10 Things To Add To Your Survival Kit I'll Bet You Didn't Think Of!

You know all about the need for food, water, and shelter. If you have been listening, then you already have begun stockpiling non-perishable food, decided how you are going to store adequate water, and discussed alternate shelter arrangements with your family...just in case.

If the shortages during the pandemic are any indication, you probably also realized you will require personal hygiene products (although most of us did survive the great toilet paper shortage of 2020). 

But there are still some items you should have in your survival kit that I'm willing to bet you didn't think of. After all, for most this is a new way of thinking. Have no fear. I'm here to share my top 10 things you should have in your kit but probably don't:

1. Extra Socks: I'm putting extra socks right at the top of the list. Why? In a survival situation, keeping your feet healthy is paramount. Your feet could be your only mode of transportation in an emergency! Even if you don't have to hike a great distance, your feet could still take a lot more wear and tear than they are used to. Which means so will your socks. So extra socks to replace the ones that get worn out. Or to wear when it's colder than normal to keep your feet warm. Or to wear as an extra layer of warmth over your hands. In fact socks have a myriad of uses other than to cover our feet. It's always good to have a supply of clean, comfortable socks on hand.

2.. A Hand Crank Radio: That's right. A hand crank radio. You need to be able to stay informed of conditions in your area. But no power can mean no TV, internet, or phone. The solution to that problm is the hand crank radio. No electricity or batteries required. And yes....they really work.

3. Batteries: Speaking of batteries, you are going to want some. Even though you don't need them for your radio, you make need them for other things. Flashlights. Lanterns. Some medical devices may have battery backups. If you lose power, you are probably going to use a LOT of batteries. Make sure you have plenty on hand. And check to make sure you have an assortment of all the right sizes. Check all of your battery-powered devices and then stock up. 

4. Hand Sanitizer: If you were one of those folks hoarding hand sanitizer during the pandemic, good for you. Hang on to that stuff. If you're like me, and hand sanitizer is just one of those things you never use, go get some. Under normal day-to-day conditions, I have never felt the need for hand sanitizer. But a survival situation is entirely different. It will be difficult to maintain any level of cleanliness and there could be some nasty stuff out there. Get the hand sanitizer. 

5. Dental Hygiene Items: The last thing you want during a survival situation is pain. And in my opinion, there is no worse pain than a toothache. Dental care is vital. But your electric toothbrush isn't going to work. And brushing with baking soda or peroxide tastes like crap. Stockpile some toothbrushes...the regular manual kind...toothpaste and mouthwash. You'll be glad you did. Oh...and don't forget the floss!

6. Aspirin: Speaking of pain, don't forget the pain relievers. There are many different types available today but I recommend plain old aspirin. It's the least expensive and it's not just for headaches. There are plenty of other uses for aspirin. It should be a key component of your medical kit.

7. Paracord: Think of all the things you might need a rope for in a survival situation. Now think how much better it would be if you had something stronger and lighter than rope. That's paracord.  

8. Extra Blankets: They will keep you warm in the winter. They can be used to provide shade in the summer. They can be used to create a makeshift stretcher or litter. Blankets are another one of those things that can have multiple uses. Make sure you have plenty stashed away, just in case. 

9. Cleaning Supplies: The cleaner you can keep yourself and your surroundings, the less chance of picking up some nasty bug. So stock up on hand soap to keep yourself clean. Dish soap to keep your eating utensils clean. Laundry soap to keep your clothes clean. And disinfectant cleaners to keep your shelter as clean as possible. Plus washcloths, towels, sponges, and paper towels.

10. A Manual Can Opener: Most non-perishable food comes in a can. It's going to be hard to eat if you can't open it. 

How many of these do you have in your survival kit? What do you have that isn't on my list?

Book Recommendation: Where There Is No Doctor

Let me tell you about one of my favorite books. Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook was actually written for use in third-world countries. So if you're asking why it should be in your survival library, just think about it. I'm sure people who went through the Texas 2021 Stormageddon thought they were in a third-world country! 

All jokes aside, if SHTF for real in your neighborhood, medical care may be hard to find. There literally may be no access to a doctor. That's when this guide could be the thing that saves a life.

Although it covers everything from how to deliver a baby to how to splint a broken leg, it also covers how to use different medications. How to give injections. Information on nutrition. Disease prevention. And much much more. That may sound overwhelming. But all of the information is presented in a simple, straightforward, fashion which makes it easy to understand. It does include illustrations and information that pertain primarily to people like medical missionaries. But the overall medical information is useful any time you find yourself without adequate access to medical care. 

Of course, there are some things that simply cannot be handled at home by amateurs. The book is also very clear on those. We all hope we never have to be in a situation where we have to deal with that. But for most common health care concerns, this book is a godsend.

My favorite part of the book is the guide to medication. It's true in the US, you can't get medication without a prescription. But I'm sure you have all watched enough Zombie Apocalypse movies to see survivors raiding pharmacies. Trust me...if things got that bad, I'd be one of the first to do just that. And I would take this book with me to ensure I was getting the right stuff. It not only tells you what you need for different illnesses, it also has dosages. It has side effects. It also tells you when NOT to use particular medications. There are many first aid manuals available that will provide basic instructions for emergencies. This is the only one I have ever seen with such a comprehensive guide to the use of medications.

I have many first aid and survival medicine manuals in my library. And I will definitely be sharing a couple more of my favorites. But no matter which ones you may already have, you need to add this one to your collection even if it's just for the medication guide. 

P.S. A little warning on some of the illustrations. Most are fine. Some are a bit graphic. Just remember the actual purpose of the manual is for those traveling to third-world countries. Then count your blessings, don't freak out over the illustrations, and absorb the wealth of useful information in this book.

Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook is available on Amazon. And yes, I receive commission when products and services featured are purchased.  It's the law that I tell you that I make some money every time someone buys them.

I have personally used everything I mention in my blog.  That is not a law.  It's just a fact that I won't recommend something I haven't used just to make a buck.

Thanks for helping me keep the lights on!