04/23/2025
There is such a huge increase in extreme weather, extreme solar storms and disasters of all sorts, that it is a great time to either create or update your emergency supplies. There are a couple of basic groups of emergency supplies to think about. We need to be sure we have enough clean water, energy supply, candles etc for home if we lost power and water for several days. We also need basic supplies if we had to leave our home because it was threatened or destroyed by a disaster. If we only plan by storing large items, it's unlikely to be helpful if our house may be flooded or destroyed by fire. When planning, think about your daily needs by going through a 24 hour day and what you access/use every day. As you make your lists, plan as if you won't have access to a cell phone, a charger, television, power, clean water, etc. Have printed information you'll need and back-up communication devices etc.
Do your own research for your specific area and family/neighborhood size and needs, as well as basing your choices on your health and abilities. If you need specific medicines or devices, then either pack a 3 day supply in a go bag or have all of your medications in a bag that is near your go bag. If you have children, pets, or someone who is disabled in your home then pack for them and be sure you have a way to transport them that's possible for you. Consider a manual wheelchair for someone who can't walk far, or a double stroller for small kids. For dogs and cats consider rolling pet carriers or backpacks, or even leash with a muzzle if your pet could be dangerous in a crowd or frantic situations. Pack pet's and children's food and water with dishes (collapsibles are nice for this purpose). For medications for anyone in your home you can prepare 3 day's worth for the bag when you get the month's meds, then rotate it out the next month so they are fresh and you dont run out. Also pack a list or photocopy of the prescriptions, doctor names and phone numbers etc. Anticipate not having access to internet at all times. Printing a copy of your phone list is a good idea for the same reason.
One woman who had encountered earthquakes chose to keep her bag under the bed along with an extra pair of shoes and glasses in the bag. People are often injured by leaving the house with no shoes during a night time earthquake or disaster. Be sure to have EVERYTHING YOU NEED in one place. You likely won't have time to go to multiple places in your home to gather meds, shoes, food, jackets etc. I keep mine under the bed and/or in the closet closest to the door. If there is a house fire you'll have one shot at getting your things. People often put either their original documents or duplicates. If your house is swept away in a flood or taken in fire, tornado, or earthquake then what you have with you is all you'll have to rebuild your paperwork. In these days of people needing to prove their identity and citizenship it's a good idea to have all documents in the go bag. Consider a fire-proof folio that's light-weight.
You may not have the ability to boil water so consider camping water purification methods. They aren't very costly and you'll be glad to have it if stores are sold out of pure water. Speaking of which, consider packing some tissue/toilet paper and washing methods. There are peribottles made for postpartum healing that work well as a portable bidet/bum washer. Having an amount of portable camping supplies, in your vehicle, your go bag and/or in your home is a great idea in case you lose power for several days, or if you're required to leave your home. Minimums might be: cold-rated sleeping bags, flashlights, sunscreen, an emergency cooking stove (you can use certain candles and portable "stoves" in the go bag, terracotta cooker at home, or a small propane stove that you keep with propane and camp stuff in the car). If you have the ability to pack a vehicle with minimum supplies, include some water, blankets and tarps or a tent.
If you have specific dietary restrictions, be sure to pack for that as well and you can consider packing gluten free or vegetarian or organic etc snacks and foods. Be sure you've planned with your family where to meet if you're not home, how to get out of the home, and who will grab which bags. Each family member should have a personal 72 hour pack to grab so that one person isn't expected to carry it all.
Another thought is that since costs are rising and access is dwindling, this can be a great time to grow some of your food at home. Even in an apartment you can grow tomatoes, herbs, salad greens, etc. You don't need a lot of land to feed yourself.
Ok. Those are my suggestions, and this is what a website suggests:
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.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
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, scissors 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
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take 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
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
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.
