Emergency Preparedness

All over the internet there are websites that have good advice on what to have ready to go in case of an emergency.  This could be any type of emergency that drives you from your home.  If you had to leave your house in half a minute, what would you take?  MUCH better to have those items already packed in a "grab bag" that you literally can pick up as you leave.

MOST likely you may be hit with a weather scenario.  Hurricane, tornado.  A fire is also a distinct possibility.  Widespread sickness (flu, for example) could happen but is less likely.  In the US, anyway, a foreign invasion or widespread panic is unlikely - but anything is possible.  Times are tough.

Here are some things to consider also having ready that I haven't typically seen listed on the standard web sites.

A plan.  Where will you go?  Who will you contact and do you have a means to contact them?  Who may try to contact you?  Plans can change depending on the actual circumstances.  But you should have one anyway and even drill with it.

Gas in the car: Don't let your gas tank ever fall below half - keep it as full as you can.

Food/Water:  Some people keep 50 gallons of drinking water and a year's worth of food at their homes.


Warmth may be required - jackets, gloves, hats.  Be sure you have a sleeping bag in the car.

Food:  3-days are recommended and about all that will fit in an easily grabbed bag.  But have more available just in case, like 2-weeks worth.  You can sprout your own vegetables from some seeds but this requires water (which you may not have). 

Medical supplies.  Include medications you may need.  You should always have basic first aid supplies available.  Include tweezers and a small sharp knife.  Have a spare pair of glasses handy.

Tools:  A shovel should always be in your car.  Hammer, nails, and a crescent wrench.  50' of stout nylon rope (3/8" thick) and 50' of 1/8" rope can be useful.  Have a sharp knife available to cut it.

Matches, waterproof.

Fishing supplies, line, hooks, and bait

A gun.  Yes, you should have a gun available with ammunition.  A shotgun is probably the best all-around choice as it can kill flying prey.  With buckshot, it is an effective defensive weapon.

Camera, notebook, and pencils - you never know what you may need to record.

Flashlight.  Have spare Lithium batteries available.  Don't put them in the light as they could discharge.  If you have rechargeable batteries have a means to charge them such as a portable solar panel.

Again, be sure to have the standard stuff packed but also consider some of this extra stuff - it could save your life some day.