Mini-Challenges: Car Carried Disaster Kit

We have spent the last several challenges covering our Disaster Supplies Kits for our homes. However, we may not always be at home when an emergency or disaster strikes. So, for our March 15 mini challenge, we are going to work on putting together a car carried disaster supplies kit.

This kit will not be as large or as elaborate as your home kit, but should contain similar supplies. Some countries (and states) require that drivers carry certain emergency supplies in their car (such as warning triangles or flares, first aid kits, etc). Consider keeping all or some of these items in your car (depending on legal requirements or restrictions in your area, and your own personal needs).

• First Aid Kit: You can usually purchase one (some made "especially" for cars) at a local auto parts store or discount chain.
• Water: keep a few water bottles (make sure that they are sealed), just in case. Make sure that you check them often (for evaporation and expiration), and rotate them occassionally.
• Food: Consider items that last a long time and are high energy (and compact), such as emergency rations, granola bars, dehydrated fruit. Just make sure that you check dates and rotate often.
• Tools: Having a wrench, tie iron, jumper cables, etc can be handy should there be an emergency or you run into car trouble.
• Emergency Hammer: These speciality tools are meant to help you free yourself in the event that your car is in an accident, or especially if you become trapped in your vehicle in water. They usually contain a cutting edge (to help free stuck seat belts), a special hammer (which can break safety glass), and a light.
• Protective Gear: Some countries (like Germany) require that drivers carry at least one reflective vest in their car. Consider other items like a rain poncho or suit (nothing more miserable than changing a flat in the rain), knee pads, etc.
• Flashlight: When your car dies in the middle of the night, or you are forced to take shelter in it at night, light is almost a necessity. Consider keeping a flashlight (or two) in your car (and don't forget some extra batteries).
• Emergency Blankets: These are the really cool space age blankets that look like compacted foil rolls. They are meant to reflect heat back to your body, and are very small and easy to store. Can be especially handy if you are forced to take refuge in your car in inclement weather.
• Extra Fuel: Please be careful when considering this. Fuel must be stored in a proper, ventilated and sealed container. Storing fuel in your car can be hazardous (the fuel evaporates and leaves dangerous fumes), and in some places is illegal to carry fuel outside of your vehicles' fuel tank. If you plan to store this, please be aware of any local laws or policies, and take every precaution to ensure that the fuel is safe and secure.
• Money: You may be away from home and need food, fuel or other supplies, and with access to credit or debit cards. This can also be used to help pay traffic fines, etc. Just be sure that you don't store too much money, and that you consider placing it in different areas around your car. Anywhere you keep money should be hidden from view and preferrably secured.
• Cell Phone or two way radio: Many people carry cell phones with them, which can be handy when you need assistance or are in an emergency situation. You may also be able to store and use small two-way radios (usually under $50 and avaiable at sporting and discount stores). The radios may be a little more iffy (you never know who will be on the available channels), but can offer a second mode of contact.
  

When you have decided what you would like to carry in your car kit, consider how you will store it. Depending on the space available in your car, consider a hard sided plastic tote (I have mine in a rubber maid container under one of the bench seats in my van), or a bag with a flat and firm bottom (you may want a bag that closes with a zipper depending on your car).

No matter what you decide to store, and what you store it in, be sure that all members of your familiy know where it is, and how to use the items in it.

Mini Challenges: Spread the Word

Our monthly focus is still on the Disaster Supplies Kit (a.k.a. a 72-hour kit), as you will recall from our Feb. 15 challenge (I hope you all made your lists). This mini-challenge will be a little different.

I don't want you to buy anything, make any lists, or any plans. I am just going to challenge you to do one simple thing. Spread the word. Our March 1 mini-challenge is to make sure you talk to someone you care about, and ask about their Disaster Supplies Kit.

It can be anyone...it can be more than ONE anyone. Maybe another parent from school, that strange guy in the next cubicle over, your next door neighbor, a family member, a friend. It doesn't matter who you choose.

Provident Living is about more than just getting our little corner of the universe neat and tidy and ready for anything. We also have a responsibility to help others get ready as well. The first step in that process is getting the word out.

A Disaster Supplies Kit is an important part of being prepared, and one that most people are familiar with. Pick your person (or persons). Share the resources we've pointed out (or ones that you have found on your own). Show them the sites you've learned about. Show them this blog. Show them your lists or your kits (if you are ahead of me and already have one done!). Share your ideas about Provident Living or emergency preparedness. Whatever path you take, please don't let another day pass before you share with someone else.

If each of us makes an effort to reach out, to share knowledge, then there is hope that more people will begin to take notice and to get their own lives and homes ready. It may not seem like much, but any great work is built brick by brick, person by person.

So, go out. Share your ideas. Spread the word.

Mini Challenges: Plan Out Your Disaster Supplies Kit

Once known as a 72-hour kit (so called because of the assumed response time of government emergency services), a Disaster Supplies Kit is an important part of any Disaster Planning. Our Feb. 15, mini-challenge will be to plan out your Disaster Supplies Kit.

That will entail reviewing available documents and resources for ideas and suggestions, making a list of items you have available and a list of items you will need to acquire.

While what your kit contains is dependent on your specific situation, there are recommendations for items that you need. Keep in mind that you should not store items that are dependent on water or electrical services (you have to assume that in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, these services will be unavailable).

