FAQ

Important information for those who wish to prepare themselves and their family for emergencies.

Q: I think of "Survivalists" in the context of heavily armed macho types living in the wilderness equipped with military gear and daring anyone to approach. Or, in another context, folks living off the grid on self-sufficient plots of land.

Years ago, when the world appeared to be a safer place with a stable and reliable infrastructure, survivalists were thought of as a fringe element. The more descriptive name today is Preparedness, adapting to a world that unfortunately seems to grow more dangerous with each passing week. It doesn't usually indicate relocating, it means getting ready to withstand crisis, chaos and doing without infrastructure resources that we more or less take for granted in today's life.

Many use the name Preparedness Kits to indicate the difference while the term Survival Kits has just sort of dragged in from the past. Maybe marketers prefer "survival" over "preparedness" because it's more dramatic. In any event, most sellers of Preparedness / Survival Kits do not include weapons in the kit.

Q.: What is the difference between Preppers and Survivalist?

Preppers are planners, stockpiling resources, and preparing for known threats. Survivalists are adapters, honing skills to survive in any situation, regardless of the specific threat.

Q: What is this preparedness thing all about? Isn't it a lot of hype from those trying to make a buck from our fears?

There are always those trying to exploit a situation, especially fear, for their own gain. And as the preparedness industry heats up we will see a lot of that. Having said that, we don't consider ourselves doomers by any means, but in our judgement it's worth taking a little time and money to prepare for adverse events in a world so fraught with risk. At the very least you will gain a bit of peace of mind.

Use your own good judgement to differentiate the quick buck folks from those who are sincerely trying to help. Don't dismiss the whole idea of preparedness due to the hype. It's prudent to be as ready as possible for what an increasingly dangerous world might throw at you.

Q: What is the difference between a Home Survival Kit and a Bug Out Kit?

A home survival kit and a bug out kit serve different purposes in emergency preparedness, and their contents reflect these differences. Here's a breakdown of each:

Home Survival Kit

A home survival kit is designed to sustain you and your family in your home during emergencies when you might be confined for several days or weeks. The focus is on having a comprehensive set of supplies to ensure safety, hydration, nutrition, and basic comfort without leaving your residence. Key components include:

Water and Food: A large supply of water (at least one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food items that can last for several days or weeks.
First Aid Kit: A well-stocked first aid kit to handle minor injuries and illnesses.
Sanitation Supplies: Items like soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and other personal hygiene products to maintain cleanliness.
Tools and Safety Items: Tools such as wrenches or pliers to turn off utilities if necessary, flashlights, batteries, and fire extinguishers.
Comfort Items: Bedding, clothing, and other personal items to maintain comfort during an extended stay at home.
Communications: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about news and emergency information.

Bug Out Kit or "Go Bag"

A bug out kit, also known as a "go bag," is intended for use when you need to leave your home quickly due to an emergency, It's a portable kit that contains essential items to survive for about 72 hours until you reach a safer location or help arrives. The focus is on mobility, lightweight, and self-sufficiency. Key components include:

Water and Food: Lightweight, portable water purification methods (like purification tablets or filters) and high-energy, easily consumable food items like energy bars or ready-to-eat meals.
First Aid Supplies: A compact first aid kit with essential items to treat minor injuries.
Shelter and Warmth: Lightweight emergency shelter options such as a tent or a reflective blanket, along with portable, compact sleeping bags.
Clothing: A change of clothes appropriate for the climate and sturdy footwear.
Navigation Tools: Items like maps, compasses, or GPS devices to navigate to safety.
Self-Defense: Depending on local laws and personal preferences, items for self-defense or signaling for help, such as a whistle or a multi-tool.

Key Differences

Purpose and Use: A home survival kit is for sheltering in place, while a bug out kit is for evacuating quickly.
Size and Portability: Home kits can be larger and more comprehensive, while bug out kits need to be compact and lightweight for mobility.
Duration: Home kits are designed for longer use (days to weeks), whereas bug out kits are for short-term survival (up to 72 hours).

