Disaster preparedness kit

[ua_guy]

Disaster preparedness I think needs to be more than a kit that tucks nicely into a closet, these days. It's more of a lifestyle, plus things/supplies, and also having an agreed plan with spouses, children, important people in your life, if the s* ever hits the fan.

A friend of mine in the foothills east of Portland, OR towards Mt. Hood quickly found himself in an evacuation zone with the recent fires. But, they had already planned, knew exactly what to pull out of the house, how to close it up before leaving, and knew where they were going. They knew it was always a possibility and so they made a plan long ago. Still very scary.

For almost 7 years my husband and I lived in a remote area outside of Seattle. We experienced a little bit of everything, and had to be prepared for it all! Many crazy stories from living out there. The last big event was a snowstorm that unexpectedly dropped 36" of snow in a 24 hour period, absolutely unheard of. That was a real duesy. We were stuck there for a couple of days, but, we were prepared.. and don't forget being prepared for weirdos. There were a lot of weirdos in that area, and a couple of vagrants who lived full time in the woods, and people who would come out from the city and thought they were remote enough to do whatever it was they were planning to do.

[kork13]

It's been smokey here in southern Idaho for weeks. We got a brief reprieve last week thanks to a storm that rolled through, but now we're back to choking on Californian forestry. Gratefully not as bad at in some places (California/Oregon, obviously), though there are some smaller wildfires in Idaho as well... But we don't see the sky at all, haze takes visibility to pot, and the world smells like a campfire, and we're under an "Unhealthy" air quality warning.

[disneysteve]

One other comment about keeping the tanks full in your cars. Even if you don't have to leave your home, it gives you a way to charge your electronics if the power is out. I did that last month when ours was out due to the hurricane. About 10pm, I went out to the van and plugged in all of our phones and portable chargers. I sat out there (with the AC going) for about 45 minutes. And kind of a frivolous thing, but if you have young kids it could be helpful to go out in the car for a bit and watch a DVD on the built in system just to pass some time and settle them down a bit.

[myrdale]

I bought a pack from Wise Food a few years back specifically to try out. It wasn't horrible, but you would still need some means to cook it if the power was out.

The point about keeping gas in your tank is a good point. Also I keep a couple hundred bucks hid in the truck.

A couple of personal points that I haven't discussed on these boards before but might lend something to the conversation:

I've been section hiking several times with a friend on the Appalachian Trail. Typically 5 day hikes, varying from 45 to 70 miles per trip. I think there are a lot of good skill to be gained by hiking / camping. It'll help you separate out the needs from the luxuries.

Also I have practiced water fasting on several occasions. I have completed 3, 5, 7, and 10 day water fast. That is water only (as much as you can drink). No food, soup, juice, etc, not even gum. While there are plenty of people who will argue the rational / safety of it, I know I can go 10 days with out food.

[myrdale]

Another point, don't skimp on a good first aid kit.

I was at a barbque at a friend of a friend's house a few years ago, when the home owner cut his hand open on a broken beer bottle. His wife went into the house for bandages but came out in an absolute panic because they didn't have any. I asked if they wanted me to get the first aid kit out of my truck and they said yes. Antiseptic, neosporne, and medium size bandages later and he was good to go.

Then the wife made some back handed comment about "the boy scout with the medical kit should have shared it to start with". I shortly there after excused myself and I have not been back since.

I think like some many things in life, "average" for emergency preparedness is absolutely dismal.

In addition to the normal type stuff for cuts and bruises, I'd include benadryl, tylenol, rubbing alcohol / hydrogen peroxide / betadyne and anti-diarrhea.