The Importance of Soap
Soap is something that should be in every personal emergency kit, but it’s one item that is often overlooked. Why is soap so important? Because it cleans stuff. Seriously, it does.
Keeping things clean might be a lower priority for you during an emergency, but it’s something you really need to think about. You need to think about it on a personal comfort level, and on a first aid level. Soap can keep infections away, and help you feel more comfortable. Both are important.
We can die from a simple infection. I know that it’s largely unheard of in developed society, but when it all hits the fan, we might not have the simple stuff that modern life gives us. We might not have any medical care available, clean facilities, or even a disinfectant. In cases like this, cleaning a wound with soap and water might keep you healthy enough to go on.
Even if you’re not injured, soap can go a long way to feeling comfortable. If you don’t have the opportunity to bathe, you might start to feel icky. And if you live in a humid area, you might start to grow fungus in some uncomfortable spots. I’m talking about your feet and your crotch region. You don’t want anything growing there. A simple quick wash with some soap and water can help keep that fungus at bay. For people who grew up in a dry climate, but then find themselves bugging out during the summer in a humid climate, this can be a problem.
Keep soap in your bug out bag so that you can enjoy a bit of comfort, and maybe keep a wound from getting a dangerous infection.
This is a good article. Ask any missionary in a third world country what they would like you to send in a care box Soap is always on the list! I recommend liquid soap, it takes up more room but it doesn’t hold onto bacteria like a bar of soap will. Antibacterial is good too!
The best soap is Dr. Bronners Magic soap! It’s the best and it also smells great and is all natural. If your in a survival situation or lost in the wilderness you can always make your own soap with ash and fat from animals.