Both kits are crucial parts of an overall emergency preparedness plan, addressing different scenarios: one where staying put is safer, and the other where leaving is necessary for survival. If your budget allows, we recommend that you have both kits on hand for maximum protection.

Q: What are the benefits of having a Survival Kit on hand?

Being prepared for various catastrophic events, including severe weather, war, terrorist attacks, and other emergencies, is generally considered prudent in the world that we live in today. A survival kit and a go kit can be an essential part of such preparedness. Here are a few reasons why purchasing or assembling a survival kit is recommended:

(1) Immediate Access to Necessities

In the event of an emergency, having immediate access to essential items like water, food, first aid supplies, and shelter can be critical. A survival kit ensures that these basics are readily available, which can be lifesaving in situations where access to resources is cut off.

(2) Self-Sufficiency

During disasters, emergency services and responders may be overwhelmed or unable to reach everyone quickly. A survival kit enables you and your family to be more self-sufficient until help arrives. In some scenarios, you may need to evacuate quickly. A portable survival kit usually called a "Go Kit" or "Bug-Out Kit" is designed to be easily carried, ensuring you have essential supplies even on the move.

(3) Peace of Mind

Knowing you have a survival kit can provide peace of mind, reducing anxiety and fear about potential emergencies. Preparedness can also help maintain a sense of control in chaotic situations.

(4) Can Be Customized for Specific Needs - MAXX Survival Kits

Using our exclusive AI-Tuning ® and a specially written algorithm we customize kits to precisely suit your specific needs, including medical requirements, number of family members, local environmental conditions, and likely types of emergencies. This customization ensures that the kit is most effective for your particular situation

(5) Cost-Effective

Investing in a survival kit can be cost-effective in the long run. It allows you to gather supplies at a reasonable price over time, rather than incurring a high cost all at once during a crisis when prices may surge due to high demand. Remember the toilet paper panic when Covid first hit?

Q: What are the benefits of having a Bug Out Kit on hand?

Having a bug out kit can be highly beneficial in emergency situations. Here are some reasons why it is recommended to have a bug out kit:

Preparedness for natural disasters: A bug out kit can help you be prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods¹. These events can often result in power outages, limited access to food and water, and the need for immediate evacuation. Having a bug out kit with essential supplies can ensure that you are ready to face such emergencies¹.
Mobility and flexibility: A bug out kit is designed to be portable and easy to carry. It contains essential items like food, water, first aid supplies, and emergency tools². In situations where staying at home becomes unsafe or impractical, a bug out kit allows you to quickly and efficiently evacuate to a safer location, increasing your chances of survival².
Self-sufficiency: A bug out kit provides you with the necessary supplies to sustain yourself for a period of time until help arrives or you can reach a safe location³. It typically includes food, water, shelter, communication devices, and personal hygiene items³. By having these essentials readily available, you can reduce reliance on external resources and increase your ability to manage and overcome challenges during emergencies³.
Peace of mind: Owning a bug out kit can provide peace of mind in times of uncertainty and crisis⁴. Knowing that you have necessary supplies and tools at hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones can alleviate stress and anxiety, allowing you to focus on making informed decisions and taking appropriate actions during emergency situations⁴.

In conclusion, having a bug out kit is highly recommended to ensure preparedness, mobility, self-sufficiency, and peace of mind in emergency situations. It is important to regularly check and update the contents of your bug out kit to ensure that it meets your specific needs and is ready for use when needed.

Q: Is a basic survival Kit good for everyone?

A basic kit is a great start. But we think it can be greatly improved by fine tuning for the buyer's specific environment and conditions, such as your location, climate, potential risks, and personal needs. At USA Prep Now we fine tune kits to your unique situation using Artificial Intelligence ( we call it AI-Tuning® ). We have created the USA Prep Now Master Survival Kit Database that includes just about every possible item that could be included in a Home Survival Kit or a Bug Out Kit (see below). We feed your personal data to the AI algorithm that we have created and, using the Prep Now master database, it compiles a list of items that it recommends be included in your specific database. The additional cost for the fine-tuning customization is modest and you have a kit that is built just for you.

More information about AI-Tuning® here