Survival kit is a package of basic tools and supplies prepared in advance as an aid to survival in an emergency. Military aircraft, lifeboats, and spacecraft are equipped with a survival kit. The US Army uses several basic survival kits, mainly for aviators, which are stored in canvas carrying bags. US aviators in planes with ejection seats have survival kits in the seat pan and the aviator's survival vest (SRU-21P) worn by US helicopter crews also contains some basic survival items. Civilians working in remote locations or regions with extreme climate conditions such as forestry workers, surveyors, or bush pilots may also be equipped with survival kits. Survival techniques help one to survive dangerous situations. ... Military aircraft are airplanes used in warfare. ... The Space Shuttle Discovery as seen from the International Space Station. ...

General Contents

Survival kits contain supplies and tools to provide a person with basic shelter against the elements and keep warm, meet their health and first aid needs, provide food and water, signal to rescuers, and assist them in finding their way back to help. The specific supplies or tools that fit in each of these categories are listed below. Note that the list below is not the contents of an actual survival kit. Rather, each category lists some of the supplies or tools from which kit-makers choose when they are making a survival kit: First aid is a series of simple, life-saving medical techniques that a non-doctor or layman can be trained to perform. ...

Shelter or warmth

• Reflective aluminum Space blanket to retain body heat
• Lightweight emergency poncho for protection against rain
• Emergency "tube tent", "bivvy bag" or tarp with grommets for attaching a rope
• Magnifying glass, magnesium, or tinder for fire-starting
• Mosquito net, protection against mosquitoes, flies and other insects.
• Magnesium Flint and Saw Striker
• Waterproof matches or lighter
• Esbit or heat tablets for starting a fire
• Dark-colored Shoe Polish(Black preferred) for fire fuel. (it also gives off a smell that can repel animals and can be used for marking and camouflage)
• Cable saw for cutting wood (either for constructing a shelter or for a fire)

Health and First Aid A space blanket is a blanket designed to be used in emergency situations to reduce heat loss from a persons body. ... Typical Andes poncho in a flea market in Genoa, Italy Clear Plastic Rain Poncho modeled by Mark Allyn in Seattle, Washington A poncho is a simple garment designed to keep the body warm, or if made from an impermeable material, to keep dry during rain. ... A magnifying glass is a single convex lens which is used to see girls better it is wonderful i love eating it is so tasty a mg is used also toproduce a magnified image of an object. ... General Name, Symbol, Number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, Period, Block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ... A bed covered by a mosquito net. ... An igniting match A match is a consumable tool for producing fire under controlled circumstances on demand. ... Esbit is a solid fuel in tablet form, which is used by campers and hobbyists. ... An open can of Kiwi shoe polish with a side-mounted opening mechanism visible at the top of the photo. ...

• First aid kit with bandages, sterile pads and gauze, first aid tape, tweezers, surgical razor, disinfectant pads, oxytetracycline tablets (for diarrhea or infection) and aspirin
• Insect repellent
• Soap
• Toilet paper
• Lip balm

Food and water First aid kit of the French Army A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, particularly in a medical emergency. ... Bandages are also used in martial arts to prevent dislocated joints. ... This mosquito has ironically landed on a bottle of herbal mosquito repellent. ... SOAP (see below for name and origins) is a protocol for exchanging XML-based messages over computer networks, normally using HTTP/HTTPS. SOAP forms the foundation layer of the Web services stack, providing a basic messaging framework that more abstract layers can build on. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... A tube of ChapStick. ...

• Iodine tablets for emergency water purification
• Edible salt for food and also can be used for brushing teeth.
• Water in bottles or tetra blocs
• Collapsible (empty) water bags or containers
• Canned food, Ready-to-eat meals (MRE), or high-energy foods such as chocolate or emergency food bars.
• Fishing line, fish hooks, lures, and split shot leads
• Snare wire
• Tea, gum, and hard candy (as a morale booster)

Signaling, navigation and reference General Name, Symbol, Number iodine, I, 53 Chemical series halogens Group, Period, Block 17, 5, p Appearance violet-dark gray, lustrous Standard atomic weight 126. ... Edible salt is mostly sodium chloride (NaCl). ... Canning is a method of preserving food by first heating it to a temperature that destroys contaminating micro-organisms, and then sealing it in air-tight jars or cans. ... An MRE packet, containing a main course or entrée of spaghetti with meat sauce. ...

• Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) send a distress signal that allows the beacon to be located by a satellite system, minimizing the search and maximizing the rescue.
• Candles, Torch (flashlight), or glow sticks
• Surveyor's orange tape (for marking location for rescuers)
• Pen and paper (for leaving notes to rescuers about direction of travel)
• Whistle, Mirror, and/or smoke or illumination flares for signaling
• Compass, GPS navigation equipment
• Maps of the region
• Survival manual

Multipurpose tools or materials Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are tracking transmitters that operate as part of the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... A burning torch, discarded on the road in the wake of the Lewes Bonfire Night celebrations. ... A whistle is a one-note woodwind instrument which produces sound from a stream of forced air. ... A mirror, reflecting a vase. ... Compass in a wooden box A compass (or mariners compass) is a navigational instrument for finding directions on the Earth. ... Over fifty GPS satellites such as this NAVSTAR have been launched since 1978. ... For the acronyms, see MAP and MAPS. A map is a symbolized depiction of a space which highlights relations between components (objects, regions, themes) of that space. ... Survival skills are skills that may help one to survive dangerous situations (such as storms or earthquakes), or in dangerous places (such as the desert, the mountains, and the jungle). ...

• Swiss army style knife
• Gerber or Leatherman style multi tool
• sharpening stone
• Folding saw or cable saw
• Heavy-duty thread and needle (for repairing clothing and equipment)
• Plastic bags or trash bags
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil (for frying food, signaling, etc.)
• Sturdy cord or "550" parachute cord (for supporting a tarp, snaring small animals, etc.)
• Firearm, preferably a 12 gauge shotgun(for food procurement and signaling), plus 150 rounds of ammunition (25 rds "00" Buckshot, balance in small game loads)

A Swiss army knife with its implements in various stages of extension A Swiss Army knife (SAK), (German: , French: ) is a multi-function pocket knife or multitool. ... A Multiplier 400 Compact Sport Gerber multi-tool, in the closed position. ... Leatherman multi-tool A Leatherman Wave with all tools unfolded Leatherman and belt holster Leatherman is a trademark for a line of multi-function hand tools produced by the Leatherman Tool Group. ... An oil stone Sharpening stones are used to grind and hone the edges of steel tools and implements. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Commercial parachute cord Parachute cord (also paracord or 550 cord) is a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in the suspension lines of US parachutes during World War II. Once in the field, paratroopers found this cord useful for many other tasks. ... A Glock 22 hand-held firearm with internal laser sight and mounted flashlight, surrounded by hollowpoint ammunition. ...

Contents of lifeboat survival kits

Lifeboat survival kits are stowed in inflatable or rigid lifeboats or life rafts; the contents of these kits may be mandated by coast guard or maritime regulations. These kits provide basic survival tools and supplies to enable passengers to survive until they are rescued. In addition to relying on lifeboat survival kits, many mariners will assemble a "ditch bag" or "abandon ship bag" containing additional survival supplies. Lifeboat survival kit items typically include:

• Bailer
• Bilge pump
• Boat hook
• Bucket
• Compass
• Emergency high-calorie rations and/or hard bread
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Fishing kit
• Red flare, rocket parachute flare, and/or smoke signal flare
• Hatchet and knife
• Heaving line
• Ladder
• Lantern and fuel and/or searchlight
• Life jackets
• Radar reflector (to help rescuers locate the raft)
• Rainwater collection equipment
• Seawater desalting kit
• Sea anchor (also called a "sea drogue")
• Water (typically 3 liters/person)

