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Other than the few common basics, it's essential to pack your car kit/BOB/disaster kit for your conditions and what's likely to be the scenario where you are.
Amen. One possibly humorous example. Down in Dixie, my kit contained insect repellent, a headnet, and a moquito net. Here in SoCal it doesn't. Why? 'Cause there ain't no skeeters!
The three things I miss most about the central Gulf Coast are trees, thunderstorms and the color green. The two things I DON'T miss about the central Gulf coast are the humidity and the bugs. (In addition to the millions of billions of skeeters, they've got huge roaches that fly. They call them Palmetto Bugs, but don't be fooled. They're roaches, and they're 3 inches long...)
Last edited by Nighteyes; 08-06-2010 at 02:09 PM..
Well, we have huge skeeters and no roaches (flying or otherwise)... no deadly insects or spiders, no snakes, and very few plants that will kill you. We just have bears and moose and a myriad of other wildlife that wouldn't mind snacking on you or beating you up Being dive-bombed by a raven bigger than my fat housecat puts a new level of fear into Hitchcock's "The Birds". So I've still got my insect repellant, don't need a venom kit, but the shotgun comes in handy LOL
I'm new to this forum, thanks for all of the info. Any advice on planning for disaster with kids in the mix? I have started buying water in the large sealed 2.5g size, as well as non-perishable foods and medical supplies (I'm an RN) for being house bound in an emergency. I have three young children and couldn't figure out how I would "pack" them out, so I guess laying low would be our only option. Hubby and I do have firearms and other self defense weapons.
I'm new to this forum, thanks for all of the info. Any advice on planning for disaster with kids in the mix? I have started buying water in the large sealed 2.5g size, as well as non-perishable foods and medical supplies (I'm an RN) for being house bound in an emergency. I have three young children and couldn't figure out how I would "pack" them out, so I guess laying low would be our only option. Hubby and I do have firearms and other self defense weapons.
By far the most likely emergency scenario is sheltering in place for 5 days. If you can't do that, you are not prepared. Packing out is the next step. So start with the 5 day in place situation. A case of MRE's will add to your capability substantially.
I noticed my 2.5 gallon water with the faucet on the end leak or evaporate or someting, so I have replaced them with a couple of 5 gallon sealed bottles instead.
I'm new to this forum, thanks for all of the info. Any advice on planning for disaster with kids in the mix? I have started buying water in the large sealed 2.5g size, as well as non-perishable foods and medical supplies (I'm an RN) for being house bound in an emergency. I have three young children and couldn't figure out how I would "pack" them out, so I guess laying low would be our only option. Hubby and I do have firearms and other self defense weapons.
What part of California do you live in? Obviously, some places are safer than others for earthquakes, gang activity, and other threats to your family's survival chances in a disaster. Have you considered relocating? With your RN background, you would be able to secure another position fairly easily.
Does your lot have space for a garden? Can you have backyard chickens or raise rabbits? Check with your county Extension Service for tips.
For kids, their own mini-BOBs and emergency drills done like a game would get them in the preparedness mindset without unduly scaring them. Good luck and welcome to the world of feeling safer through preparedness!
On the original list, it mentions feminine products. For us women out there, I would recommend something more like the diva cup, which would take up almost no space and would not require the need to purchase any replacements. Granted, it would only be a major worry in long term disaster planning, but it would be good to have and get used to before you have to.
What part of California do you live in? Obviously, some places are safer than others for earthquakes, gang activity, and other threats to your family's survival chances in a disaster. Have you considered relocating? With your RN background, you would be able to secure another position fairly easily.
Does your lot have space for a garden? Can you have backyard chickens or raise rabbits? Check with your county Extension Service for tips.
For kids, their own mini-BOBs and emergency drills done like a game would get them in the preparedness mindset without unduly scaring them. Good luck and welcome to the world of feeling safer through preparedness!
We currently live in the central valley of California, but are currently considering relocation to the midwest in the next few years if conditions in CA continue the way they are.
We are completing a project for raised vegetable beds, four of them 6x6 in our back yard. I have been keeping the thought that grown food would be important if we no longer had store access for some reason.
I am very new to the idea of "preparedness", but it makes sense.
The simplest way I can think of to advise what your gear should contain is to suggest that you list what you'd take on a 5-day camping trip into the wilderness. If the BOB will stay in the car, make it a car-camping trip. If you think you'll have to carry it, make it a backpacking trip. The same holds true when planning for your little ones.
I agree -- getting your kids used to having their own kit for daycare, kindergarten, or school is a great idea. Be certain that each contains a "comfort item" such as a plush animal or other favored thing.
You also should take a good look at where your home is situated. The Central Valley is pretty flat, so I suspect some areas may be flood-prone. If your home is nestled into or below a hill, take a serious look uphill to see whether something big may come rolling, falling or sliding down on you in a quake or heavy rain. Same goes for any nearby big trees. If they fall, might they land on your house? Cars? Storage shed?
For long-term shelter-at-home planning, may I suggest that you take a good look at the excellent books and pamphlets put out by the Mormons?
With respect to weapons I'm still reluctant to carry a glock pistol (often recommended) In lieu of a firearm a few folks have opted for a high powered slingshot,taser or high powered pellet pistol. With looters, those "hunting stocked survivalists" or roving very desperate people and some who will murder you on the spot for your stuff albeit a sandwich (all those well thought out supplies intended for our survival )can get you killed in a week if not defended . Wrap your brain around that brotha of anotha. Some experts recommend a shotgun ,but no matter what training and safety is paramount! Seriously, I have a few not so depressing add-ons we use although MichelleSW really has supplies covered and I thank them sincerely.
1. Silver Sol (refer to Dr Pedersen) long story
2. Specifically Seychelle water filters (nothing comes close)
3. Food For Life emergency food (nothing compares for quanity,price ,taste,QC,and 20 year shelf!)
4 Chaffing burners work better than Sterno for portable stoves
5. Porta Potty (chemically lined disposable bags)
6 Road maps
7 pet pantry
8. 3 grab and go bags
I recommend "When All Plans Fail" by the great Paul Williams,MD. (an international expert and a
hands on disaster specialist)
The list can be exhausting anf if unable to "hunker down" you can only carry so much outside the home/shelter. Radiation a separate list to neutralize being nuked.
God Bless and Be Prepared Das
Last edited by DASULAR17; 10-25-2010 at 09:11 PM..
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