[Az-Geocaching] Survival Kit

[Bob Renner]

The following list of essentials for a survival kit
are from a pamphlet entitled "Desert Survival -
Information for Anyone Traveling in the Desert
Southwest" published by Maricopa County Department of
Civil Defense and Emergency Services with the
cooperation of the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency
Department of Defense.

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Survival Kit: Kits are outlined in many writtings on
survival.  The following items are listed, we think,
in the order of their importance.  Detailed use is
omitted here, but learn to use and practice with each
item BEFORE you need it for survival:

1. Knife - a good small one of the "boy scout" variety
is best.

2. Matches - 12 or more, stike anywhere, waterproofed
by coating with parafin, beeswax, fingernail polish,
etc.

3. A small magnetic compas.  Learn to use it.

4. A "thunderer" whistle.  Carry it on a line around
the neck.

5. A small metal signalling mirror.

6. A small magnifying lens - used to start fires, and
as aid in removing small spines and splinters.

7. A large-eyed needle.  For first aid and sewing
purposes.  Keep from rusting.

8. Cobbler's linen thread.  A hundred feet or more, 8
strand.  Used to set snares, build shelter, repair or
improvise clothing, etc.

9. Nylon chiffon.  A piece about a yard suare, bright
orange color, to be used for signaling, for straining
dirty water, or as a face covering during sand and
dust storms.

10. Aluminum foil.  About 5 feet of the 12 inch heavy
duty type, used for signaling, a reflector for fire or
candle, to make a cooking pot or a drinking cup.

11. Water purification tablets.  10 or more. 
Iodine-type tablets are probably best.  Seal carefully
in plastic food wrap to keep dry.

12. Toy balloons.  Three or four of the large, heavy,
bright orange-colored ones.  Used for emergency water
containers of for signaling.  Wrap in plastic food
wrap to preserve.

13. Candle stub.  Used for light or as an assistant in
starting fires - helps to conserve matches.

14. A single-edged razor blade.  A handy first aid
tool.  Leave in the original package to prevent
rusting.

15. Pencil stub.  Assist rescue parties by leaving
notes.

16. Cigarette papers.  A book of these for writing
notes, or to leave as trail markers.

17. Adhesive tape.  About 2 feet, 1 inch wide,
primarily for first aid purposes.  Bandaids are handy,
too.  Replace every few months.

18. Fish hooks.  Five, assorted sizes.  Use a little
bait to snare birds, etc.

19. Box nails.  About five, blunted and bent to hook
shape. to be used as snare triggers.

20. Flint and steel fire starter.  Make by attaching a
lighter flint to the end of a small sturdy stick. 
Wrap a length of cpbbler's linen around the stick.  To
make a fire, fuzz the end of thelinen, position the
fuzz at the fling and strike against steel.  The fuzz
will catch the spark and can be blown into a flame. 
Practice with it.  A cigarette lighter will provide
sparks.  Do not depend on having fluid in it when you
need it, and ordinary lighter wick will not flame when
dry.

All of the above items can be fitted into a tobacco
tin, a bandaid box or a similarly sized plastic box
and be ready to go at any time.  Check it from time to
time and be sure all items are there and in good
condition.

Other items that should be carried on the individual
are: a sharp belt knofe, a good map of the area,
thirty or more feet of nylon parachute shroud line,
canteen, a watch, a snake bite kit, a firearm and
ammunition, and such other items which may be small
and useful.  Consider carrying your gear in a small
rucksack or pack over your shoulders.  Weight carried
in this manner is less tiring than if carried in
pockets on hung on the belt.  The pack can be used to
sit upon.  It also affords a safer method of carrying
those things, such as the belt knife, hatchet, etc.,
which may lend to the chances of injury in the case of
a fall.



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