If a major catastrophe happens and you need to get out of Dodge (aka "GOOD"), what would you do? Where would you go? And what would you take with you?

Ideally, you'll never have to worry about these questions. But if "stuff" hits the fan (aka "SHTF"), it's better to be somewhat prepared than not at all.

No matter who you are or what you believe, you need to keep a survival kit at home and in your vehicle. Survival kits—also known as "bug-out bags" or "72-hour kits" (since most emergencies you're likely to encounter would be at least somewhat remedied in a matter of days)—typically feature the few things you'd need most in an emergency if you didn't have access to the conveniences of modern life.

The survival kit we'll put together today focuses on bare essentials; we'll have more info about how to use them in future posts on Mindful Survival.

Keep in mind that your needs may be different depending on the number of people with you, the emergency, and your region. And remember that you can swap items out or upgrade later. This is a good start, though.

What to include in a basic survival kit*:

Your personalized disaster plan. We'll write about how to prepare a plan for your family later, but at its most basic, this should include places to meet up, evacuation routes, maps, and important contact info, either laminated or in a resealable bag. Smartphones are nice to rely on for much of this info, but in some emergencies, they'll be useless.
Survival book. SAS Survival Handbook is a great, comprehensive, and compact resource. It's out of print but worth the $40 or so. There are plenty of others, too; just make sure you have one.
Cash. You can't rely on ATMs, debit or credit cards if the power is out or networks are down.
Copies of important documents. Include your driver's license or other ID, insurance card, birth certificate, social security card, etc. in a resealable bag.
Compass. The Silva Lensatic works well.
Sunglasses and sunscreen. Choose whichever sunglasses don't take up much space. For sunscreen, we're fans of Vanicream Sport—we've used it for years, it lasts for hours in spite of sweat and water, and it doesn't have many of the toxic chemicals that other sunscreens are made of.
Water. On average, women need to drink 91 oz. per day, and men need 125 oz. That's about 3/4 and 1 gallon, respectively. Note that, on an average day, much of the water you consume may come from food, which may not be available when SHTF. So it's safest to bring 1 gallon per day per person. It's easiest to buy plastic gallons.
Water purification device (like the Lifestraw) or tablets. You don’t want to run out of water.
Prescription medication if you take it
Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses and solution
Emergency food. Pack non-perishable, high-protein foods that don't need to be cooked and don't require water, like peanut butter, jerky, sardines, granola, dried fruit, MRE's, and energy bars.
Clothes. Bring a change for everyone in your group, with durable shoes and gloves.
Flashlight and extra batteries. We're fans of this small Mag-Lite.
First-aid kit
Fire starter and Bic lighters
Knife. You can't go wrong with the $50 SOG Specialty Knives & Tools M37-N SEAL Pup, or you could put that on your wish list and instead choose the value of the highly rated Swedish Military Mora knife.
Stainless-steel water bottle. You can use a Klean Kanteen bottle to both drink out of and boil water.
Insect repellent
Plastic tarp or blanket
Rope/paracord. Make sure you know how to tie a variety of knots (which we'll cover later—we need to learn too.)
Emergency radio. Eton makes great emergency radios.
Multi tool. This should at least include a can opener, screwdriver, pliers, and knife. This Leatherman has most of what you'll need.
Solar powered light. This solar light recharges during the day and can provide your camp with light at night. Plus, it helps people in Haiti.
Duct tape
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizer
Feminine items
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Pet supplies. Have enough food and water for three days, along with leashes, plastic baggies, medications, vaccination records, and a litter box for cats. A photo with you and your animals can also help should you become separated.
If you're so inclined, a firearm (more on this in a future post)

Total estimated cost of the above: $500. Total value: Priceless.

If you're like us, you're watching your money (we'll write about budgeting and getting out of debt later) and thinking that these items can add up fast. You're right: Buying everything above adds up quickly, cost-wise. But think of your emergency kit as an insurance policy against unforeseeable events. It will also give you peace of mind to know that you have what you need to survive catastrophic events you're likely to encounter.

Finally, here are some other items that would be nice to have if you need to GOOD, but they're by no means necessary for your survival kit:

Sleeping bag
Sewing kit
Card game
Signaling device (mirror, flairs, whistle)

You're probably wondering: What will I put all this stuff in, and what will I do with it in case of an emergency? Good questions! We'll write about bags and containers for your gear, and how to use everything in your emergency kit, in future posts, so sign up for the Mindful Survival newsletter and you'll be the first to know.

And let us know what else you'd add to your emergency kit in the comments section!

* Links that go to Amazon.com are affiliate links, meaning that Mindful Survival will receive a small percentage of the price of your purchase as a referral bonus. Note that this doesn't increase the price of what you order; rather, it's just a nice way to say "thank you" for our efforts, since we do this during our free time and aren't otherwise compensated.