The most important thing to do when preparing for any type of emergency is to be prepared, and that means having a 72-hour urban survival kit.
A good kit should contain everything that you need in case you’re stuck indoors for three days with no access to stores or help. In this article, we’ll look at what you should put in your 72-hour urban survival kit so that it’s ready if disaster strikes soon!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Understanding the importance of a 72-hour survival kit |
| The necessary items to include in a survival kit |
| Tips for choosing the best items for your survival kit |
| Information on storing and updating a survival kit |
| Additional resources for emergency preparedness |
Water.
Whether you’re staying in your home or have to evacuate, water will be essential. You should always have a minimum of one gallon per person for three days. Anything less than that is not sufficient for survival—and the more that you can store, the better off you’ll be.
Bottled water is probably going to be your best bet in terms of volume and weight (it’s also easier on the environment).
If you don’t want to lug around all those bottles, then consider filling up plastic milk jugs with tap water instead. And if there’s no running water at all? Well then it may just be time for some old-fashioned distillation!
A stovetop will do the trick nicely here all you need are two pots: one large enough to hold the other pot with its lid on top securely but with space inside so that steam can escape during boiling; and another small enough to fit inside without touching sides or bottom of large pot when placed inside horizontally while still leaving room beneath it between water level and bottom edge where condensation will collect during cooking process.
Once filled halfway up both sides with clean snow (or ice cubes), place small pot inside larger one such that top edge hangs over lower side by about six inches while lid fits snugly over entire gap left between them–you don’t want any steam escaping through cracks here since they could cause burns!
Then simply heat up cold liquid until boiling point is reached; allow contents inside smaller vessel
If you want to learn how to build a shelter in the wilderness, our step-by-step guide on building a shelter in the wilderness can provide you with the necessary tips and techniques to construct one.
Food
For this item, it’s best to keep things simple. You can find packs of food that will fit your needs at most grocery stores. Consider including the following:
- Protein: canned meats, tuna fish, etc.
- Carbs: pasta, rice, oatmeal packets and/or granola bars.
Veggies: canned or dried veggies like carrots and peas (these last longer than fresh produce). You may also want to include fresh fruits like apples or oranges for some variety in your diet if you have room for them; otherwise stick with canned fruit that has been preserved in syrup instead of juice (the latter will spoil too quickly).
If you have pets or children who need meals as well as yourself, make sure you include enough food for everyone! It’s easy to get caught up in creating an elaborate 72-hour kit but remember that every extra ounce makes a difference when trying to carry everything back home after an urban disaster has struck so don’t go overboard here unless absolutely necessary.
Top Food Items for an Emergency Survival Kit
| Food Item | Brand |
|---|---|
| Protein bars | Clif Bars |
| Canned fruits and vegetables | Del Monte, Dole |
| Canned meat | SPAM, Hormel |
| Peanut butter | Jif, Skippy |
| Crackers | Ritz, Saltines |
| Canned soups and stews | Progresso, Campbell’s |
| Trail mix | Planters, Snak Club |
| Jerky | Jack Link’s, Oberto |
| Instant noodles | Maruchan, Nissin |
| Powdered milk | Carnation, NIDO |
First Aid Kit with Medication
First aid kits are mandatory for any urban survival kit, but it’s even more important to include one in your 72-hour kit.
This is because a first aid kit can help you treat minor injuries and illnesses that could otherwise become major emergencies after the initial 72 hours of an emergency situation.
There are a few things to consider when putting together your first aid kit:
The container should be waterproof—you’ll be using it outside, so make sure there’s no chance of water leaking into the container. If you’re not sure if something is waterproof, test it out before adding it to your bag!
Include a list of medications and emergency contacts as well as extra batteries for flashlights or other devices (like your cell phone).
You’ll want these things on hand during power outages or lack thereof (if they’re not included in another form).
Include extra medication for chronic conditions like asthma inhalers/EpiPens if needed; also make sure any pets have their own supply of medications with them at all times—if possible give some to each pet owner who needs them
The importance of drinking clean water can never be emphasized enough, which is why our article on the dangers of drinking impure water discusses the risks associated with contaminated water and how to minimize them.
Emergency Blanket, Sleeping Bag, and Pillow
To keep you dry and warm, a waterproof emergency blanket is a great addition to your kit. It’s small, compact and can be used as a blanket, sleeping bag or pillow.
They’re made of reflective material that reflects body heat back at you so you don’t get cold. This can also help keep the sun from burning your skin when the weather’s hot.
Top Emergency Blankets, Sleeping Bags, and Pillows
| Product | Brand | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Blanket | Swiss Safe, Grabber | Insulated, waterproof, reflective material for heat retention |
| Sleeping Bag | TETON Sports, Coleman | Made from durable materials, can withstand various weather conditions |
| Inflatable Pillow | Trekology, Therm-a-Rest | Compact and lightweight, easy to set up, provides neck support |
| Foam Sleeping Pad | Therm-a-Rest, Nemo Equipment | Provides extra insulation and cushioning, rollable and lightweight, self-inflatable |
| Emergency Bivvy | SOL, Survive Outdoors Longer | Waterproof, windproof, retains body heat, ideal for emergency shelter |
| Double Sleeping Bag | TETON Sports, Sleepingo | Fits two people comfortably, made from durable materials, easy to pack and transport |
Hand Crank Radio
In a situation where you need to stay informed, like during an earthquake or hurricane, using a hand crank radio can be really helpful.
