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Personal Emergency Supply Kit

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Backpack, Briefcase or Purse

NOTE- This list has evolved since 1994 from "Greg's List" and is a suggested MINIMUM list, you know what is best for you, and certainly add those things that are best for you and your family. HOME & OFFICE EMERGENCY SUPPLIES, VEHICLE EMERGENCY KITS, PERSONAL SURVIVAL PACKS are also found on this website. -webmaster

Greg's List

Personal Emergency Supply Kit

You are the only one to judge what size, type of Container, and the content of your "Personal Emergency Supply Kit". The most important consideration is how much does it weigh, how far and how long can you carry it comfortably.

My favorite senario for the personal kit is to have a small kit, perhaps in a case similar to what a tourist carries, with shoulder strap, zippered top or a flap secured by snap or buckle. The second part is a second larger pack that the original one can fit inside, with a few additional items inside. This second container can be a backpack (some now have rollers w/telescoping handle),or small underseat flight travel case with telescopic handle.

FOOD (Non-Perishable)- Stored in "zip-lock" plastic bags. Do not rely entirely on the orginal packaging, it can fail and leave you with a mess in the bottom of your bag. Incorporate "insulated" bags or construction when practical. Bullion Cube (beef,chicken,vegie), Sardines, Kippers,Peanut Butter,Jam, Foil,
Again you know best what you need, consider "power bars", hard candy, Jerky, even small canned food items(deviled ham, chicken,tuna,chili,fruit,pudding,etc.) Some cans now have "pull tab" tops now. REMINDER: Canopener, pocket knife / utility tool with openers. Be sure to pack carefully!, items may shift, or bang together. Chocolate tends to melt!
UTENSILS- If you can store your pack in cool area it is a good thing. You will need the usual tools to eat with, fork, spoon and knife. Metal is good, plastic is OK. Remember a cloth napkin, packaged towlettes, paper napkins too. A metal cup (Serra Cup) can be directly heated for cooking too. Extra Spoon for that "special Someone". A ceramic cup can be heated in microwave (at evacuation Center,etc) to heat food (wrap in cloth napkin for protection),
MEDICAL ITEMS- Rollaids, Tums, anti-diareah, Cough Drops, Breath mints, gum, Vitamins, Personal Prescriptions, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, topical antibotic, and other appropriate items. Again securely packed. Consider childproof container for assorted pills. Insect Repellant (Deet), Sun Screen (water resistant)
DRINKING WATER- Military Type Canteen (Plastic w/metal cup under it in Case), Sports water bottle(w/belt loop holder) , (back-up US Coast Guard approved water packs), fruit drink, powdered coffee, powdered lemonade, tea bags with baggie to save for 2nd use. Sugar, sweetner, Coffee Mate, Hot Chocolate, (stuff your pockets from take-out restaurants), Water Bladder, Purification Tabs, Filter,
PROTECTION FROM WEATHER- Genuine Military Parka(rolls up), Mylar "Space Blanket", Plastic Drop Cloth, 45 Gal Garbage Bag (poncho), Even a thin Wool Blanket in the larger container. Crushproof Hat
SHOES or BOOTS- Sturdy sensible boots or shoes with socks (tied to outside of container OK) You may have to walk a long way if power out, or roads obstructed.
FIRE-MATCHES- in waterproof container, consider placing second portiion in a different part of your pack. Folding Military Stove w/heat pelets (Troxene,etc). Strike anywhere matches, Disposable Lighter, Flint, fire starter fuel. Birthday Candles, 9hr candle, Candle lantern,
FLASHLIGHT- with spare BATTERIES and BULBS. A couple bulbs can be wrapped in $5 bill, and put in an empty 35mm film container taped to keep it closed. Store it with the batteries. A 2 or 3 "D" cell flashlight is good (military surplus and coast guard approved flashlights are very reasonably priced, and have clips and straps). Use ALKALINE or LITHIUM batteries. AA powered "Mini-Mag" metal flashiights are good, plastic flashlights are lighter, batteries are heavy! Note: there are now LED flashlights with low power consumption and reasonable amounts of light generated. Small, lightweight Solar Chargers are available (can run radio too). Make sure your spare lamps match the flashlights! DO NOT store batteries in the flashlight. Practice loading batteries in dark.
RADIO- Information is important! AM or AM-FM or AM-FM-Weather Band. Yes, there are combination light and radio items, examine them carefully some are better than others. See if you can use same battery type for flashlight and radio. Walkman types often run on AA batteries, and in-ear "bud" type earphones take up less space,but often do not work well. DO NOT store batteries in radio, in zip lock bag best w/earphone.
COMMUNICATIONS- Family Radio Service Radio w/spare batteries, CB 40ch, Ham Radio(License Reqired), Your Cell Phone, and a plan to use with it. (Additional INFO to be supplied Soon), portable scanner.
DIRECTION FINDING- Compass, Maps of Area, Notebook, GPS, Frensel Lens(magnifying Glas)
FIRST AID KIT- Hiking first Aid Supplies are often in compact container or use a "baggie". W/suggested Mini-First Aid Kit Inventory (Coming Soon),Condoms,latex gloves tweezers,chap stick, Sun Blocker, Snake Bite Kit, Thermometer,(crystal strip?),WATCH,Sewing Kit,LG Needle, etc.
YOUR REQUIRED MEDICATION- have atleast a WEEK'S supply if possible. Write down the prescription number and pharmacy incase you need to get some more later. Have pills, etc. in approved containers, and then put them inside ZIP LOCK bag. If you use a liquid medicine, use separate bag from pills. Photocopies of Prescriptions are helpful. A List of people to take care of you, List of your Medical conditions, Medical Insurance Info.
SPARE GLASSES?- This is VERY good idea to have..even you OLD prescription if it is useable...in a HARD CASE. Write your correct prescription on paper in case. CLIP-ON Sunglasses? Folding Reading Glasses, Sunglasses,
SIGNAL DEVICE- Small Mirror, Whistle, or Flashlight
MAPS- Have recent (last 5 years) map (FREE to CSAA members) for your local urban or rural area. Perhaps even the adjoining area you work or spend time in, and a STATE map. Write Phone Numbers on Margin of Map.
NOTEBOOK- A small pocket size notebook with pen and pencil/Pen in a zip-lock bag. Write Info inside the hardcovers.
ZIPLOCK BAGS- Extra Gallon or quart bags, a dozen or so will be handy.
GARBAGE BAGS- 2 of the 45 gallon HD size. . These can be used for rain suit by cutting hole in corners and center of top of bag for arms and head. they can protect you and your pack from rain.
CLOTHING/HAT- Old COAT...if you do not have an old coat, get one at thrift store., put some work gloves in the pocket, along with roll of LIFE SAVERS and a WHISTLE. A PAIR of comfortable PANTS for Men, Ladies decide on your attire. These pants should fit your body, and have a belt attatched. A long sleeved COTTON shirt is good for summer with sleeves rolled up, and is good over existing shirt for layered warmth in winter. USE what you want for clothes. Fold up and keep in zippered bag, or wrap in garbage bag,etc. Hat for Sun Protection, crush-proof type, baseball cap, stocking cap , your decision. Windbreaker, Poncho, Bandanas,
HOSE/SOCKS/UNDERWEAR- As you desire
DUCT TAPE-CORD,CABLE TIES Stored in a baggie, along with ELECTRICAL TAPE, TWISTEMS, CABLE TIES, PARACHUTE CORD, POLY ROPE and couple "extra" Band Aids.
TOOLS- Metal Hanger, Duct Tape, Twistems, Quarters, Pocket Knife with tools, Leatherman, Pliers, Cutter, Assorted Safety Pins, black electrical tape, Sharpening Stone, Dental Floss, HD Sewing Needle, Hacksaw Blade, Ring Saw, Wrench to turn off GAS, Wonder Tools, Channel Lock Pliers, Pocket Knife, Can Opener, Bottle Operner,Potential Weapon, hacksaw blade,Nail Clippers,Sissors,EMT shears, Vice Grips, 12 large rubber bands,
MISC ITEMS- Pre-paid phone card, Credit or debit card, Folded Check, ID, (photocopies),
PAPER GOODS- Tissue (kleenex,etc). Toilet Paper, Place in couple Zip Lock Plastic Bags.
CASH- in a baggie 10 ones and 2 fives, along with 4 dollars in quarters (pay phone). Possibly a check folded up and hidden in your kit.
KEYS- Extra Set- Home,Car,neighbors home, car, on keyring with glow in dark item.
EVALUATE- Do you have what YOU need? Is there more than you need? Is there a "lighter" item that will do same thing?
SEAL YOUR KIT- Place piece of masking tape or other sealing device to bring to your attention if items may have been removed. Also be able to clip note to it if you think of additional item, or need to replace an item.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO SELECT FROM

