If you are a survivalist then you might be familiar with the basics that many people pack up in the event of a disaster. However, sometimes “the devil is the details.”  Here are a few things that you might want to add to your survival bags if you have not already.

Do you have enough hand=tools?  These can be used to do anything from scavenge, fix vehicles or get into locked places that might be necessary shelters. Make sure you are carrying pliers, and adjustable wrench, a sharp knife and a number 2 screwdriver (which is the most common screwdriver with a flat tip.)  Bar that carry a small portable screwdriver with different tips in the cap. You should also carry a socket wrench in your “bug-out” sack.

If you have a generator then you need to make sure that you have what you need to keep it running. You need to address whether it is running off of liquid or compressed. You should also have tools around for doing maintenance on your electricity. For instance you may need to have special spark plug wrenches or spark plug sockets available to keep things running.

Having a hand saw on hand to do minor repairs. Is highly recommended.  Make sure a manual one can also work on electric power. Vice-grips are not only handy but they can also be used as a bludgeon f need be. Don’t forget that most tools can be used for weapons including flashlights.  Heavier flashlights make great clubs.

Axes and machetes need to be part of your arsenal both for rescue and reclamation efforts. You might also need them to cut through brush or build a fire.  Pry bars and crow bars can be used to move hot objects, break locks, pop open doors and also beat off or threaten intruders or violent types.

If you need to create a garden in order to eat make sure you have the basics 0 a hoe, shovel and rake at the very least. These tools are also good for self-defense.

It is also a good idea to keep a boot repair kit or an awl or leather working tools to repair your boots.

Taking care of your tools in the present keeps them ready for emergency-use in the future. Make sure that tools are kept sharpened and that handles and hinges are oiled with linseed oil. Keep a sharpener on hand to keep these tools and weapons in tip top shape.

If you are in an emergency situation it can be a real challenge to stay clean. You may have to learn how to clean yourself it with minimal amounts of water. If you have a real water shortage you might have to go without for a while. However there are ways of keeping clean so you can prevent bacteria, disease and discomfort.

As long as you have a little bit of water and maybe a little bit of soap and something to put that in you can wipe you’re clean as best you can. An example would be a bit of cold water from a stream, a washcloth and a bit of soap. You simply dab one part of the cloth with soap and water and use it to wipe yourself down best you can. You can then use the other end of the cloth to use any remaining part of your body “a bit of a rinse.

Depending on the nature of the cataclysm that has put you in survival mode you may be able to find water for a bath in rain barrels.  Do not use water stored near factories or places that might be toxic.  Some substances that look like water are actually a stew of toxic chemicals.

As long as the water is not contaminated there is also the option of rinsing yourself in a stream or lake. Even a dip in the ocean is more refreshing for some people than walking around felling dirty.

If you have very little water you can maximize the use of it by using a spray bottle filled with a little water. This can help refresh you now and then.

As you will not be taking a big shower or bath to be clean you have to stay clean during the day by taking mini baths. You can moisten a cloth and keep it in a Ziploc bag.  This keeps it wet enough so you can use it when you need it most.

If you have a lack of water you can also use diaper wipes or moistened novelettes to wash up every now and then. Alcohol and anti-bacterial gels and wipes (like Purcell) can also be used to help you stay clean if there is no water available.

If you have water that needs warming you can use a solar water bag. You fill this black bag with a nozzle with water and leave it in the sun for the day. You will then have enough water to take a bath or shower that is not cold. This can be very refreshing and comforting in an emergency and make you feel clean.