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Emergency Planning and Readiness Kits

Quick Summary​

Effective emergency readiness depends on three interconnected elements: planning, preparation, and practice. This guide shows you how to create realistic emergency plans and build layered readiness kits that could save your life.

Why This Matters​

Emergencies don't announce themselves. Whether it's a car breakdown on a remote highway, a power outage during a winter storm, or getting lost on a hiking trail, being prepared dramatically increases your chances of staying safe.

The harsh reality: failure to plan is a plan to fail. But the good news is that emergency planning isn't complicated—it just requires thinking ahead and taking practical steps.

The Three Pillars of Emergency Readiness​

1. Planning​

Emergency planning means acknowledging that something could go wrong and taking steps to increase your chances of staying safe. Consider these factors:

  • Your activities: Where do you go regularly? What could go wrong there?
  • Environment: What's the terrain and weather like? How might conditions change?
  • Duration: How long might you be on your own?
  • Transportation: Are you in a car, on foot, or using other transport?

Research your areas: Use the internet, maps, and local resources to understand the geography, climate, and potential hazards of places you visit regularly.

2. Preparation​

A plan without preparation is just wishful thinking. Prepare yourself and your gear:

Personal Preparation:

  • Keep medical checkups and vaccinations current
  • Maintain good physical fitness
  • Learn basic skills like first aid
  • Study local conditions and indigenous knowledge

Gear Preparation:

  • Build appropriate readiness kits (see below)
  • Test all equipment before you need it
  • Know where emergency exits are located
  • Keep gear in good condition

3. Practice​

Regularly practice with your equipment and skills:

  • Build a fire in wet conditions
  • Use all items in your kit until they're familiar
  • Review medical procedures when you're calm
  • Practice navigation without GPS
Important

Always include printed instructions for medical items. Stress can impair memory and lead to dangerous mistakes.

Building Your Readiness Kit​

The environment determines what you need, and how you'll carry it determines how much you can bring.

The Layered Approach​

Organize your gear in layers:

  1. Body: Most critical items (map, compass, knife, lighter)
  2. Pack/Vest: Secondary items that support the basics
  3. Vehicle/Base: Bulky items and extended supplies

Kit Selection Criteria​

Choose items that are:

  • Multipurpose: One item serves several functions
  • Compact: Takes minimal space
  • Lightweight: Won't exhaust you carrying it
  • Durable: Works after rough handling
  • Functional: Actually does what it's supposed to do

Container Requirements​

Your kit container should be:

  • Water-resistant or waterproof
  • Easy to carry or attach to your body
  • Accommodate various-sized items
  • Durable enough for rough conditions

Good container options: Pelican case, ammunition box, large pill organizer, tackle box, or military surplus first aid pouch.

Essential Kit Categories​

Water​

Goal: Collect, transport, and purify water

  • Purification tablets or drops
  • Small plastic tubing for siphoning
  • Collapsible water container
  • Bandana for filtering debris
  • Plastic bags for water collection

Fire​

Goal: Multiple ways to create fire

  • Primary: Reliable lighter
  • Backup: Waterproof matches
  • Emergency: Magnesium fire starter
  • Tinder: Petroleum jelly cotton balls
  • Candle for extended flame

Shelter​

Goal: Protection from elements

  • Paracord (50+ feet)
  • Emergency blanket (reflects 90% body heat)
  • Large garbage bags (waterproof, windproof)
  • Duct tape for repairs
  • Emergency poncho

Food​

Goal: Procure and prepare nutrition

  • Fixed-blade knife
  • Fishing line and hooks
  • Snare wire
  • High-energy bars
  • Bouillon cubes (salt, flavor, morale)
  • Aluminum foil (cooking, signaling)

Medical​

Goal: Treat injuries and illness

  • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
  • Gauze pads and tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Pain reliever (ibuprofen)
  • Anti-diarrheal medication
  • Personal prescription medications
  • Emergency antibiotic (if prescribed)
caution

Medical items may comprise up to 50% of your kit's weight. Consult your doctor about prescription medications for emergency use.

Signaling​

Goal: Attract rescue attention

  • Signal mirror (visible for miles)
  • Whistle (three sharp blasts = help)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Bright colored cloth
  • Reflective tape
  • Pen flares (if legal in your area)

Miscellaneous​

Goal: Navigation and general utility

  • Compass (quality button compass minimum)
  • Needle and strong thread
  • Safety pins
  • Small multi-tool
  • Pencil and waterproof paper
  • Emergency cash
  • Spare eyeglasses (if needed)

Kit Customization by Environment​

Desert/Hot Climate:

  • Extra water storage
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  • Electrolyte packets
  • Shade materials

Cold/Winter:

  • Extra insulation
  • Hand/foot warmers
  • High-calorie foods
  • Waterproof outer layer

Marine/Coastal:

  • Waterproof everything
  • Desalination supplies
  • Marine signaling devices
  • Flotation aids

Urban:

  • Cash in small bills
  • Multi-tool with prying capabilities
  • Dust masks
  • Emergency contact list

Testing Your Kit​

Monthly Checks:​

  • Verify expiration dates
  • Test batteries
  • Check for damage or corrosion
  • Practice with unfamiliar items

Seasonal Updates:​

  • Adjust for weather changes
  • Update medications
  • Refresh perishable items
  • Review and update emergency contacts

Skills Practice:​

  • Use your fire-starting methods
  • Practice first aid procedures
  • Test navigation tools
  • Try food preparation methods

Common Mistakes​

Mistake: Building a kit and forgetting about it Why it's wrong: Expired medications and dead batteries won't help in an emergency Instead: Schedule regular maintenance checks

Mistake: Focusing only on rare, dramatic scenarios Why it's wrong: You're more likely to need help with common problems Instead: Prepare for realistic situations first (car trouble, power outages, getting lost)

Mistake: Copying someone else's kit exactly Why it's wrong: Your needs, environment, and skills are unique Instead: Understand the principles, then customize for your situation

Budget-Friendly Kit Building​

Start small and build over time:

Week 1 ($25): Water purification, basic first aid, fire starter Month 2 (+$30): Signaling devices, emergency food, shelter materials Month 3 (+$40): Quality knife, navigation tools, specialized gear

DIY Alternatives:

  • Altoids tin → compact kit container
  • Plastic bottles → water storage
  • Steel wool + battery → fire starter
  • Trash bags → emergency shelter

When Readiness Kits Aren't Enough​

Your kit is a tool, not a magic solution. Seek professional help when:

  • Medical emergencies require advanced care
  • Weather conditions exceed your preparation level
  • You're injured and alone
  • Equipment fails and you lack alternatives

Remember: The best piece of equipment is a well-trained mind. Your ability to adapt, improvise, and stay calm often matters more than any gear.

  • Start here: Risk Assessment - Identify what you're preparing for
  • Next: Water Procurement - Put your kit to use
  • Advanced: Improvised Tools - When your kit isn't enough
Source

Adapted from Field Manual FM-3-05-70

Last updated: January 18, 2026