Fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanos, landslides, severe storms, unforeseen attacks, and riots.
Images of these catastrophes?
YIKES.
Naturally, we ask ourselves, “Can this really happen to me?”
That’s a crucial question.
And if you’re nodding your head yes, you should continue reading because preparation is everything!
I’ve survived two earthquakes, a flash flood, and two tsunami alerts.
I’ve also been evacuated because of an erupting volcano.
Was I prepared for them?
Some. Yes. But only after seeing the results of NOT thinking ahead.
Disasters can come fast and unannounced.
My first earthquake, I had no escape plans in place and no Go-Bag packed.
You always hear the words, “Don’t panic. Remain calm.”
Right…
It’s like… “Your pants are on fire but don’t go nuts looking for water!”
And at the moment, I felt… I wasn’t panicking.
I wasn’t screaming at least.
But even if you remain calm, those around you may not… so keep that in mind too.
Fortunately, we weren’t stranded without food or water afterward.
I knew the next time might not end so well. And there would be a next time.
Here’s what I did to improve my chances of a successful escape and survival.
WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD DO TO PREPARE FOR A DISASTER
a. Have a plan of action ready for disasters that could occur in my area.
b. Have an escape route planned for each type of disaster.
c. Have several prearranged meeting places, in order of importance, in case of separation.
d. Arrange a contact person NOT in the same area that everyone can report to.
e. Have a Go-bag or Bug-out bag that’s up to date.
f. Always make sure phones are being charged during the night.
g. Download an app with disaster advisories.
When we say HAVE A GO-BAG, BUG-OUT BAG, or EMERGENCY KIT READY, we mean close by the door or within grabbing distance.
Safety experts recommend survival supplies that will last at least 72 hours.
And when the earth begins rolling beneath your feet and a roof starts crumbling over your head, there’s no time to gather “your things”.
The value of a Go-Bag skyrockets sitting by your exit-route skyrockets.
It becomes priceless.
Tsunamis, fires, volcanos, tornadoes, hurricanes, or whatever else is headed your way that little bag by the door becomes everything. It’s a treasure chest of gold after a catastrophe.
There are ready-made go-bags that range from $30.00 to over a thousand.
Or, you can customize your own.
You’ll need to add your personal items to these bags.
1. Copies of important documents (including prescriptions) in a waterproof bag
2. Second set of car and house keys
3. One week of medication
4. Cash, credit card or debit card
5. List of important numbers
6. Phone
PACKING YOUR OWN GO-BAG
In addition to the above items, add the following
1. Water packs
4. Shoes
5. Rainwear ponchos
6. Emergency Blanketamazon.com/…dp/B003A21DQA/ref=as_li_ss_tl
7. Flashlight
9. Whistle
10. Can opener, eating utensil
11. Pocket toolset
12. Waterproof matches
13. Dust mask
14. Plastic covering for shelter
15. Toothbrushes
16. Soap
17. Towel
18. Tissue paper or disinfectant wipes
19. Pen and small notebook
20. Nylon rope
21. Duct tape
22. Water purification tablets
23. Phone charger
24. Sunscreen
EXTRA BELLS AND WHISTLES FOR YOUR GO-BAG
1. Clothespins
2. Tube tent
3. 30-hour candle/bright sticks
4. Extra food packs
8. Walkie talkies
9. Gloves
Any sturdy canvas bag will do, but most prefer survival backpacks.
The point is, have a Bug-Out Bag ready and near your home’s exit route.
As the saying goes,
“If every person knew what every survivor knows, no one would be caught unprepared.”
Aa..this is a good list. I prepare the important document, cards, and such in a bag but never thought of the food supplies.
Well, this is especially pertinent now!