A bilge pump is a pump to remove bilge water. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Compass in a wooden box A compass (or mariners compass) is a navigational instrument for finding directions on the Earth. ... Rationing is the controlled distribution of resources and scarce goods or services: it restricts how much people are allowed to buy or consume. ... Fire extinguisher A fire extinguisher is a device used to put out a fire, often in an emergency situation. ... First aid kit of the French Army A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, particularly in a medical emergency. ... Look up Flare in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A carpenters hatchet See Hatchet (novel) for the young adult novel. ... A knife is a sharp-edged (single or double edged) instrument consisting of a thin blade used for cutting and fitted with a handle. ... For other uses, see Ladder (disambiguation). ... Stone lantern in a Chinese Garden A chōchin invites customers into an okonomiyaki restaurant in Japan A lantern is a portable lighting device used to illuminate broad areas. ... A personal flotation device (also named PFD, lifejacket, life preserver, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, life belt) is a device designed to keep a wearer afloat and their head above water, often in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, and oceans. ... Buoy in San Diego Harbor. ... A sea anchor is unlike a normal anchor, in that it is not made of metal and does not dig into the sea floor. ...

Optional items for military kits

Survival kits for military aviators are often modified according to the environment of operations, as described below:

• In desert areas, survival kits may have more water and sunscreen, and have additional items such as shade hats and sun glasses.
• In tropical areas, a survival kit may have mosquito head netting, additional insect repellent, anti-fungal cream, and a machete.
• In arctic areas, survival kits may have additional cold weather clothing (winter hats and gloves), sleeping bags, chemical "hand warmer" packets, sun glasses/snow goggles, snow shoes, a collapsible shovel, a snare wire for small animals, a frying pan, a camp stove, camp stove fuel, and a tent designed for arctic use.
• For personnel who are flying over large bodies of water, a survival kit may have additional items such as flotation vests, fishing nets, fishing equipment, fluorescent sea marking dye, a flare launching gun and cartridges (and perhaps a revolver and tracer ammunition), a survival radio (e.g., a AN/PRC-90), a distress marker light, seawater desalting kit, a raft repair kit, a paddle, a bailer and sponge, sunscreen, and a sun shade hat.

Mini survival kits

"mini survival kits" or "Altoids tin" survival kits are small kits that contain a few basic survival tools. These kits often include a small compass, waterproof matches, a fishing hook and fishing line, a large plastic garbage bag, a small vial of bleach, a small candle, a jigsaw blade, an Exacto knife blade, and a safety pin. Pre-packaged survival kits may also include instructions in survival techniques, including fire-starting or first aid methods. In addition, parachute cord can be wrapped around the tin. The parachute cord can be used for setting up an emergency shelter or snaring small animals. Mini survival kits consist of essential outdoor survival tools and supplies that are difficult or impossible to improvise and which are small enough or critical enough to make them worthwhile carrying all the time. ... Altoids Wintergreen Altoids are a popular brand of breath mints that turn you into a flaming homosexual like Sammy Traverso and have existed since the turn of the 19th century. ...

Other meanings

Bug-out Bags

The term "survival kit" may also refer to the larger survival kits prepared by survivalists, called bug-out bags (BOBs) or Get Out Of Dodge (GOOD) kits, which are packed into large containers or duffel bags so that they can quickly be loaded onto a van or truck in the event of a disaster or social breakdown. These bug-out bags contain supplies such as food, water purification equipment, power supplies, medical equipment, transportation and communications gear, and tools. These supplies and equipment are loaded into a van or truck with bicycle racks and an extra “reserve” gas tank. Some survivalists also plan to carry a small (e.g., 250 cc) off-road-capable motorcycle in the van or truck. A survivalist is a person who anticipates and prepares for a future disruption in local, regional or worldwide social or political order. ... A Bug Out Bag is a portable kit containing all of the items one would require to survive for seventy two hours after evacuating from a disaster. ...

