WHY BOTHER?
We’ve heard it before, “You’re overreacting!” “That won’t happen to me!” “They like to sensationalize.”
Preparation = Fearlessness.
I think all I need to say is toilet paper. You, too, probably have a few stories yourselves, but here’s my take.
You see, when Len and I first heard the news of the Corona Virus, and long before it was labeled a pandemic, I immediately ushered him into Sam’s Club and purchased a 24-pack of TP, as weIl as a few other needed items. I wasn’t panicked because I knew we had plenty in the closet; but thinking ahead, I did want a little surplus. He kept saying, “Do we really need this? “I just bought some.” I assured him that I thought we did. Sure enough, two weeks later, the shelves were empty from over-reactors who had not been prepared and who panicked, and therefore emptied shelves needlessly. Having lived through earthquakes in Panama, California, and Utah, I knew just how scary and vulnerable a person can feel.
Panic usually shadows fear, and uncertainty snowballs into chaos.
This much is certain to me: With preparation, we omit probable stress, (whether emotionally, financially, or physically).
Whether for 72 hours or 72 months, simply knowing a few basic survival hacks will enable us to thrive. 21st century or not, simple survival skills are vital when off the grid. Remember the recent movie where the astronaut was left alone in orbit and had to grow potatoes in his own poop. Well….
GET READY!
72-HOUR SURVIVAL PLAN
GRAB & EVACUATE!
“If you want to lean on someone else, you better make sure that person is on very solid ground.”
- WHAT IF…You are caught in a fire and required to immediately evacuate?
- WHAT IF…There is a flood, tornado, or any calamity that requires you to leave your home?
- WHAT IF…Your gas tank is empty? You can’t get to your bank? Your family member needs medications for special needs?
WHAT ARE YOUR SURVIVAL PLANS? WHAT WOULD YOU GRAB?
WHAT WOULD THE NEXT 72 HOURS LOOK LIKE?
Every Person Must Have A Backpack
Age-appropriate, each person is responsible for his/her backpack upon evacuation.
What’s to Know?
- What to include in a backpack
- How to organize for 72-Hour Survival and Beyond
- How to create a 72-Hour Family Container
As you’re frantically heading out the door with your backpack in hand, make sure that each person has age-appropriately participated in packing that bag long before a disaster occurs. Everyone needs to know what’s packed and how each article enables the family member to survive.
- Families are sometimes separated during emergencies.
- Teach children how to fend for themselves, with or without you.
- Allow everyone to be knowledgeable. No need to frighten. Just inform.
Backpacks, plus container bins, should be kept accessible and easy to reach in an emergency. Store in strong plastic bags and rotate goods accordingly.
Create a list with family preferences. Don’t forget a treat!
BACKPACKS
You may ask why each item in the list is important. For me, and if I were entering a community emergency shelter or had to stay elsewhere, I would want to have my own items and not wait for hand-outs. Perhaps I would want my tube tent to change clothes, or just have a moment of privacy. One never knows unknown circumstances or surprises. Hopefully, we will never be confronted with such an emergency. Yet, it’s true. Life happens.
The following items are suggested for each individual backpack, age-appropriate:
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste * Brush/Comb * Towel * TP/Plastic Bags
- Reading Glasses * Extra cell phone if appropriate
- Cell Phone Chargers (remember that solar chargers may take 24 hours or more to charge)
- Infant/Toddler Supplies, if needed
- Bug Repellent * Water Purifiers * Hand Sanitizers
- Feminine Needs * Deodorant * Lotions * Sunscreen * Biodegradable Soap
- Hat/Sunshades
- Waterproof Matches * Lighters
- Change of Clothes
- Sufficient ID: Copies of DL, Contact Numbers, SS#
- Medications * Medical Instructions for Special Needs
- First-Aid Kit * Ointments
- Solar Blanket
- Packaged Tuna/Chicken * Peel-top canned foods
- Packets: Juice/ Instant Milk / Hot Chocolate / Tea / Water (at least 32oz, per day)
- Packets: Sugar * Salt/Pepper * Creamers *Small Plastic Bags
- Freeze-dried Foods * Energy Bars*Packaged foods
- Tennis Shoes or Hiking Boots * Socks
- Sleeping Bag * Favorite Small Pillow or Plush Toy
- Camping Utensils * Scissors * Retractable Cup/Plate
- Pocket Knife, Small Shovel, Bungee Chords,
- DUCT TAPE
- Flashlight (preferably headset type) * Rain Gear * Rope
- Handwarmers * Tube Tent * Compass * Radio
- Face Masks
- Pen/Small Tablet * A favorite paperback book
Make sure each bag is labeled with name, telephone number, address.
Your list will be unique to you and your family; so customize as necessary. Sorting backpack supplies can be a fun project for a family. Let everyone have some input, and enjoy the process.
Wishing us all peace, love, and abundance!
TEXANA LANE
TEXANA LANE'S ADVENTURES 