Burns should be addressed immediately to prevent infections and to offer relief to the injured individual. But when SHTF and you don’t have access to emergency medical services, you can treat mild or moderate burns using the home remedies detailed below. (h/t to DoomAndBloom.net)

Burn wound treatment basics

When treating burns after a survival scenario, you must first cool the wound with running water for about 10 to 15 minutes for best results. If you don’t have access to clean, running water, submerge the burned area in cool water.

Never use ice on burned skin. The injured skin is traumatized and using ice on the patient’s skin will constrict blood vessels and decrease blood circulation to an area that desperately needs it.

Burns, especially severe ones, should be treated by medical experts. But when you only have access to limited supplies or if the burn is minor, these natural remedies will do in a pinch.

Aloe vera

As a succulent plant, aloe vera has some thick and fleshy parts. These viscous parts allow aloe vera to retain water in its natural habitat. Aloe vera likes warm climates, but it can be grown successfully indoors in pots.

According to studies, aloe vera helps maintain moist conditions in damaged skin. This plant is anti-inflammatory, and it encourages faster healing. Additionally, aloe vera promotes circulation and inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Soothing aloe vera is an important remedy because it’s very simple to use. Just cut a leaf, scoop out the slimy flesh from the leaf, then apply it to a minor burn. Reapply aloe vera several times daily, with or without a bandage covering the burn.

Oatmeal

Use oatmeal to relieve itching that may occur when a burn starts to heal. Prepare a lukewarm bath, then add a cup of uncooked oatmeal to the water.

Help the patient get into the tub, which may be slippery because of the oatmeal. Let the patient soak in the oatmeal bath for about 10 to 20 minutes so that a thin coating of oatmeal remains on their skin.

Raw, unprocessed honey

Honey, a common remedy for various kind of wounds, is also used to treat burns. However, it is best to use raw, unprocessed honey since it retains its antibacterial activity and hydrating properties. (Related: Survival medicine: Are you familiar with the medicinal uses of honey?)

Follow the steps below to use honey as a burn remedy:

1. Cool down the burned area with running water, then apply a generous amount of honey over the burned skin.
2. Spread some honey on a waterproof dressing so it doesn’t stick to the patient’s skin. Cover the entire area.
3. The dressing over the burned skin may start to fill up with fluid oozing out from the wound. This will require regular, frequent dressing changes to keep the wound clean.
4. If you used cling wrap on the burned area, let it stay in place for the first 48 hours, then check and add more honey to the damaged skin. After 48 hours, cover the burned area with new cling wrap or non-stick dressings for another 48 hours. Repeat this step for at least eight to 10 days.
5. Do not remove or wash off the honey from the burned area for the first 20 days, or earlier if the wound has already healed.
6. Reapply the honey regularly and fill up any deeper areas of severe burns as needed. When applying honey, make sure it extends over the edges of the burn to prevent exposure to air until healing is completed. Remember, even air contains bacteria that may infect the wound.

Witch hazel

You can use witch hazel to make a cooling compress for burns. Witch hazel extract contains tannins, and these chemicals can help ease inflammation and soothe first degree burns. Apply witch hazel directly to the skin to reduce swelling, repair damaged skin, and prevent infection.

Soak a compress in full-strength witch hazel, then apply to the burned area. Reapply the witch hazel compress as frequently as desired.

When disaster strikes, use these natural remedies to address mild burns.

Sources include:

DoomAndBloom.net

Healthline.com

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

In case SHTF, you will need a well-stocked pantry if you plan to wait out whatever disaster will be occurring in the world outside. However, for your long-term survival, you will need to think of your food supply not just as a means of avoiding starvation, but also as a way to get the right amount of nutrients in your body. You will need a variety of high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, since not all survival foods are created equal. Here are some of the best survival foods you should stock up on for your survival pantry. (h/t to Survivopedia.com.)

Meats

Your body needs plenty of protein, especially if you are in a survival situation. Fortunately, animal meat contains all of the eight essential amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. Beef jerky is delicious, nutritious, and easy to make. You can get 12 grams of high-quality protein from an ounce of cured or smoked beef jerky. Another way to stockpile meat is to make pemmican, which is a classic “native” survival food that is made of a combination of fruit and dehydrated meat. If processed and stored properly, it can have a shelf life of at least 50 years. You can also stock up on canned meats. If you have the resources, you might even want to consider raising your own livestock as a viable protein source. (Related: The top sources of protein in a survival homestead.)

