Is Your Emergency Kit Missing Something?

With so much more attention being paid recently to emergency preparedness and emergency plans and supplies it's not much of a surprise that there has been a surge in sales of 72 hour go bags and emergency kits, sometimes called bug out bags. Emergency kits are pretty standard, with food, water, shelter and communications.

You'll also have some basic tools, along with hygiene and first aid supplies. The contents pretty much depend on how many the kit is designed to support and, of course, the cost. Unless you're willing to assemble a kit yourself, it's almost impossible to customize it specifically your family. But that's changing and soon you'll be able to order products such as GPS trackers, power systems, equipment repair kits and other food, water and communication. choices. But one product group that I haven't seen included or even thought of with emergency supplies are security and personal defence products and I have to say, that doesn't really make any sense . Look at the circumstances that people purchasing kits or survival gear are getting ready for. Since hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, winter storms, power outages and wildfires are why we buy these emergency products, ask yourself, will everyone usually be at their best, under these trying circumstances?

Not a chance.  Sadly, in times of emergency, there will be an increase in looting, vandalism, violent crimes and theft and so perhaps defense products are a good idea. They don't have to be weapons - but some will want to go that route. Whistles, personal attack alarms and police quality flashlights are non-weapon options that I consider to be bare minimum requirements. And there's a huge selection of defense spray worth considering - provided they're legal where you live. Check out animal sprays as well. You can choose from a wide range of sizes.

Tasers & Stun guns are also candidates to include with your kits. Like it or not, they could very easily prove to be necessary. If you do include them with your kits, be sure that you check them periodically to make sure they're functioning properly. And don't forget about the batteries. While we're talking about it, store them safely, far from the reach of children. They're weapons that can be harmful. Although a taser can be used as a stun gun after the cartridges have been discharged, you'll probably want to have an extra cartridge on hand.

One thing that's very important when it comes to personal defense and emergency situations, is some form of defense instruction. You don't need to be a black belt, but imagine the advantages of learning how to prevent situations from escalating from a verbal to a more physical exchange. There are proven ways to do this and you and your family will be well served learning them.

Please think about defense products while you're buying your emergency supplies.