Some say the world will end in fire; some say in ice. Regardless of how the apocalypse unfolds, you’ll definitely need tools if you want to survive in a world ravaged by fire, ice, or an AI uprising. Whether you’re actually prepping for doomsday or just want to be prepared for any emergency situation, here is a list of six practical tools you need to have on hand if you want to stay alive.
Tactical LED Flashlight
A flashlight is a must-have for any calamity, but not all flashlights are made equal. In a world with a fast dwindling supply of batteries, you will need lighting equipment that is energy-efficient so go for a LED-type flashlight.
You should also look out for models that are water-resistant and lightweight but heavy-duty so you can use it to break glass. Additional lighting modes like bright, flashing strobes will come in handy during situations where you need to call someone’s attention. If your batteries for your flashlight run out of energy, be sure to have some candles handy.
Two-Way Handheld Radio Transceiver
You’ll never know what the state of telecommunications will be during the apocalypse, so it’s best to have a trusty albeit rudimentary mode of communication. A two-way handheld radio transceiver, also known as a walkie-talkie, should make communication within a certain radius efficient and hassle-free.
The biggest advantage of this device is that it offers the portability of mobile phones, but unlike mobile phones, it does not need a cellular signal to function, and using it is virtually cost-free. Make sure you have spare batteries on hand too.
Lockpick Set
In the event of the apocalypse, it’s safe to assume that you may find yourself in prickly situations and you’ll need a set of lockpicking tools to get yourself out of these situations. This set of tools is designed to help open many types of locks, from common padlocks to carlocks.
Choose a lockpick set that includes the following basic tools: rake, hook, half diamond, and tension wrench. These tools should also fit into a portable case so it’s easy for you to find and use them when the need arises.
Heavy-Duty Water Bottle with Built-in Filtration
Clean drinking water will be hard to come by during the end times, so you can’t afford to waste any of it. That said, make sure you have a heavy-duty container that you can instantly use whenever you come across a water source.
Look for one that comes with an added feature of a built-in filtration system. This type of water bottle can eliminate bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other impurities from water in a matter of seconds.
Swiss Army Knife
A swiss army knife is a multipurpose tool first used by Swiss soldiers in the late 19th century. Since then, this foldable knife has gained widespread use for its durability and the vast range of uses. With this tool, you can open canned goods, uncork bottles, cutting rope, and more. Make sure to pack a swiss army knife in your doomsday survival kit.
Fire-Starting Kit
A fire-starting kit will be useful for cooking meals, keeping warm, and even scaring off wild animals. You can buy a ready-made kit, or you can assemble one yourself. Usual items to include in the kit are various materials that can work as tinder, like cotton balls, twigs, candles, rubber, and even corn chips (yes, the kind that you can snack on).
Also include waterproof matches, lighter, and a flare. Make sure the whole kit is wrapped in waterproof material like a zipper storage bag or waterproof bag so that you don’t have to worry about it getting wet and rendering it useless.
These items will certainly prove valuable during an emergency, but the most useful tools to have during dangerous situations are preparedness and presence of mind.