Fish

Canned fish are cost-efficient survival foods that you can easily stock up on, even if you have a limited budget. They even conveniently come in pre-cooked and ready-to-eat forms. Tuna, sardines, salmon, herring, and other fatty fish are rich sources of nutrients and healthy fats. You can easily buy sardines in bulk, since they have such incredibly long shelf lives. As much as possible, try to stock up on fish that was caught in the wild. Try to avoid “farmed fish” as the way they are grown often strips away any health benefits your body could gain from eating them.

Dairy products

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and butter, can help supplement your protein and calcium intake. If you are already raising livestock, you can raise goats to provide milk and even make cheese, butter, and other dairy products from this milk. Alternatively, you can stock up on dried, powdered milk. It might not be as appetizing as fresh milk, but with enough practice, you can even learn to make your own yogurt, cheese, pudding, or bread out of it. Cheese can store for a very long time, especially when frozen.

Fruits and vegetables

You’ll be missing out on plenty of essential vitamins and minerals if you don’t include a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables in your survival pantry. You can even save the seeds to grow your own survival garden. Even if they won’t be fresh, dehydrated fruits are nutrient-dense, lightweight, and easy to store. They are excellent sources of carbohydrates and simple sugars. You can add them to other recipes or eat them on their own. Mix them with some nuts and grains to create a healthy trail mix. Some ideal fruits that you should stock up on include dried prunes, apricots, figs, cranberries, and raisins.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

SkilledSurvival.com

Self-reliance means being able to take care of yourself without needing help from anyone else. This might be one of the most important skills you can learn to prepare yourself for when SHTF, but it can also help you to get through any difficult situation in your everyday life. It can give you the chance to become a more independent and well-rounded individual. That way, you can live life on your own terms and better plan for your future. Here are some useful tips you can follow to become a more self-reliant person. (h/t to FoodStorageMoms.com.)

Learn how to cook from scratch

No matter how much money you have, there may come a time when you will be unable to simply buy pre-cooked meals at a store or restaurant. You might find yourself all alone during a survival situation. In this scenario, you will have to make do with whatever you have stocked in your pantry or refrigerator. This is also an excellent reason to always keep your pantry well-stocked. Either way, you will need to make a meal from scratch or end up going to bed hungry. Fortunately, learning how to cook basic meals shouldn’t be too hard if you have access to the internet. There are plenty of tutorial videos you can watch to pick up a few easy recipes that make use of common ingredients. If you want a more hands-on approach, you can enroll in a cooking class and learn directly from experts. You can even exchange tips with like-minded people.

Grow an edible garden

Another step you can take towards total self-reliance is to grow your own food supply. What could possibly be more satisfying by cooking a meal from scratch using the vegetables you grew yourself? Even if you don’t reach the level of complete, self-reliant food production, growing an edible garden can certainly supplement your existing food supply. An edible garden can even help you save on expenses. Why make a trip to your local grocery store when you can easily get your fresh pick of produce right in your backyard? The best part is that you aren’t limited by the availability of your favorite fruits and vegetables on the market. As long as you can grow it, you get to eat it. (Related: Self-reliance in the city: One family proves it’s possible.)

Learn more practical skills

You can gain a sense of accomplishment by learning a variety of new and useful skills. With a wider and more diverse skill set, you will become less likely to feel helpless when faced with a challenging situation. Self-reliance can push you out of your comfort zone and force you to adapt to any scenario. It can move you along the right path to self-improvement and progress. Why stop at cooking and gardening? There are so many practical skills out there just waiting for you to learn them. You can apply these skills during a survival situation or even in your everyday life. What is important is that you never stop learning. With an arsenal of practical skills at your disposal, you can overcome anything.

Make a reasonable budget and commit to it

If you really want to save money, it will require discipline. You will have to let go of the occasional luxuries to focus on what you actually need to get by. Live on less money than you make, so that you can set aside money for the future. Try to save a minimum of at least a dollar a week. This can be a feasible goal and you can use the money as an emergency fund if ever SHTF. Another practical skill you can learn is how to make basic repairs. This can also help you to save money, since you will be able to avoid buying items to replace broken ones.

