The role of protein bars in your disaster survival kit
If there is one thing this year has taught us, it is that disaster can strike anywhere, at anytime. Hurricanes can ravage the east coast, snowstorms can rage in the northeast and Midwest, tornadoes can seemingly strike anywhere and the west has to deal with the threat of earthquakes. The one tip we continue to hear from the media is the importance of having a survival kit in your home. If you've been considering starting a survival kit, here are a few must-haves.
Protein Bars
Not only are protein bars the perfect meal replacement and energy source, they are compact and fit perfectly in a small storage area. In fact, it is highly recommended that you have a full box for every person in your home stored away. While fresh protein bars obviously taste the best, you can let a box sit in your storage area for a few months before switching it out for a fresh box. If your power goes out and you are cut off, you'll be happy that you have such a nutritious source of food at your disposal. No can opener needed.
Water
The rule when it comes to water is that you want a gallon of water per person, per day. You should have enough stored for three days of survival on your own. You'll also want to have some bleach tablets handy so you can treat tap water on your own without having to boil it. If you have a large family, you could run into space restrictions, but you don't want to make compromises when it comes to fresh water. Don't store it in a storage space in your building. You'll want to have it within easy reach in case disaster strikes.
First Aid
While it isn't a whole lot of fun to think about, you'll likely need a first aid kit, as well. The chances that your entire family will be together when disaster strikes is slim which means that there is a chance someone could suffer minor injuries. Be sure you have a first aid kit that is untampered with as well as extra bandages.
Candles/flashlights
Along with food, water and a proper first aid kit, you are going to need a light source. Candles are okay in a pinch, but if your neighbourhood is the likely location of a gas leak, the last thing you are going to want is an open flame. Instead, invest in a flashlight that works through shaking instead of on batteries or in a hand-cranked lantern. You don't want to be stockpiling batteries if you can help it. You'll also need to take other factors into account, as well, like the welfare of your pets, and having extra medication on hand, as well. Make up a disaster plan that outlines where you'll meet should something happen and have a family meeting where you all discuss what to do. You can't prevent disasters from happening but you can prepare yourself just in case.
Protein Bars
Not only are protein bars the perfect meal replacement and energy source, they are compact and fit perfectly in a small storage area. In fact, it is highly recommended that you have a full box for every person in your home stored away. While fresh protein bars obviously taste the best, you can let a box sit in your storage area for a few months before switching it out for a fresh box. If your power goes out and you are cut off, you'll be happy that you have such a nutritious source of food at your disposal. No can opener needed.
Water
The rule when it comes to water is that you want a gallon of water per person, per day. You should have enough stored for three days of survival on your own. You'll also want to have some bleach tablets handy so you can treat tap water on your own without having to boil it. If you have a large family, you could run into space restrictions, but you don't want to make compromises when it comes to fresh water. Don't store it in a storage space in your building. You'll want to have it within easy reach in case disaster strikes.
First Aid
While it isn't a whole lot of fun to think about, you'll likely need a first aid kit, as well. The chances that your entire family will be together when disaster strikes is slim which means that there is a chance someone could suffer minor injuries. Be sure you have a first aid kit that is untampered with as well as extra bandages.
Candles/flashlights
Along with food, water and a proper first aid kit, you are going to need a light source. Candles are okay in a pinch, but if your neighbourhood is the likely location of a gas leak, the last thing you are going to want is an open flame. Instead, invest in a flashlight that works through shaking instead of on batteries or in a hand-cranked lantern. You don't want to be stockpiling batteries if you can help it. You'll also need to take other factors into account, as well, like the welfare of your pets, and having extra medication on hand, as well. Make up a disaster plan that outlines where you'll meet should something happen and have a family meeting where you all discuss what to do. You can't prevent disasters from happening but you can prepare yourself just in case.
