Day 1 September 1st topic of the day. This is the list FEMA publishes for American citizens to have on hand. i highly suggest you go to their website and download their spreadsheet. If you then copy it to google spreadsheets, you can then edit it yourself.
In and of itself this is a great list to get started!
Adhesive bandages, various sizes 5” x 9” sterile dressing Conforming roller gauze bandage Triangular bandages 3” x 3” sterile gauze pads 4” x 4” sterile gauze pads Roll 3” cohesive bandage Germicidal hand wipes or waterless, alcohol-based hand sanitizer Antiseptic wipes Pairs large, medical grade, non-latex gloves Tongue depressor blades Adhesive tape, 2” width Antibacterial ointment Cold pack Scissors (small, personal) Tweezers Assorted sizes of safety pins Cotton balls Thermometer Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant Sunscreen CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield First aid manual.
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid (for stomach upset) Laxative Vitamins Prescriptions Extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries Manual can opener NOAA Weather Radio, if appropriate for your area Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils Flashlight and extra batteries All-purpose knife Signal fl are Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches) Sugar, salt, pepper Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel, and other tools Aluminum foil and plastic wrap Duct tape and scissors Resealable plastic bags Plastic sheeting Small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel (if food must be cooked) Whistle Small canister, ABC-type fi re extinguisher Comfort Items Tube tent Games Compass Cards Work gloves Books Paper, pens, and pencils Toys for kids Needles and thread Foods Battery-operated travel alarm clock.
Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries Manual can opener NOAA Weather Radio, if appropriate for your area Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils Flashlight and extra batteries All-purpose knife Signal fl are Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches) Sugar, salt, pepper Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel, and other tools Aluminum foil and plastic wrap Duct tape and scissors Resealable plastic bags Plastic sheeting Small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel (if food must be cooked) Whistle Small canister, ABC-type fi re extinguisher Comfort Items Tube tent Games Compass Cards Work gloves Books Paper, pens, and pencils Toys for kids Needles and thread Foods Battery-operated travel alarm clock.
Supplies Home (√) Vehicle (√) Work (√) Water Ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables Canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup High-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix. Vitamins Special foods for infants or persons on special diets Cookies, hard candy Instant coffee Cereals Powdered milk Clothes and Bedding Supplies Item (√) (√) (√) (√) Complete change of clothes Sturdy shoes or boots Rain gear Hat and gloves Extra socks Extra underwear Thermal underwear Sunglasses Blankets/sleeping bags and pillows.
I personally have my own system in place. Tomorrow i will start a complete breakdown with pictures and lists. However, for today i will explain the system.
Bug out bags (B.O.B) for each individual. This consists of a backpack and a Satchel.
Get home bag (no nifty acronym) Ours are typically waterproof bags that fit in the trunk, or back seat, that do have a small backpack for foot travel if necessary.
Bug in supplies.
Our main option will always be to Bug in, if applicable. It may not always be an option, but you should be prepared to do so comfortably. If we do have to leave, we have the option of leaving very quickly with our pre staged bags. The Get home bags in the vehicles then become just added gear and supplies.
I am a firm believer that it is your responsibility to be capable of sustaining yourself and your family under any circumstances. How you do so is up to you. But some careful thought and more importantly ACTION, should be taken to ensure your success. Every little bit helps, and it is never too late to start... The following will be a high-level dissertation of the purpose of the above three topics.
Bug out bags should contain at Least the following. You can choose whichever items and products you desire. Keep in mind there are many options, and every item must be considered as to its weight and effectiveness for multiple uses.
Food
shelter
water
medical
fire
cutting tools
hygiene
self-rescue
communication
navigation
spare clothing (climate related)
Satchel should contain extra clothes, documents, and extra food and water.
Get Home Bags should contain the same as a bug out bag with an extra emphasis on sturdy footwear, weather appropriate gear, road safety equipment.
Bug in supplies and equipment should be capable of supporting your family plus those you expect could seek shelter with you for at a minimum of three weeks. Keep in mind that if you are Bugging In, the situation is probably adverse enough to require a thoughtful plan on protecting your home from the elements and natural and man-made threats. I highly suggest you organize and have easy access to your preps for everyone. Remember your refrigerator and freezer foodstuffs should be the first that you consume, unless you have an adequate power supply. The following is a guideline and should be adjusted to your needs and circumstances. i have broken down the bug in supplies, gear and materials into the following categories.
Food (family of four, double the calorie needs to accommodate surprise guests) to last at least three weeks. pay special attention to dietary needs and treats) Treats are a morale booster. ( i have a sweet tooth) lol.
Water. The common consensus is 1 gallon per person per day. I am here to tell you, that is not enough. Three gallons per person, per day of potable water. and at least two gallons for hygiene and cooking. that means five gallons per person, per day. That sounds excessive to most people. But it goes quick when there are eight or more people in your home stressed out and trying to cope with whatever is going on. The one thing you should have plenty of is water...
Shelter-Tools and materials on hand to keep your home protected. Heavy tarps to cover damaged roofs. Plywood cut to fit windows and doors if necessary. Hand tools to accomplish those tasks as well as nails and screws. Repair items for plumbing and electrical. Saws, shovels etc. 6mil or greater plastic sheathing to cover windows and doors, or to partition off rooms in the house. (more on that in another blog post).
Communication- hand crank radios, Ham radios, two-way radios etc.
Power- Batteries AA, AAA, C, D, generators-solar or dual fuel.
Lighting- flashlights, headlamps, solar led string lights.
Sleep systems I.E., sleeping bags and or wool blankets, air mattress for guests.
Medical supplies- everything you normally take but a month supply, plus antibiotics and trauma kits.
Fuel- gas for vehicles, gas,diesel or propane for generators and heating devices(mr buddy heaters etc.) Dont skimp on good high quality containers...and stabilizer. Also rotate your fuel stock every 4-6 months.
Clothing- seperate weather specific clothing for each member in your household. Good dependable gloves, boots, under armor etc.
PPE Personal Protective Equipment. Respiartors and appropiate replacement filters, safety glasses, leather gloves etc,
Cooking- a means to cook other than your stove or microwave, think coleman stoves even grills! Also dont forget pots pans and utensils, especially if open fire cooking.
This list can go on and on. However i think you get the point. Think of the scenarios most likely to happen and plan accordingly. Wildfires, Winter storms, Hurricanes, Chemical spills and fires etc.
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