Introduction
Assuming that you have a basic understanding of what a survival kit is and what it contains, we will now answer the question – how long should supplies in the survival kit last?
A survival kit is any collection of items that may be used in an emergency situation to help You survive. It is often advisable to have at least two kits, one at home and one in the car. Many people choose to put together their own kits, but there are also many commercially available options.
The duration for which supplies in a survival kit will last will depend on several factors, including the contents of the kit, the number of people it is intended to support, and the length of time for which you are planning to be stranded.
In general, however, you can expect that most items in a survival kit will have a shelf life of at least three years. This means that they will remain safe and effective for at least three years from the date of manufacture. Of course, some items may last much longer than this – for example, canned food can often be safely consumed many years after it has been canned.
It is important to note that the shelf life of items in a survival kit may be shorter if they are not stored properly. For example, if you store your kit in a hot car or in direct sunlight, the items may degrade faster than they would if they were stored in a cool, dark place.
In summary, while there is no definitive answer to the question of how long supplies in a survival kit should last, you can generally expect most items to remain safe and effective for at least three years from the date of manufacture.
The Rule of Threes
The Rule of Threes is a widely accepted guideline that suggests that a person can survive for:
-3 minutes without air,
-3 hours without shelter in harsh conditions,
-3 days without water, and
-3 weeks without food.
While these timeframes are generalizations, they offer a good starting point for thinking about the supplies you’ll need in your kit. Remember, the key to survival is to be prepared for anything. So, it’s important to have enough supplies to last you and your family for at least 72 hours.
Prioritizing Your Supplies
You may not be able to carry everything you need, so it’s important to prioritize the supplies in your kit. Start with the items you need to survive for 72 hours, then add items based on your specific needs and situation.
Water is the top priority. You will need at least one gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and hygiene.
Next, focus on food. You will need non-perishable food that does not require cooking or refrigeration. Canned goods, energy bars, dried fruit, and peanut butter are all good options.
After water and food, you will need shelter, clothing, and first aid supplies. A tarp, blanket, or poncho can be used for shelter. Pack extra clothes that are appropriate for the climate in which you live. Include a first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and other essentials.
Lastly, add items that will help you stay connected and safe. A portable radio or emergency whistle can help you signal for help. A flashlight will come in handy if you must evacuate at night or during a power outage.
Building Your Kit
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
-Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
-Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
-Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
-Flashlight and extra batteries
–First aid kit
-Whistle to signal for help
-Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
-Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
-Manual can opener for food
-Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter, or solar charger
Basically, you will want enough supplies to last each person in your family 3 days. Depending on the disaster survival gear you choose you could go longer but 3 days is a good place to start. Remember these are just the basics, if you want more comfort items such as clothing or medicine that is fine but not necessary. The most important thing is to have enough food, water, and shelter to last a few days until help arrives.
Maintaining Your Kit
It is important to regularly check the items in your survival kit and replace any that are missing or damaged. You should also plan to repack your kit every
-3 months
-6 months
-12 months
depending on how often you use it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to how long supplies in the survival kit should last really depends on the situation. If you are stranded in your car during a winter storm, it is important to have enough food and water to last for at least three days. If you are camping in bear country, you will need enough supplies to last for at least one week.