• A survival kit can mean the difference between life or death in the event of an emergency.backpack image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com
  
  Backpackers, hikers, campers, fisherman, spelunkers, rock climbers and other adventurers should always pack a survival kit to bring along. Even those who are not the adventuring type should keep a survival kit packed in an accessible place in case of emergencies such as fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcano eruptions or other emergencies that might require immediate evacuation. It is important to know what to pack in a survival kit.
  
  

Food

• Food is one of the most important item categories to remember. Small, ready-to-eat canned foods, canned juices, canned milks, sugar, salt, pepper, peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix, candies, tea bags, cookies and dry cereal are good items to pack in a survival kit in order to maintain a quick and balanced nutrition. Pack accordingly for pets, infants or people with special dietary needs who will be attending the trip or live in your household. Do not pack foods that require a great deal of preparation or water such as pastas or beans. According to Ready America, pack enough food to last three days for each member and pet of the trip or household.
  
  

Water

• Pack three gallons of water per person and pet for every three days you will be gone. If it is for household emergency evacuations, then pack enough for three days and change this water every six months. Store the water in plastic containers.
  
  

First Aid

• First-aid kits are crucial to the health and safety of everyone attending the trip or in the household. Many items are in a first-aid kit, including bandages, safety pins, soap, sunscreen, gauze pads, scissors, tweezers, antacids, a laxative, ipecac, needles, moistened towellettes, antiseptic, petroleum jelly, anti-inflammatories, pain medications, prescribed medications, cough medicines, fever reducers and antihistamines.
  
  

Necessary Supplies and Documentation

• According to Ready America and SF Gate, other items should be included in the packing of a survival kit. These items include: a weather radio, flashlight, batteries, signal whistle, dust mask, duct tape, wrench, pliers, can opener, maps of the area and surrounding areas, cell phones and chargers, paper or plastic cups, utensils and plates, cash, small fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container, aluminum foil, storage containers, signal flare, toiletries, garbage bags, disinfectant, wills, insurance policies, passports, social security cards, immunization records and anything else you think is necessary.