Many people search online for “free government survival kits”, hoping to find resources provided by the government to prepare for emergencies. However, the reality is that the government does not distribute free survival kits to its citizens.
This misconception arises from a campaign led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Center for Emergency Management. The campaign, aimed at improving emergency preparedness among families, included a component called “Get a Kit”. While the campaign recommended assembling essential items into a kit, it did not involve distributing these kits to the public. Let’s dive deeper into why this confusion exists, why having a survival kit is crucial, and what it takes to build or buy one.
Why People Believe the Government Provides Free Survival Kits
The “Get a Kit” campaign encouraged families to gather essential emergency items in one place so they could be ready to evacuate or shelter in place at a moment’s notice. Recommended by the government, these items were listed on Ready.gov and similar state websites. When people saw a link titled “Get a Kit” on these platforms, many assumed the government was offering these kits for free, similar to the free COVID-19 test kits distributed during the pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the expectation that the government would provide necessary emergency supplies grew significantly. This was amplified by social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, where posts claiming the existence of free government survival kits circulated widely. Unfortunately, these claims were not accurate, but they contributed to the belief that such kits were readily available.
Why Every Family Needs a Survival Kit
While the government does not supply these kits, it emphasizes the importance of having one. Emergencies like natural disasters, power outages, or sudden evacuations can strike without warning. Being prepared with a survival kit ensures that your family has the basic necessities to stay safe and comfortable during challenging times. A well-stocked survival kit can:
- Provide access to food and water when supplies are disrupted.
- Equip you with tools and information to respond effectively to emergencies.
- Help maintain hygiene and comfort in unfamiliar or difficult conditions.
What to Put in Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
According to Ready.gov, the following items are recommended for an emergency kit:
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days.
- Food: Non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days.
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries.
- Cell phone: With charger.
- first aid kit: Include a first aid book for guidance.
- Flashlight: With extra batteries.
- Manual can opener: For food.
- Tools: Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Blanket or sleeping bag: One per person.
- Medications and glasses: Include prescriptions and backup glasses.
- Clothing: Seasonal changes, including sturdy shoes.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene products.
- Keys: Extra house and car keys.
- Important documents: Insurance policies, driver’s license, Social Security card, bank records.
- Fire extinguisher: For safety.
- Cash: Include small bills and change.
- Entertainment: Books, games, or cards to pass time.
Why These Items Are Important
Each item in a survival kit serves a specific purpose:
- Water and food: These are essential for sustaining life, especially during prolonged emergencies.
- Radios and flashlights: Keep you informed and safe when power and communication lines are down.
- First aid supplies: Enable you to handle minor injuries and prevent complications while waiting for professional help.
- Tools and documents: Help you manage utilities and ensure access to necessary information during recovery efforts.
- Clothing and bedding: Keep you warm and protected from the elements.
- Fire extinguisher: Reduces the risk of small fires spreading in an emergency.
- Cash: Useful when electronic payment systems are unavailable.
The Cost of Being Prepared
For families considering purchasing a ready-made survival kit, costs can vary widely based on the quality and quantity of items included. Basic kits with minimal supplies start around $50. However, comprehensive kits for a family of four, including food, water, and medical supplies for three days, can range from $150 to $500. Customizing a kit with additional or higher-quality items, like durable tools or long-lasting food, could increase the budget to around $1,000.
While assembling a kit yourself may take more effort, it allows for customization to meet your family’s specific needs. Either way, the investment in a survival kit is small compared to the potential cost of being unprepared during an emergency.
Conclusion
Although the government does not provide free survival kits, the “Get a Kit” campaign highlights the importance of being prepared. Misunderstandings about this initiative underscore the need for clear communication about emergency preparedness. By creating or purchasing a survival kit, your family can be ready for whatever challenges come your way. Start building your kit today and take the first step toward greater peace of mind.
