Tag: family

# 1. 72-HOUR SURVIVAL

Grab & Evacuate!

WHY BOTHER?

Please take a moment to review our list of needs and continue to learn how to be prepared, whether for only 72-hours or for long-range emergencies.

Just ask anyone who has survived a weather catastrophe, (flood, tornado, earthquake, etc.), or long-term unemployment, pandemic, or ANY unexpected interruption of life.  They will quickly explain why one SHOULD bother to be prepared.  It’s a reality check, for sure.  Surely COVID19 has removed any skepticism.

  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.

This much is certain to me:  With preparation, we can reduce probable stress, whether emotionally, financially, or physically.  AS mentioned in my previous blog, I’ve been in both situations of being prepared and lack thereof.  I’ve also seen where too much of a good thing proves ill advised.  For example, toilet paper…it literally disintegrates over a lengthy period of time, as will many inventory items become unusable.  Therefore, rotating foods, toiletries, batteries, basically all home inventory, is very important.

Need More Info?  Check out the following:

These are just a few, and from long ago.  Google and find updated information.  Let us know what you find.

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?

If you can’t answer or envision the above questions, it is time to think ahead.

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 never will be confronted with such an emergency.  Yet, it’s true.  Life happens.

The following items are suggested for each backpack, age-appropriate:

  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste * Brush/Comb * Towel * TP/Plastic Bags
  • Reading Glasses * Extra cell phone if appropriate
  • Cell Phone Chargers
  • 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:  Water / Juice/ Instant Milk / Hot Chocolate / Tea
  • Packets:  Sugar * Salt/Pepper * Creamers *Small Plastic Bags
  • Freeze-dried Foods * Energy Bars
  • 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.

Next blog will include what to pack in your FAMILY SURVIVAL CONTAINER.

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