Items That You Need

• Water: You should store at least 1 gallon per person per day. This should be drinking quality water. It might also be wise to store some form of water purification (such as a filtration system or iodine tablets).
• Food: While you may have food stored in your home, in your fridge, or in your freezer, you kit should contain at least three days worth of nutritious food. Since you may be required to leave your home, this food should be non-perishable and portable. You can store canned goods (be considerate of weight in case of evacuation), dehydrated or freeze dried foods, or even emergency food rations. If you are using canned goods, don't forget the manual can opener!
• First Aid Kit: This is one of the most important parts of the kit. As emergency services and medical services may not be available or quick in response, before, during or after a disaster, it is important that you be able to treat basic injuries on your own. You should have basic items such as bandages, antiseptics (alcohol wipes etc), antibiotic cream (such as neosporin), gauze, burn creams, tweezers, etc. You can usually buy pre-packaged first aid kits at many discount, sporting goods, and medical supply stores.
• Sheltering Supplies: You may need to shelter in place during a disaster. Your kit should contain items like dust masks (available at most home supply stores, and used to help filter low quality air), plastic sheeting, and duct tape (both used to help seal off your shelter).
• Emergency Radio: As you are likely to lose your electrical services, and you will need to be informed of any directives, news or emergency messages, it is important to have an emergency radio. These are usually battery operated or hand cranked, and are available at many retail outlets (here is an example of an Emergency Radio). If you choose a battery operated model, please remember to include additional batteries in your kit. These radios usually include access to national weather information and emergency services information.
• Clothing: As you may be required to evacuate in the event of a disaster, and you may not have time to pack, it is important to keep an extra set of warm clothes (even if you live in a warm area) and sturdy shoes in your kit to ensure you'll be okay in the event of an evacuation. It may also be suggested to have several pairs of undergarments and socks, as these items more often get soiled and may need to be changed more often.
• Flashlight: As you will likely be without power it will be important to have a source of light, especially if you are required to evacuate or the disaster leaves significant debris. Remember to also store extra batteries for your flashlight.
• Medications: This includes over-the-counter (like tylenol) and prescription medications. As you will likely not have access to a pharmacy or drug store, be sure to include a week's supply of medications. Also keep a list of all medications you take and their dosages, any allergies you may have, all of your doctors' names, and contact information for nearby hospitals.
• Money: Since banks will likely be closed in the event of a disaster, and without electricity systems using debit or credit cards will not function, it is important to have cash on hand to help get supplies. Consider having small bills (such as one dollar bills) and change (such as quarters), to allow you access to vending machines and services during a disaster or evacuation.
• Personal Documents: Remember our last challenge? Well it is important to keep these documents (or at least copies of them) in your disaster supplies kit....especially in the event of an evacuation. Store them in a waterproof container.
• Sanitary Supplies: Circumstances during a disaster may not lend themselves to sanitary conditions, and you may have specific circumstances that require special sanitary needs, so keeping sanitary supplies is important. Consider items like feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, moist towellettes, garbage bags and ties, alcohol and other disinfectants. Consider storing some bleach along with a medicine dropper. According to the Red Cross, when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Remember not to use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Tools: During an emergency you may need to do repairs, shut off services (such as your gas main), or put up shelter. It is important to have basic tools available. Consider storing items such as an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, or even a hammer. Having the ubiquitous duct tape on hand isn't a bad idea either.
• Maps: Having maps of the local area will be important. Consider marking evacuation routes, expected road closures, and alternate paths away from your home. You can also mark meeting points, evacuation centers, family members, etc.
• Emergency Contact Information: In general your emergency plan should include having people to call. You should store this list of emergency contacts in your kit. Keep in mind that it will likely be easier to make a long distance (out of area) call during an emergency.
• Mess Supplies: As you will need to consume the food in your kit, consider storing some type of mess supplies. Keep either reusable items (available at sporting goods and camping stores) or paper plates, bowls, and utensils. Also consider keeping napkins or paper towels.
• Matches: You may need to start a fire for warmth/cooking. Consider keeping matches (especially waterproof ones) in your kit.
• Whistle: During an emergency you may become lost, trapped, or in need of assistance. Store a whistle to help you contact rescuers, neighbors or emergency personnel.
• Fire Extinguisher: While you should always have this on hand, it is important to remember it as part of your disaster kit. Fire and rescue services may not be available during a disaster. You will need to be able to care for you home and family as best as possible on your own.
• Paper and Writing Utensil: You may need to record emergency directions, addresses etc. Keep a small notepad and a pen or pencil in your kit.
• Blanket or Sleeping Bag: If you need to evacuate, you will need to have items to keep you warm while you sleep. While some emergency shelters may offer these, if you have to shelter in place in your own home or car, you will need to have these items.
• Baby Supplies: If your family includes an infant or baby, remember to include items such as forumula, diapers and wipes.
• Pet Supplies: If you have pets, keep them in mind. Store some pet foods, leashes, crates/kennels, and other items necessary to care for your pet.
• Emergency Reference Materials: Keep a copy of a first aid guide, your local evacuation plan, your family emergency plan, or other disaster related materials in your kit.
• Entertainment: You may be on your own for a while, without access to the normal venues for entertainment. Consider keeping games, puzzles, books, coloring supplies, etc. to help keep yourself busy. This can be especially important if you have small children.

Consider these guidelines, and others available from the Red Cross and Ready.gov, to help get your list together. Talk to your family about items they think should be included.

Another imporant item to consider for your kit is storage. You should store your kit in a secure (preferrably water proof) and portable (in case of an evacuation) container. Consider using a plastic tote (think something like Rubbermaid), a hiking back pack, a ruck sack (or sea bag), or several smaller back packs.

So get going, get your list together, and get ready for our next challenge!