basis in reality. They are often perpetuated by media and word of mouth as incredible feats of survival. However, if they sound unbelievable, there’s probably a good reason why. Following these common survival myths and old wives’ tales can easily get you killed when SHTF. Keep your mind sharp and avoid falling for any of these common prepping myths. (h/t to TheSurvivalistBlog.net)

Drinking your own urine is safe

In a survival situation, having access to clean drinking water should be one of your priorities. Some people may resort to drinking their own urine when all other sources of water have been exhausted. Not only is this option not safe or hygienic, it will only make you even more dehydrated in the long run. Urine is full of waste products that your kidneys have already expelled from your body. By drinking your urine, you are only reintroducing this waste back into your body. Instead of drinking your urine, you can use it to wet a piece of cloth and wrap it around your body. As the liquid evaporates, it will produce a cooling effect. You might end up smelling like your own pee, but it’s better than dying of heat stroke. (Related: Common survival myths that could literally get you killed.)

It is easy to start a fire without tools

You might have seen situations in movies wherein a character rubs two wooden sticks together and immediately produces a small flame. While it is technically possible to start a fire using this method, it is actually a lot more difficult than most people realize. It also takes a lot of practice. If you need to build a campfire, you’ll be better off with a lighter, some matches, or a ferro rod. You might also want to consider getting stormproof matches. Once normal matches get wet, they won’t work again, even if you dry them afterwards.

You can always live off the land when SHTF

Many preppers have this idea that when SHTF, they can just retreat to some remote location in the woods and bug out in the wilderness until society returns to normal. Unfortunately, this option is not feasible for everyone. If you plan to forage and hunt for food, you will need to be highly skilled and knowledgeable in these topics. Eating poisonous plants can kill you or make you violently ill. You should have an encyclopedic knowledge of your local biome to be able to identify which plants, berries, and mushrooms are edible or not. Some plants may even be edible but provide no nutrition. Hunting animals for food doesn’t only require you to be skilled enough to trap them. It also requires your area to have a large enough animal population to sustain your needs.

Packing enough survival gear can overcome your lack of skill

There is no doubt that recent advancements in technology have made it easier for people to live off the grid. However, your survival gear is only as good as your survival plan. What use is having a mountain of prepping equipment if you don’t know how to use it in the first place? Tools can make certain tasks easier, but they won’t solve all your problems. Your own ingenuity and skill can sometimes get you out of a survival situation better than all the survival gear in the world can.

You are better off as a lone wolf

Humans are naturally social creatures. Being in a group can certainly improve your chances of survival. Even just having one more person with you can make it easier to share responsibilities. It also allows at least one person to keep watch while the other sleeps.

Sources include:

TheSurvivalistBlog.net

ThePrepared.com

Some preppers are too focused on accumulating goods which could be useless or replaced with more appropriate items. Having more things than what you actually need could weigh you down. To avoid this from happening, here are five types of items you should not put in your bug out bag:

1. Items that you do not know how to use or have not used before: This is a common mistake made by many beginner preppers. They may bring crank radios, small solar panels, weapons, or generators without knowing how to use them. How can you use a prepping item during an emergency if you do not know how to use it now?
2. Single-use items: Solar lights, for example, may provide some light, but only when there is the sun to power and charge them. They are considered useless during winter or a snowstorm. Instead of solar lights, it is better to have a good lantern or a candle. Your prepping items should also have more than one use if possible, such as a flashlight/radio combo, bandanas, paper clips, and etc. Bringing multipurpose items will also help you save a lot of space and weight.
3. Short shelf life items: Food is essential for survival. However, your food should have a long shelf life. Having a food supply that can last long saves you from starving during an emergency and from worrying about spoilage. This is also important because you will never know how long a disaster will last. Ideally, it is best to have a food supply that can last two to 10 years, but having items that last for at least a year would be fine. (Related: Prepping your pantry: 10 must-have food items with a long shelf life.)
4. Things that need electricity to work: During a disaster or emergency, a power outage is likely to occur. Therefore, it is best to leave out electronic items or anything that relies on electricity to work, such as flash drives or ebooks. Instead of storing your information, important documents, and reference materials using electronic means, print them out and purchase paper reference materials. Similarly, for tools like drills, it is better to keep a battery-operated one. But since you will still need electricity to charge the batteries, keeping a hand-powered drill would be the best option.
5. Seeds and roots: Survival seed banks have gained popularity recently. However, they don’t last long. After a year or two, most seeds would have already lost their rate of germination. Instead of buying seeds in packets, learn how to save seeds yourself. Some people also keep roots and tubers in oxygen absorbers and mylar bags — which also isn’t a good idea. Like seeds, roots and tubers will eventually rot and dry out and will not produce when planted. If you want to plant root crops or tubers, it’s better to plant them now to get them started.

