How to Build a Homemade Ammo Can Emergency Kit

Whether it’s for a job interview or a flat tire, we all like to be prepared. But how prepared are you for something serious, such as an emergency or natural disaster? A good emergency kit can make all the difference, and at least let you rest easier at night. You don’t need to run off and buy one of those pre-made kits, you can build your own at home using a simple ammo can. 

Selecting a Can

First, you’ll need to get your ammo can. There are tons of different kinds to choose from, depending on your size and shape preferences. A kit for the whole family that will remain stationary can be larger than something you may want to throw in the truck to bug-out. Decide on your purpose. You can go with new modern plastic or classic metal, either way, you’ll want to inspect it for any puncture marks or cracks. You should also check the rubber seal along the rim for damage. 

What to Include

Now that you’ve selected your ammo can, let’s take a look at some items you may want to include. For simplicity, I’ll break things down into 4 categories: First Aid, Food, Water, and Self-Defense, but these are just some areas to consider. You may not be able to include everything. It’s your emergency kit, so include what you think is important. 

First Aid

One of the first things you should consider is a first aid kit or at least some first aid supplies. Gauze, bandages, and duct tape are some go-to basics, as well as bandage wrap, tourniquet, and medical gloves. It will be important to pack a supply of any medications you or your family may need and antibacterial disinfecting supplies for cleaning any wounds. 

As you begin to craft your ammo can emergency kit, it is important to remember your spatial constraints. This is not a dedicated medical kit, and some of the space will need to be reserved for other components. 

Food Rations

You’ll need to consider both shelf-stable food options as well as methods of obtaining food. Hunting, snaring, and fishing, and the supplies for them, may come in handy depending on your plan. MREs and portable food like protein bars are always nice to have on hand. If you plan on cooking, you may need to pack a heat source or fire making supplies, such as twine, a lighter, and a Ferro rod. 

Water Purification

Since storing bottles of water will take up too much space to be efficient, you’ll need to have a way to purify drinking water. This will also be good for cooking purposes. Boiling is one method, but this will require a source of heat. You could pack a small cooking stove that could also be used for cooking. You could choose to filter your water or sterilize it using chemical tablets. 

You need a way to store your water. A metal canteen cup is great for storage and transportation, and can be used for boiling. There are several great options designed to pack away nicely, but if you plan on bunkering down at home with access to your normal cooking supplies, it may not be necessary.

Self-Defense/Tools

If you’re in an emergency situation, you’re going to want a way to defend yourself. You plan on using your standard EDC pistol, in which case there will be less included in this section. However, you may elect to stash a dedicated firearm to ensure that it is ready when you need it. In either case, you’ll likely want to add in some extra ammo and possibly some spare magazines or speedloaders. 

A knife is great for both defense and utility. I suggest a compact fixed blade knife, but a folding pocket knife would work too. Additionally, a flashlight will not only provide general utility, it can also help you identify a threat in the dark and impair the vision of your attacker. 

A taser, mace spray, multitool, map, compass, and extra batteries for your gear are additional items to consider if you have the space. Some of these things may be more important than others depending on the type and duration of emergency you are preparing for. 

Other Considerations

You’ll also want to consider where you’ll store your ammo can emergency kit. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight will all affect the contents of your kit. Items such as food, medication, and medical supplies may experience some deterioration. 

When assembling your kit, it is important to keep its purpose in mind. What type of emergencies are you preparing for? How many people may need to use it? How long are you preparing for? 

Keep things organized so if you need to retrieve an item, it’s quick and easy. This will also let you store things at maximum capacity. You may need to pack and repack your ammo can as you settle on its contents.

Do you have an emergency preparedness kit? Have you ever made a homemade ammo can emergency kit? Let us know in the comments.