In times of peace, people tend to think that war is far away from them, but history and reality tell us that war can break out at any time.
So, in the event of a war, money is just waste paper? What are the first important things to bring with you?
Basic survival needs
In the early days of the war, food and drinking water supplies could be disrupted, so preparing enough food and water was the first priority for survival.
Canned food: This type of food has a long shelf life and is easy to carry, making it ideal for wartime stockpiles, and you can choose some high-calorie, high-nutrient canned foods such as beans, fish, meat, and canned vegetables.
Dry foods: such as compressed biscuits, energy bars, dried fruits and nuts, which are not only easy to store and carry, but also provide plenty of energy.
Drinking water: Try to prepare enough drinking water, at least 2 litres of water per person per day. In addition, some portable water purifiers or water purification tablets can be prepared to deal with the situation of water pollution.
In war, homes can be destroyed or uninhabitable, so keeping warm and shelter is even more important.
Sleeping bags and warm clothing: Good quality sleeping bags and warm clothing can provide the necessary warmth in cold environments. Choose materials that are waterproof and windproof to cope with inclement weather.
Tents or tarps: Portable tents or tarps can quickly set up temporary shelter and provide basic living conditions.
Emergency blanket: The emergency blanket is lightweight and compact, which can reflect body temperature and is an effective tool for cold protection and warmth.
In the absence of infrastructure, how to cook food and obtain calories is also a matter of consideration.
Portable stoves: Choose portable stoves that are lightweight, easy to operate, such as alcohol stoves or solid fuel stoves, that can be used in a field environment.
Fuel: Prepare enough fuel, such as alcohol, solid fuel blocks, or small gas canisters, to ensure that food can still be cooked and heated without an electricity supply.
Medical supplies
Medical resources are often scarce in war, so individuals should prepare some basic medical supplies in case of sudden health problems and injuries.
A complete emergency medical kit is the key to survival, and the following are the basic items that should be included in an emergency medical kit:
Bandages and gauze: used to treat trauma and stop bleeding.
Disinfectants: such as alcohol swabs, iodophor and hydrogen peroxide, for wound cleaning and disinfection.
Pain relievers and fever reducers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, are used to relieve pain and control fever.
Antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are used to treat bacterial infections.
Adhesive tapes and bandages: for fixation of bandages and treatment of small wounds.
If you have a chronic illness or special medical needs, you need to have adequate medicines on hand to ensure your health during the war:
Prescription drugs: such as high blood pressure drugs, diabetes drugs, etc., you should try to prepare as many as possible.
Emergency medications: such as epinephrine auto-injectors (for allergic reactions) and asthma inhalers (for asthma attacks).
In addition, some basic medical equipment can also help at critical times. Such as: thermometer, blood pressure monitor, portable pacemaker, etc.
Security tools
In a war environment where safety is a top priority, here are some tools and equipment that can improve personal safety:
Bulletproof vests and helmets: Bulletproof vests and helmets provide basic protection and reduce the risk of injury.
Protective gloves and knee pads: Protective gloves and knee pads provide additional protection when you need to perform physical work or traverse dangerous terrain.
Multi-knives: such as Swiss Army knives or multi-tool pliers, capable of handling a variety of situations, including cutting, canning, repairing, etc.
Emergency flashlight: Equipped with ample batteries or a hand-cranked flashlight, make sure there is a light source in a dark environment.
Ropes and tape: Ropes and tape are useful when setting up temporary shelter, repairing equipment, and securing items.
Portable radios: In situations where information is blocked, portable radios are able to access important news and information.
Walkie-talkie: Walkie-talkie can provide short-distance communication in the absence of mobile phone signal.
Spare batteries and chargers: Make sure all electronic devices have an adequate power supply, especially solar chargers or hand-cranked power generators.
Important documents and funding
Although, in the event of a war, the currency may depreciate rapidly, important documents and a certain amount of money are still indispensable:
ID cards and passports: These documents are proof of identity, especially if you need to leave a danger zone or take refuge across borders.
Medical records and prescriptions: Ensure that you have access to the medical care you need in an emergency.
Property and insurance documents: These documents may be required for post-war reconstruction.
Cash: While currencies may depreciate, cash was still an important means of obtaining goods and services in the early days of war.
Precious metals, such as gold and silver, can still be used as a medium of exchange in extreme cases.
Jewelry and valuables: These items serve as a last resort in case of emergency.
Mental preparedness and contingency planning
In addition to physical preparation, psychological preparation and contingency planning are equally important:
In the event of war, it is very important to remain calm and rational. Panic only increases the danger, and a reasonable response can improve the chances of survival.
During this process, it is best to have an emergency plan in place, including: escape routes, meeting places, and emergency contact information. Make sure all family members are aware of the emergency plan and have regular drills.
And in times of war, community mutual aid can provide important support. Build a mutual aid network with neighbors and community members to respond to crises and improve overall survivability.
War is an extreme social phenomenon, and once it breaks out, people's lives will change dramatically. In this case, preparing ahead of time is key to survival and safety, and the above can be used as a reference.