You won’t have access to the internet and cell service may be down. This means that the only way you will be able to get information is by listening to the radio. A hand crank radio will allow you keep up with current events so that you know what’s going on in your neighborhood and beyond.
The other great thing about hand cranked radios is that they can also be used as chargers for other devices such as smartphones or tablets!
They don’t require any batteries so this makes them even more valuable than most other types of emergency radios out there today because those usually require AA batteries which could run out quickly in an emergency situation like this one where there isn’t much available power around anymore after an earthquake hits nearby cities due to all those buildings falling down onto each other like dominoes… just kidding!
Urban survival situations can be unpredictable, but having the right gear can make a big difference. Check out our list of the top 10 urban survival gear items to make sure your survival kit is complete.
Fire Starter Tools
Your kit should have a method for starting fires, be it the tried and true matches or a newfangled gadget.
Lighters (or other ignition sources) are great to have on hand because they’re pretty easy to use and can be found anywhere.
The drawback is that they are not waterproof, so if you’re in an area where water could be an issue, you might want to consider something else.
Waterproof matches can come in handy when your surroundings aren’t conducive to using lighters or other ignition sources and they are completely waterproof! Just remember that these need something flammable nearby: They won’t work on their own!
There are several battery-powered fire starters available too; however, these tend to get expensive pretty quickly and aren’t always reliable either.
If you’re looking for something with more durability but less cost, we recommend trying out a fire piston instead!
Flashlight and Batteries
If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a quality headlamp. This will allow you to keep your hands free and be able to light up the area in front of you while still being able to see what’s going on around you.
When choosing a flashlight, look for one with an adjustable beam (or multiple options) so that you can adjust it from a wide-angle floodlight to a focused spotlight depending on the situation.
The best tactical flashlights are made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is strong enough to withstand impacts without breaking or shattering.
For batteries, we recommend using rechargeable NiMH batteries as they’re cheaper than disposable alkaline batteries over time and can be easily recharged at home or work using any standard USB charger
Surviving in the city can be tough, but with the right knowledge and skills, you can improve your chances. Our comprehensive guide on surviving in the city provides tips and techniques for urban survival.
Basic Tool Kit
The basic tool kit should include:
- Wrench, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench.
- Measuring tape.
- Knife.
Tape measure (preferably with feet and inches marked). It will probably be easiest to find one that’s already marked with feet and inches at the hardware store.
If you can’t find one there or if you want it in your kit anyway, mark it yourself using a permanent marker so that no one else will accidentally use it as an improvised weapon during an emergency situation!
You could also add other items such as scissors and pencils if desired but these are not necessary for survival purposes.
Tarp, Rope, and Duct Tape
You should always carry a tarp, rope, and duct tape with you in any survival situation. While this is a simple trio of items to include, they can be used for many different things from making a shelter to building a splint or sling.
You could even make your own makeshift bandages out of them just don’t forget that duct tape has many other uses as well!
This collection will help keep you warm and dry during an urban survival scenario, but they also double as handy tools that can be used to build shelters or create other necessities like fishing nets.
When it comes to urban survival, there are many myths that can mislead people. Our article on the top 15 urban survival myths debunked sets the record straight and provides accurate information for surviving in the city.
Rain Poncho and Gloves
Poncho – Your poncho should be at least one size larger than you are to ensure that it can fit over your outerwear and provide ample protection from the elements.
It is also a good idea to have multiple color options, as some people may feel more confident when wearing a bright orange or green rain jacket rather than black or navy blue.
Gloves – You should carry gloves not only for warmth but also for protection against sharp objects or cold surfaces.
If possible, choose gloves that are touchscreen compatible for using smartphones or tablets during inclement weather (see [item below]).
Cash and Important Documents
This is the most important section of your kit, and it should be easy to find. Lightweight plastic containers are ideal for storing cash, credit cards and bank account information.
Don’t forget to include photos of your loved ones as well; this way, you can use them for identification if need be.
Another great addition to this section is a passport or travel visa; if you have one of these documents, make sure they’re visible in case someone wants to see them during an emergency situation.
Conclusion
I hope that this article has given you some ideas for your next urban survival kit. If you have any other suggestions or feedback, please leave them in the comments below!
Further Reading
If you are interested in learning more about emergency preparedness and creating a survival kit, here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
Calgary’s 72-hour emergency kit guide provides a comprehensive list of items to include in a survival kit and tips for emergency preparedness.
Salt Lake City’s build-a-kit guide offers step-by-step guidance for assembling an emergency kit for a variety of situations.
PreparedBC’s emergency kit and grab and go bag guide is a thorough resource that provides detailed information about preparing for natural disasters.
FAQs
What is a 72-hour survival kit?
A 72-hour survival kit is a collection of necessary items and supplies that can help an individual or family survive for three days in an emergency situation.
What should I include in my survival kit?
A survival kit should include basic survival items such as food, water, shelter, clothing, a first aid kit, and tools. Other items to consider include lighting, communication devices, hygiene products, and important documents.
How do I choose the best items for my survival kit?
When choosing items for your survival kit, consider the specific disaster risks in your area and the unique needs of your household. It’s also important to choose high-quality, durable items and regularly check and update your kit as needed.
Where should I keep my survival kit?
Your survival kit should be easily accessible in an emergency and stored in a waterproof and durable container. It’s also a good idea to have additional copies of important documents in a separate location.
How often should I update my survival kit?
It’s important to regularly check and update your survival kit to ensure that the items are still in good condition and meet the current needs of your household. A recommended timeline is every six months.
Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.