Whatever you want....
PROTECTION-HAT, SCARF, SUNGLASSES, RAINSUITE, CONDOMS, LATEX GLOVES, raincoat, poncho, tinted goggles, Poly Ski Mask,Socks(double as mittens),
DISPOSABLE CAMERA- w/FLASH- for taking photos at accident scene or that picture of grandchild when you forget your "good" camera.
PHOTOCOPY of your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.
ADDRESS BOOK- or short list of important phone numbers (DRS, INSURANCE, with policy numbers auto/medical, EMERGENCY LIST people to call to take care of you. incase you can not tell anyone and the car is searched.
MEDICAL INFORMATION- In envelope with LARGE LETTERS "medical information" put in things that the EMERGENCY ROOM doctor will want to know. Including MEDICAL INSURANCE INFO special instructions.
FOLDING CANE- If you might need one, it is a life-saver, or used cane from thrift store.
READING BOOK- or a magazine, Bible, etc. ... you may get stuck somewhere..
DECK of CARDS- solitare or card game might pass time. Electronic Game (spare battery)
Constantly evaluate what you have in your kit.. check condition atleast every 6 months check condition of food and water.
EXPANDED TOOLS- as your experience dictates
EXPANDED FIRST AID KIT- as your experience dictates- Chap Stick,
WEB EMAIL ACCESS- consider establishing a WEB BASED EMAIL address (they are FREE), like Hot Mail (MSN), or NETSCAPE, or even JUNO, or know how to access your personal EMAIL from the "WEB" if you are away. Be sure to put some of the key email contacts and phone numbers in the ONLINE Address Book...
COPY of FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN- Out of State Contact for separated family check-in, Radio Communications Plan, Red Cross, etc.
CONTAINERS- give thought to the containers used in your own SURVIVAL kit, consider a small "pack or knapsack" to hold some items, Folding Cart, Air Travel Case or backpack with Wheels.

This Document Will Be Revised Periodically- Consider reading articles about survial, urban or sub-urban or rual conditions. Homeland Security, Survivalist and other websites often have links to unusual articles that may be of interest.