Everything inside ’72-hour survival kit’ people urged to have in event of war
Conflicts in the Middle East have escalated following Iran's strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus
Experts have recommended that you have a 'survival kit' ready to go in preparation for a potential global conflict.
Last summer, a document was released by the UK government revealing that citizens will have to 'actively prepare' for war, as tensions with Russia continued to rise.
Now, the fear has switched to the Middle East, as the US and Israel have started 'major combat operations' against Iran, as President Donald Trump confirmed last week.
Early this morning (2 March), it was confirmed that a UK military base in Cyprus was hit by a suspected drone strike.
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A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson announced there were no casualties following the targeting of RAF Akrotiri.
While some countries may be safer than others in the coming months, many may wonder about what items they should have on hand, in case the worst case scenario plays out.
The conflict in the Middle East has gone into its third day, as the US and Israel continuing to carry out strikes on Iran despite the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has since retaliated and sent drones towards a number of Gulf nations, hitting a number of US bases.
Sir Keir Starmer said that he has agreed to let the US use British bases to help protect UK nationals and allies in the area, saying that Iran were pursuing a 'scorched earth strategy'.
He said that while the British military are not directly involved, their bases would be utilised for the 'specific and limited defensive purpose' of targeting Iran's missile storage depots and launchers.
There is no clear indication of conflicts escalating to the point of a worldwide conflict as the West has not been targeted with any strikes at the time of writing - but here's how experts have advised you prepare.
All items required in a '72-hour survival kit'
The City of Calgary in Canada has recommended that you include these key things in an emergency kit, which could be crucial in a survive-at-all-costs situation.
Bottled water
One of the most important items, staying hydrated is important, especially in conditions where you could be going for days on rationed portions of food.
Health-wise, it is recommended that you have between one and a half to two litres of water per day anyway, which is about six to seven cups per day, to prevent dehydration.
You can survive three to five days with no water but for obvious reasons, this isn't recommended.
The bottles you store in your kit should be replaced 'every time you change your clocks', adding: "If necessary, you can use the water in your toilet tank or hot water heater."
Food
As mentioned earlier, rationed food may be on the cards so having canned items with distant expiry dates, along with a can opener, is crucial to a kit for any length of time.
Medication
Firstly, it's key to have yours or any family member's prescription medication to hand, which may take some maintenance while the kit isn't being used.
If not, you should bring this medication with you while evacuating, and it's advised to 'include vitamins and medications to guard you against getting sick'.
First aid kit
It's always best to come prepared, as you don't know what you'll really need in an emergency situation.
You should have one to hand anyway, but this is what must be included in a first aid kit:
• Gauze pads
• Gloves
• Different bandages
• Antiseptic
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Instant ice packs
• Survival blanket, if you have space
Battery pack
You may think that this is so you can keep scrolling on TikTok to stop yourself getting bored, but it's all about staying charged in case you need to call someone or if you're having an emergency.
"If phone lines are too busy, you can still receive updates and alerts on your mobile device," the website details.
Money in bills and coins
Small bills and coins will be key as while contactless may fly out the window in a war scenario, the website advises that you keep some change in your kit, especially in case the electricity cuts out.
Important documents
Having your passport and ID is key if you need to move around or leave the country, though you may get away with photocopies of these if it's easier.
Other key items
• Warm clothes, blankets and sleeping bags
• Non-power consuming entertainment likes board games, cards or books
• Supplies for your baby and pet
• Dust mask and dusk tape to help keep your shelter in place
• A whistle to help attract attention if needed
• Personal sanitation items, such as hand sanitiser, masks, and wet wipes
They advise that you store your supplies 'in a waterproof, wheeled suitcase or container', adding that if it's not portable, it defeats the purpose.
Iran strikes: what you need to know
Why is the United States and Israel attacking Iran?
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday (28 February) that the US and Israel have started 'major combat operations' in Iran after explosions were heard in multiple cities across the country.
Following a significant buildup of US forces in the region in recent weeks, Trump declared in a video posted on Truth Social that 'we are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground'.
Alongside hundreds of civilian casualties - including at least 153 people and children after a reported strike hit a school in Minab - Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed dead following Israeli missile strikes around Tehran.
According to Trump, the aim of the attack is to 'ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon'.
Israel's defence minister also stated that the goal of the attack is to 'remove threats against the State of Israel'.
This has come after weeks of Trump threatening military action in Iran if the Middle Eastern country did not agree to a new deal over its nuclear programme. However, Iran has insisted repeatedly that its nuclear activities are 'entirely peaceful'.
What areas of the Middle East have been affected?
In retaliation to the US and Israeli strikes, Iran has launched strikes of its own on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, which include Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.
The BBC reports that at least nine people were killed in a strike on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, while military and civilian targets - including an American naval base in Bahrain and Dubai's international airport in the United Arab Emirates - were also targeted across the weekend.
Several videos have been posted on social media from tourists and civilians that show the damage inflicted across these areas from missile and drone strikes, including many British citizens who are currently stranded in Dubai.
Is the UK going to war with Iran?
This is a question that has been asked repeatedly since the major combat operation began in Iran, due to the nation being an ally of both the United States and Israel.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that British planes were 'in the sky' in the Middle East as part of a defensive operation 'to protect our people, our interests and our allies', and condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks on 'partners across the region'.
While the UK did not participate in the strikes, Starmer released a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany, calling for Iran to 'refrain from indiscriminate military strikes'.
"Iran can end this now," Starmer said. "They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programme and cease the appalling violence and oppression of the Iranian people – who deserve the right to determine their own future."
However, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Yvette Cooper, has said it is 'simply not true' that the UK is being dragged into another Iraq-style conflict in the Middle East.
While addressing a reported Iranian drone strike on a RAF base in Cyprus, she told Sky News: "We took a very specific decision not to provide support for strikes that were taking place over this weekend. We have been clear that we believe there should be a diplomatic process, negotiations process."
Topics: Iran, World News, UK News, Politics
Joshua Nair