Some More Ideas

Sorry that it has been so long since I added to this blog. Life happens. I'll do better.

I have been thinking about things that can be included in emergency preparedness, things that may not be as obvious. We all know about food, 72 hour kits, first aid kits, emergency cash, etc. What are some things that often get over-looked? Here is what I have come up with (and by no means is it a complete list). Some are for your 72 hour kits, some for your year supply, some can be for either.

1. Extra garments (for those endowed). I would suggest going to the distribution center and buy a couple sets to be packed with your 72 hour kit. Keep them in the plastic.

2. Batteries. Have non-rechargeable batteries (you may not have the power to recharge the rechargeable ones) of a variety of sizes. Definitely keep some AA and AAA. Take a quick inventory of what batteries you would need in an emergency, and store them somewhere dry. You can buy the ones that can be stored for up to 8 or 10 years now.

3. Toiletries. In your year supply, do you have toothpaste? Soap? Deodorant? Toothbrushes? Tampons? While they may not be on the top of your priority list, it never hurts to plan to be a bit comfortable. The nice thing is many of these products have a good long shelf life.

4. Phone numbers. I mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. Have a list of emergency phone numbers handy with your 72 hour kit. This includes police, neighbours, family, home teachers, friends, your bishop. Have these numbers on a piece of paper in addition to in your phone. You can't guarantee that your phone will be charged or on your person in an emergency, but likely you will find a phone somewhere that you can use.

5. Kids stuff. You don't need a whole toy chest full of stuff, but you may want to throw together a small kit with some simple games, toys, and story books. Things to prevent your little ones from becoming totally bored. I would not recommend their favourite toys (they want to play with those), but some small things like a ball or two, some simple card games (Old Maid, Go Fish, etc), a couple toy cars or little dolls.

6. Pet food. If you have any four-legged members of the family, don't forget about them. Have a supply of their food as well as your own.

What to include in your 72 hour kits

Aside from the usual food and drinking water needed for each member of your household for the 72 hour period, here are some things that come highly recommended:

• first aid kit/supplies 
• medicine as required, ranging from headache and cold medication for general use to specifics such as insulin for diabetics
• a change of clothing for each person
• cold weather clothes such as hats, mittens, woolen socks, etc.
• matches (waterproof is best)
• some cash (at least $100,. best to have it in small bills. Travelers checks are good too)
• Flashlight (if it is one that requires batteries, include extra batteries as well

There are several more good ideas to put in our kit, but make sure that the kit is in a spot that is easy to get to and that you can carry with you very easily. Some suggestions that I have heard include a large suitcase, backpacks, and duffle bags. You may also want to consider having the kit divided into two or more kits, depending on how many able-bodied people in your home that could carry a bag.

Post if you have questions or comments!