For this week’s diary, I decided to look around a little, to see what folks have been posting lately, about prepping.
I went to YouTube and found a lot of videos about prepping that were apparently geared towards inducing panic in the viewers.
I skipped those.
I found one that seemed calmer:
That video has a lot of useful information.
The information about fuel for generators makes me want to buy more lamp oil for my oil lamps.
(I do not have a generator. Maybe I will get one someday.)
Oil lamps, for indoor lighting, last way longer than candles.
I have five flashlights, one of them solar power rechargeable, and hand crank, and another that can charge off of that, and I have a lot of batteries for my other flashlights.
But oil lamps might be simpler to work with, if the power is out for a week or two.
After I watched that, I went to the FEMA website:
www.ready.gov/…
That nice web page has a lot of great information, laid out a little better than the narration in the video.
I like the nice paragraphs explaining how to assemble your kit:
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.
Emergency Supply List
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
That last part sounds like a bugout bag.
At the bottom of the page, after the list, is the following sage advice:
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
- Replace expired items as needed.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
And here is another important point to consider:
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
That last part, work and car, does not apply to me, since I am retired, and I have no car.
Okay, here is the basic list:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Here is the list of items to consider, if you have special needs:
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Those last items would be important if I end up either sheltered in place, or bugging out, with my brother-in-law and his wife and their three small children.
They need items to keep them occupied.
I have a lot of pencils and a lot of paper.
All of this helps to remind me to assemble my kit in one or two places.
I have pretty much everything listed, but not all gathered together.
I need to look at all my items in my home that are on that list and assemble them all together.
Writing these diaries are helping me!
See, I am not the ultimate wise old man, teaching all of you.
I am just another student, as we all learn together.
Feel free to post in the comments whether you have everything on the main list, and your special needs on the second list.
And tell us how well you have it all assembled in one or two places. (I already said mine is not assembled yet.)
Well, take care of yourselves and each other in your home and community, as best you can.
Hugs!