Sources include:

FoodStorageMoms.com

TheLawOfAttraction.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

Imagine hiking in the middle of the woods with a friend. You are both careful, but the terrain is rough and rocky. Suddenly, your friend trips and falls. You go check on your friend, and make sure that no bones are broken. However, as your friend tries to stand up, he or she experiences a sharp pain in the knees and falls back down. Your friend has just suffered a knee sprain. You are both miles away from civilization. What are you going to do now? (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com).

What are sprains?

Ligaments are the strong, connective tissues that connect two or more bones at a joint, most commonly in the knees and ankles. They are meant to hold your bones in place and restrict movement. If the ligaments either get stretched or torn, this is what results in a sprain. Strains are similar injuries that involve the tendons, which are tissues that connect muscles to the bone. You will know if your friend is suffering from a knee sprain or strain if he or she exhibits common sprain symptoms such as pain, swelling or inflammation, and restricted range of motion. Both injuries are also often accompanied by a popping or snapping sound when they first happen. Knee sprains are not as severe or serious as fractures and broken bones, since it is often only one or more of the four supportive ligaments that get damaged, rather than the joint or the bone itself. However, this injury should still be properly treated to prevent further damage which could lead to arthritis and other disabilities later on. (Related: Medical preparedness: How to treat minor injuries in the field.)

Treat sprains by following the RICE principle

Your main goal in treating a knee sprain is to reduce the amount of swelling in the affected area until help can arrive. The RICE principle is an easy-to-remember acronym that can help you remember what to do in case of joint injuries, such as sprains or strains. Here is what you need to do to treat your friend’s knee sprain:

• Rest. Sprains require plenty of rest to heal. Any unnecessary weight on the joint, especially if it’s your full body weight, will only aggravate the injury and the amount of pain. Your friend will have to avoid standing or walking. Let your friend remain sitting or lying down until help arrives. Keep your friend calm and still to help avoid any unnecessary movements.
• Ice. Placing ice on the affected area can help reduce swelling and inflammation. If you are in a snowy area, you can wrap some snow in a piece of cloth to create a makeshift ice pack. In case you do not have access to ice, you can soak the injury in cool water or wet a piece of cloth and apply it on the injury.
• Compression. You can reduce further swelling by wrapping the affected area with a firm and snug elastic bandage. Make sure that the compress is not too tight, as that may cut off the supply of blood to the affected area. You can also gently massage and stretch the area to encourage circulation.
• Elevation. Elevation isn’t about maximum height. It’s simply about raising the injured area above the heart. As long as the knee is above heart level, gravity will help prevent additional swelling. If the sprain is mild, you will only have to keep the knee elevated for around 20 minutes. However, if the injury is serious, it may require overnight elevation.

If your friend is experiencing severe pain and inflammation, you can give him/her some ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate the symptoms. Once you are both back in civilization, make sure to have the injury looked at by a medical professional. If a sprain is neglected, it may eventually develop further complications.

Be prepared for any medical emergencies when SHTF by going to Preparedness.news.

Sources include:

SurvivalSullivan.com

BackPacker.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

Situational awareness is an essential survival skill that all preppers should learn to practice. It involves conditioning yourself to achieve a state of mind relative to being alert of one’s surroundings and situations. This sense of heightened awareness allows you to assess potential risks and see trouble coming from far away. That way, you can safely leave the area before the trouble even begins. By practicing situational awareness in your everyday life, you will be able to avoid conflict. Stay prepared for every situation by following these useful tips to help you build situational awareness. (h/t to ModernSurvivalBlog.com)

Observe your environment

Whether you are in a crowded city or a sparsely populated rural area, you should always be on the lookout for any signs of trouble. A city environment is often bound to have far more potential threats than a rural one. If you are in a crowded area, observe what other people are wearing and doing. Pay close attention to anyone who is wearing clothes outside of the norm or is not suitable for that environment. You should also watch for other people who are equally observant and looking at their surroundings. They might know something that you don’t. (Related: Critical survival skill: Teach yourself and your kids situational awareness.)

Keep your mental focus outward, not inward

This is especially important when you are in a public area. If you are unfocused, distracted, or too wrapped up in whatever you are currently doing, you will only make yourself an easy target for thieves and criminals. Keep your head up and look confident. This will help you keep your guard up. Avoid daydreaming in public.

Mind your own body language

Facial expressions and non-verbal language can also reveal a lot about a person’s intentions. Always walk with purpose. This may be difficult to do at first, but with enough time and practice, it will become part of your natural body language.