When packing your bug-out bag, there are two questions you need to ask yourself: “Do I really need this?” and “Is there an item that would be smaller or weigh less?” These two questions will help you decide what you really need and what items will actually be helpful when SHTF.

Sources include:

LivingLifeInRuralIowa.com

UrbanSurvivalSite.com

AskAPrepper.com

As with the world it prepares for, the prepping lifestyle is dynamic and ever-changing. Whereas everyday carry (EDC) used to be an oft-forgotten topic among preppers, it is now being considered to be an essential component of survival. EDC loadouts can range from containing only bare-bones minimalist tools to a full complement of equipment. There is no “correct” EDC solution, as each of us have our own personal goals, physical capabilities, and prepper leanings. However, complacency can hit any of us, and an incorrectly prepared EDC can cause more hard than good.

Let’s review a few of the more common EDC mistakes even seasoned preppers make. (h/t to ModernSurvivalOnline.com)

Not carrying it

Let us reiterate: EDC means EveryDay Carry. This means you should carry it every day. EDCs are similar to a bug-out bag (BOB) in that they should be both well-stocked and easy to carry. The balance is tricky to find, but it’s well worth the effort. The perfect EDC should have carefully curated and selected items that you deem to be valuable to always have on your person.

The beauty of this is that it allows you to choose what items you want. From pocket knives to multi-tools, you choose which items are a must.

Being conspicuous

One of the biggest mistakes in packing or buying an EDC is finding one that has tell-tale signs of it being meant for prepping. Don’t let other people know that you are prepared or self-sufficient. This makes you more of a target than anything.

If your EDC bag is overtly tactified in appearance, consider changing it.

Allowing weapons to print

This follows from the previous point. You never want to let other people know that you are armed. You might think this is not a big deal, but trust us: People pay attention — especially when a situation goes against the “norm.” Even the densest person will subconsciously take note if a person next to them is carrying a weapon.

Pocket knives are one of the biggest offenders in this category. Do not carry a pocket knife with a clip on it. The clip is a BIG sign that you have a folding crew-served knife in your pocket.

Not maintaining your tools

So you have your EDC, what next? Remember that your tools are only useful if they work. Make sure that the items you carry on you regularly are well taken cared of.

The most obvious example of this would be to keep your knives sharp. Similarly, any metal items need to be regularly lubricated or refinished.

Guns, likewise, need to be oiled and free of dust bunnies. Guns will malfunction without care.

Not practicing with your EDC

To prep is to assume the unknown. BOBs are lauded for their usefulness during SHTF situations, but EDCs are necessary because they keep you prepared whenever and for whatever.

To be fair, some things don’t require much practice. You don’t need to keep on practicing how to use your lighter, for example. But other things you carry, like medical supplies, need to be practiced on. If you don’t have the skills to use the tools in your EDC, they would be more of good luck charms than anything else. (Related: Everyday carry: Here’s what a former SAS special operator carries in case of a terrorist attack.)

Carrying too much

Yes, there really is no such thing as the “perfect” EDC. That said, your on-body EDC should be able to serve you by enhancing your capabilities in case of emergencies, and not cover any imaginable contingency (which BOBs are for).