Food supplies in the bug-out vehicle include hundreds of pounds of wheat, rice, and beans, and enough honey, powdered milk, canned goods, bottled fruit, vitamins, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, salt, pepper, spices, and oil for several months. In addition, the kits often contain high-calorie energy bars, a cooking kit, utensils, liquid soap, and towels. The water supplies may include bottled water, filtering kit, bottles, collapsible water containers, and chlorine bleach for water purification. Food preparation and washing equipment may include items such as a grain grinder, a bread mixer, a strainer, a manual can opener, a steam canner with canning jars and O-rings, cutlery, knives, an electric 12-volt cooler icebox, kerosene lamps and heaters, kerosene or propane stoves, extra fuel, a clothes wringer, a foot-operated treadle sewing machine, and an electric hot plate.

The medical supplies may include a blood pressure gauge, stethoscope, scissors, tweezers, forceps, disposable scalpels, two thermometers (oral and rectal), inflatable splints, bandages, sutures, adhesive tape, gauze, burn ointment, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, rubbing alcohol, ipecac syrup, sterile water, cotton rags, soap, and cotton swabs. The transportation items may include bicycles with off-road tires, emergency tools and spare auto parts (e.g., fuses, fan belts, light bulbs, head light, tire pump, etc.), and an inflatable raft with paddles.

In addition, the kits may contain typical individual “survival kit” items, such as nylon tarps, extra clothes and coats, blankets, sleeping bags, matches (and/or other fire starting equipment), a compass and maps, rechargeable flashlights, toilet paper, soap, a pocket knife and bowie knife, a fishing kit, a portable camping stove, a backpack, paper and pencil, a signaling mirror, flashlight, whistle, cable saw, bleach, insect repellent, magnifying glass, rope and nylon cord, pulleys, and a pistol and ammunition.

The communications equipment may include a multi-band receiver/scanner, a citizens band (CB) radio, portable “walkie-talkies” with rechargeable batteries, and a portable battery-powered television. The power supplies may include a diesel or gasoline generator with a one month fuel supply, an auto battery and charger, extension cord, flashlights, rechargeable batteries (with recharger), an electric multi meter, and a test light. Defense items include a revolver, semi-automatic pistol, rifle, shotgun, ammunition, mace or pepper spray, and a large knife such as a bowie knife.

Tools may include cutting tools such as saws, axes and hatchets; mechanical advantage aids such as a pry bar or wrecking bar, ropes, pulleys, or a 'come-a-long" hand-operated winch; construction tools such as pliers, chisels, a hammer, screwdrivers, a hand-operated twist drill, vise grip pliers, glue, nails, nuts, bolts, and screws; mechanical repair tools such as an arc welder, an oxy-acetylene torch, a propane torch with a spark lighter, a solder iron and flux, wrench set, a nut driver, a tap and die set, a socket set,and a fire extinguisher. As well, some survivalists bring barterable items such as fishing line, liquid soap, insect repellent, light bulbs, can openers, extra fuels, motor oil, and ammunition.

In-home emergency kit for natural disaster

The US government's Homeland Security website [1] provides a list of in-home emergency kit items. The list focuses on the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and materials to maintain body warmth. The recommended basic emergency kit items include:

• Water, at least one gallon of water per person for each day
• Food, non-perishable food for at least three days
• Battery-powered or hand cranked radio and a Weather Radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal
• Dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
• Wrench or pliers to turn off water valves
• Can opener for canned food
• Local maps

Additional items that may be added to the emergency kit include prescription medications and glasses, infant formula and diapers, pet food, family documents (e.g., copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records), cash or traveler's checks and change, a first aid book, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. For people in cold climates, additional clothing is recommended. Other items that may be useful include household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper, to use as a disinfectant and emergency water purifier, a fire extinguisher, matches, feminine hygiene items, plates and utensils, a paper and pencil, and activities for children.

See also

• Survivalism
• Survival skills
• Hiking equipment

A survivalist is a person who anticipates and prepares for a future disruption in local, regional or worldwide social or political order. ... Survival skills are skills that may help one to survive dangerous situations (such as storms or earthquakes), or in dangerous places (such as the desert, the mountains, and the jungle). ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ...

External links

• Complete Survival Kits Available for Purchase
• SurvivalBlog
• www.ready.gov (kit)
• U.S. FEMA, Are You Ready - kit checklist
• Equipped to Survive, a non-profit resource for aviation and general disaster preparedness