Avoid placing yourself in a vulnerable situation

If you are in a public area, try to sit at a corner with your back against the wall. This will give you full view of any suspicious activity happening around you.

Pay attention to your gut feeling

Pay attention to a general sense of unease in the air. If you have a bad feeling about something, try to find out why.

Blend in with the crowd

Assess the baseline of the environment you’re in, and wear neutral clothes to avoid sticking out.

Avoid complacency

When everything is going according to plan, it can be easy to become complacent. Prevent complacency by doing a mental check every now and then.

Continually assess the situation

Just because you made a quick scan of your surroundings and deemed it safe, doesn’t mean it will stay safe. Utilize your peripheral vision to remain alert for anything out of the ordinary.

Know your escape routes

Wherever you are, always identify all the possible exits and escape routes. Since most people tend to flock to the same exit where they first came in, this often creates a bottleneck at that main exit. You should find an alternate route just in case. If ever SHTF, knowing where the emergency exits are can mean the difference between life and death.

Have a plan of action

In case you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, you should plan your exit strategy in advance. If you are at a restaurant, there will likely be an employee exit in the kitchen. If you are parking your car, back it in for a quicker exit. Your goal should be conflict avoidance, so make sure you know when it is best to just leave immediately or when you have to defend yourself.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalBlog.com

GunCarrier.com

BeSurvival.com

Are you having trouble deciding what to bring on your next trip to the mountains? If you have too many items on your list, here is a narrowed-down list for you. Read on to find out what to bring and why you will need it.

• You don’t go without a bag — The backpack is the most important item you should have, since this will carry all your stuff. Make sure that it’s lightweight but sturdy, secure, and spacious. The capacity of your backpack will determine how gear-prepared you will be. When you can, get a waterproof one, or bring large plastic bags that don’t easily tear.
• Where do we go from here — If you’re going on a trip without a guide, navigational gear is absolutely basic. A traditional wax paper map and a compass are essential, since your smartphone is really out of the question, especially on long and rough trips.
• You are what you wear — Aside from the shirt and pants you’ll be wearing on the way there, you’ll want to pack an extra set of clothing. Make sure you have a hooded jacket or sweater for the long, cold night. Many also overlook the importance of wearing socks, but you should always wear a pair. Don’t forget to bring an extra set (or two)! Socks can serve as a small pouch or water filter. These are the only comfort items you will need to bring, so make sure everything you wear, including your shoes or sandals, are tough, weather-resistant, and comfortable.
• A home away from home — Comfort really isn’t part of any adventure, so only bring the essentials. A tent and a sleeping bag would suffice. You can also bring a tarp and some rope to substitute for a tent.
• Think MacGyver — An outdoor knife or multi-tool will be your best friend during your trip. Don’t forget to bring a box of matches or a reliable butane lighter so you won’t rely on rubbing sticks. You can also pack a penlight or a long-lasting pocket torch for those dark caves you want to spelunk in. Make sure to pack an insect repellent as well.
• The basis of energy — It’s highly unlikely to go on a trip without food, so make sure you have some space for this! Canned goods are great, since you can use the empty can to boil unsafe water. Trail mix is also highly recommended since they give you the calories you need and save much-needed space in your backpack. Your water bottle should be at least a liter in capacity. If you can, bring two. You can also get water-filtering bottles so you can replenish your supply of water on the go. (Related: Best Self Filtering Water Bottles for Green Healthy Lifestyles.)
• Accidents can happen — A lot of people fail to bring a first-aid kit, because they expect their trip to be rather easy. But accidents happen all the time, and it pays to be ready for it. You can easily buy one at your local gear store or pharmacy. If you want to make your own health kit, make sure to have: bandages, pain-relief medication, antihistamines, antiseptic liquids or wipes, antibacterial ointment, gauze pads, safety pins, and a first-aid manual or information card.

If you’re only bringing the essentials as listed above, you’ll still have extra space for your electronics like your smartphone, camera, and power bank. You do not need to bring jewelry, your camera zoom lens, or a pillow. Avoid bringing junk food like chips, since the air inside the bags take up too much space, and the salt content will dehydrate you faster. Sunscreen is optional, but necessary for sensitive skin types. Instead of bringing a box of matches (which can get wet), you can bring a magnesium fire starter, or a flint-and-steel tool.

Sources include:

TheVerge.com

Globotreks.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