Remember that prepping is a lifestyle, and is heavily reliant on your mindset. This includes keeping your head straight, and understanding the need for certain equipment for certain situations.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalOnline.com

ThePrepperJournal.com

You — like other preppers — most likely have a bug-out bag tucked away at home for a quick evacuation. But do you have a compact survival kit that you can easily bring with you wherever you go? A compact survival kit is exactly what it says in the name: It’s a small container filled with key survival items that can help you in a short-term emergency. It differs from a bug-out bag in that a compact survival kit is often much smaller, following the philosophy of “less is more.” What it lacks in scope, it can make up for in terms of convenience. Some compact survival kits can even be small enough to fit inside an Altoids tin. Here’s what you need to create your own truly compact survival kit. (h/t to SHTFBlog.com)

Container

Before anything else, you will need to find a suitable container for your compact survival kit. While Altoids tin canisters are a popular choice among many preppers, their weak hinges do not make them very sturdy options. Your container should be durable enough to withstand any falls or damage commonly associated with survival situations. Depending on what and how much you plan to pack inside your survival kit, you may need to make considerations for size. If you want a slightly larger container, you can use a wide-mouth, 32-oz, single-walled, stainless steel water bottle. This allows you to maximize both the space and use of your container. When empty, the water bottle can even double as a container for boiling water. The wide mouth allows you to easily clean the bottle and place things in or out. (Related: How to make a coffee can survival kit for your car, home or office.)

Knife

A sharp folding knife is a great tool if you need to cut things or defend yourself. A Swiss knife or a multi-tool can be a more practical option as long as it isn’t too heavy.

Compass

A small compass can help you keep track of your bearings — useful when you’re hiking through unfamiliar terrain.

550 Paracord

A length of paracord can always come in handy whenever you need to tie things together. It should be durable enough to help you carry heavy weights. You can buy pre-woven paracord bracelets or you can choose to weave one yourself.

Small flashlight or light stick

A mini LED flashlight or penlight can provide a useful light source when you are bugging out in the dark. Ideally, you should get one that is waterproof. Lightsticks might not be as bright as flashlights but they don’t rely on batteries, so they can provide a constant source of light for several hours.

Pot hanger

A pot hanger hook can give your water bottle more functionality by providing an easy way to pull it off a fire if you’re using the it to boil water.

Lighter or matchbook

If you suddenly need to start a fire, you can easily start one with a disposable lighter or some matches. If you can, try to pack some windproof and waterproof matches.

Tinder

You can start a fire with a lighter or a few matches, but some flammable items can help your flame grow quickly.  You can pack some cotton balls or tinder tabs, or you can even make your own homemade tinder in the form of wax-coated jute twine.

Duct tape

Duct tape can often be a prepper’s best friend. It is useful for makeshift repairs. Nearly anything that needs to stick together will remain stuck with the help of duct tape.

Repair kit

A small sewing kit or repair kit should have all the items you need to make quick clothing repairs. These items include safety pins, needles, thread, buttons, and a large sail needle. You can even fit these items in a small Altoids tin if you want, as long as you secure it properly.

Learn more tips on making your own survival kit by going to Survival.news.

Sources include:

SHTFBlog.com

BackDoorSurvival.com

Many preppers think that the basic first aid kit they can buy at a local pharmacy will be enough to treat any and all potential injuries that might occur in a survival situation. However, when SHTF, you might find a standard first aid kit to be lacking in crucial medical items. The presence of these items could mean the difference between life and death in dire emergencies. Army medics are among those who often have all their bases covered when it comes to medical emergencies. You can learn how to be as prepared for medical emergencies as they are by building your own “perfect” first aid kit based on their recommendations. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com)

Sterile gauze pads

You should stock up on sterile gauze pads of varying sizes to treat medium- to large-sized wounds. These bandages won’t come with any adhesives, but you can wrap them around your wounds. If you ever run out of them, sanitary napkins can serve as temporary solutions when SHTF.

Medical tape

Since the sterile gauze pads don’t have any adhesives of their own, you will need medical tape to secure them in place. You should have at least one roll of medical tape in your first aid kit. “Cohesive tapes” are ideal as they do not stick to the patient’s skin, allowing you to avoid any unnecessary pain caused by removing the tape. (Related: These are the items that you need in your first-aid kit if you just want to carry the bare minimum.)

