Emergencies, whether in the great outdoors or in everyday life, can happen when least expected. Being prepared is the key to ensuring your safety and well-being. This blog post will explore the 12 C's of Survivability and provide a comprehensive survival gear checklist to help you create a well-rounded emergency preparedness kit.
The 12 C's of Survivability
The 12 C's of Survivability is a concept developed to provide a comprehensive framework for survival gear and skills. Each "C" represents a different category of essential items and abilities. Let's dive into each and see how they can shape your emergency preparedness kit.
1. Cutting Tools:
Fixed-Blade Knife: A high-quality, full-tang knife is indispensable for various tasks, from cutting cordage to food preparation.
Folding Saw: Useful for gathering firewood, building shelters, and other outdoor tasks.
Multi-Tool: Provides versatility with various tools in one package.
2. Combustion Devices:
Firestarter: Waterproof matches, lighters, or fire starters are vital for fire-making in any condition.
Fire-Starting Material: Carry dry tinder and fire starters, or Fatwood, to ignite a fire even in wet conditions.
3. Cover Elements:
Tarp or Emergency Blanket: A durable tarp or space blanket can provide shelter from the elements; don't forget four tent stakes.
Proper clothing: Dress appropriately for the season you're in.
4. Cordage: Paracord or strong nylon cord is essential for securing your shelter.
5. Container:
Stainless Steel Water Bottle: Boils water, heats food, and carries liquids.
Canteen or Water Bladder: Provides additional water-carrying capacity.
6. Candle Device:
Headlamp/Flashlight: Illuminate your surroundings and preserve night vision.
Spare Batteries: Ensure you have a backup power source.
7. Cotton Bandana:
Multi-Purpose Tool: A bandana can be a head covering, dust mask, water filter, or sling.
8. Cloth Sail Needle:
Repair Gear: A needle and strong thread can mend clothing, gear, and equipment.
9. Cargo Tape:
Field Repairs: Duct tape is versatile for patching gear and securing items.
10. Compass and Map:
Navigation: A compass and maps help you find your way, even without GPS.
11. Cerate:
Personal First Aid Kits and Medicinal Salves for bleeding, burns, and blisters.
12. Circumvention:
Workaround tools such as MREs, Multi-Tool Pliers, Silcock Keys, or other mission-dependent gear.
Emergency Preparedness Kit Outline
Now that we've covered the 12 C's of Survivability, let's assemble these components into a comprehensive emergency preparedness kit.
1. Cutting Tools:
Fixed-blade knife
Folding saw
Multi-tool
2. Combustion Devices:
Lighter
Waterproof matches
Fire-starting materials
3. Cover Elements:
Tarp with Grommets
Emergency blanket
4. Cordage:
100ft of Paracord
100ft of #36 tarred Bank Line
50ft of Mule Tape or Climbing Rope
5. Container:
Stainless steel water bottle
Canteen or water bladder
6. Candlelight:
Headlamp or flashlight
Spare batteries
7. Cotton Bandana:
Multi-purpose bandana (Shemagh recommended)
8. Cloth Sail Needle:
Sail needle and strong thread
9. Cargo Tape:
Gorilla Tape
10. Compass and Map:
Compass
Maps of your area
11. Cerate:
Personal First Aid Kit
Tourniquet
Personal Medications
12. Circumvention:
Emergency Communication Device
Spare Clothing
Water Filter
Hygiene Items
Survival Food Provisions
Sleeping Bag or Wool Blanket
Remember to customize your kit to your specific needs, location, and the duration of your anticipated emergency. Regularly check and update your supplies to ensure everything is in working order and within its expiration date. With this comprehensive checklist, you'll be well-prepared for any emergency that comes your way.
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