We All Need To Have an Emergency Preparedness Plan
It is absolutely a must to have a simple Stay Alive plan as we never know when an emergency or survival situation may arise.
Even having a 72 hour survival kit could mean the difference between surviving and utter chaos in the event that we get caught in the middle of a pandemic scenario.
One of the simplest ways to do that is to have aBug Out Pack for each person and then keep each bag in a place where it will be easy to locate at a moment’s notice.
And JUST as importantly is to make sure that everyone KNOWS what the ‘plan’ is… where their bags are located at, what they are expected to do and where to meet up at, in the event you get separated,etc.
You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional preparedness supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
How to Make Your Own Bug Out Bags
Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag.
There are some Essentials you will want to add to your pack, regardless what your circumstances are, and then the list below will also give you an idea of what goes into each bag.
The items listed below are for a longer period of time but you can also buy or make 72 hour kits as well.
- Flashlight
- Radio – hand or battery operated
- Batteries
- Whistle
- Fire Starters or water-proof matches
- Small Backpacking stove
- Dust mask
- Pocket knife
- Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
- Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
- Local map
- Some water and food (preferably freeze dried or dehydrated foods)
- Permanent marker, paper and tape
- Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
- List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
- List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
- Copy of health insurance and identification cards
- Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
- Prescription medications and first aid supplies
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Extra keys to your house and vehicle
Additional Items You May Want to Include:
- Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
- Plates, utensils,cookware and other feeding supplies
- First Aid kit & instructions
- A copy of important documents & phone numbers
- Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.
- Heavy work gloves
- Disposable camera
- Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
- Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
- Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
- Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords.
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
How many things are checked off on Your Checklist ?
I like to have lists.
And sometimes I have lists with lists!
I know I am not NEARLY as detailed as some people are when it comes to checklists, but at least it is a START!
So many people never even get started.
It is amazing how many people are not anywhere CLOSE to being prepared for emergencies.
So anyways, here is what my checklist might look like.. just to help me stay on target.
1) Food Reserves…
2)Water
- How to make sure it’s safe to drink ==>>Safe Water<<==
- Purifying and Storing Water
3) First Aid
- Make your own First Aid Kits
- Or purchase a ready made kit ==>> First aid kits to buy
- Grab n Go Packs … each member of the household should have one of these go go bags.
There are many variations to what everyone’s list will look like but it’s a good way to stay on target with what we get done and what still remains to be done.