Moleskin bandages

When you’re hiking out in the wilderness or making your way through rough terrain, your feet might be prone to getting blisters, especially if you are wearing ill-fitting shoes. Moleskin pads and bandages act as protective layers over your skin to prevent blisters from forming.

Medical scissors

Some bandages may be too large for the wounds they are meant to cover. In this case, you can use medical scissors to cut them down to a more appropriate size. Unlike regular scissors, medical scissors are also very durable to allow you to cut through thick and tough clothing to get to the wounds underneath.

Regular band-aids

Small flesh wounds, surface wounds, and paper cuts don’t really need any large band-aids to be treated. Just because these minor injuries are not life-threatening, it doesn’t mean that they should be neglected. Keep a few band-aids in your first aid kit in case of such situations.

Antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer

When SHTF, an infection is one of the worst things that can happen to an open wound. Antibacterial soaps will be useful for disinfecting wounds and keeping your hands free from disease-causing germs and bacteria.

Antibacterial ointment

After disinfecting with antibacterial soap, you can apply antibacterial ointment on the wound to kill any remaining bacteria and stop the spread of infection.

Sterile rubber gloves

You should have at least one pair of non-latex sterile disposable rubber gloves in your first aid kit. Regular rubber gloves won’t do when it comes to treating vulnerable injuries. You must make sure that they are sterile rubber gloves to avoid the risk of infection.

CPR mask or breathing barrier

Forget everything you’ve ever seen in the movies about CPR. The romantic lip-locking is nothing but a mere fantasy, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. CPR is a very serious life-saving technique that must be done properly by someone who has extensive training in this emergency procedure. A CPR mask or breathing barrier can protect both the giver and the recipient of CPR from any possible infections.

Sources include:

TheOrganicPrepper.com

AskAPrepper.com

Bugging out is no easy task. When SHTF, you must be able to evacuate at a moment’s notice with all your essential survival gear and stay somewhere safe until the chaos dies down and society returns to normal. It sounds simple enough in theory, but think about it. Do you already have an escape plan? Do you already have a bug-out location in mind? What about your family members? Do your loved ones know what to do during an emergency? There are many things to consider about bugging out, but there are also a number of things that you can do today to make it easier for you and your family members to bug out in the future. Here’s what you need to do to start planning your bug-out strategy. (h/t to AYearWithoutTheGroceryStore.com.)

Plan 4 possible bug-out locations

Four bug-out locations might sound excessive, but when there’s an incoming tornado or pandemic, you need to be able to flee away from the disaster. This means planning out four locations away from your house, each one in a different direction. It is also important to have specific destinations in mind. You shouldn’t just head out in a general direction and hope someone can take you in. You can prepare for this as well by making a list of everyone you know within a 5-10 mile radius that you know will be willing to take you in when SHTF. If you want to go the extra mile or a couple hundred, you can extend your web of emergency contacts to as far as 200 miles away from your home. (Related: Top 10 Tips For Bugging Out When The SHTF!)

Consider your plans for traveling

You should also consider the evacuation routes you will be taking to get to these places. Make sure that none of them require you to go through a main road. Many people with their own evacuation plans may take this path and you will likely end up stuck in a gridlock if you follow them. You should also calculate how fast you will be able to travel as the amount of supplies you will need to pack in your bug-out bag (BOB) will greatly depend on this factor. Your BOB should weigh no more than 25 percent of your own body weight or else it will slow you down and put unnecessary strain on both you and your BOB.

Delegate specific tasks to different family members

If you are the only person who knows what the survival plan is, then it will be very difficult if either you or anyone else becomes separated from your group. You will find it much easier to handle a survival situation if you and your loved ones equally share in the responsibilities together. This can also allow you to exchange ideas with each other on how to best survive instead of depending on just one person to come up with the plan. Everyone should be clear on what role they play in the survival plan and what they should do in case SHTF.

Prepare all the necessary survival gear beforehand

Everyone should have their BOBs packed and ready for a quick getaway at a moment’s notice. Be sure to stock up on enough water and shelf-stable food to last you and your family members for at least three days. You will also need to keep the gas tank in your vehicle at least half full at all times.

Sources include:

AYearWithoutTheGroceryStore.com

TheBugOutBagGuide.com