Evacuation Kits---Defense

This is something we hope won't be needed, but it may be necessary to protect you and your family--a hand gun. A holster of some sort to hold the gun on your person would be important, so that it is handy if there is an urgent need to use it. And, lastly, ammo. The Preparedness Pro suggests 50 rounds of ammo and that sounds like a good number.

This is a picture of my gun and 3 rounds of ammo. It is a 357 Magnum, a "Dirty Harry" gun. I do know how to use it and have shot it many times in competition. I don't have a holster, yet, but I do have a gun cleaning kit.

[PS--I'm a female].

Evacuation Kits--Clothing

There are many different items of clothing that need to be considered when making an evacuation kit. There are items that are needed for rain, heat, cold, colder yet (snow), high wind, and then washing--your body and your clothes. You may be in a group of people, need a bath, and need to maintain a bit of modesty, with only one body of water, such as a lake or river, to get clean in--so a bathing suit would be handy. Other items to consider would be:

--T-shirts
--long sleeved shirts
--shorts
--tough work pants, belt
--light jacket, rain coat, poncho, windbreaker
--socks (lots) [wool would be a good choice]
--sock liner (thin, wicking)
--undergarments
--work boots, boot grease, tennis shoes
--work gloves
--stocking cap [wool would be a good choice]
--bandanna, ski mask, hat
--washcloth, towel
--laundry soap
--plunge clothes washer
--small scrub brush

[List from Utah Preppers]

Evacuation Kits--Shelter, Bedding

A shelter and a sleeping bag are not essential, but will make your nights (and rainy days) away from home more pleasant. This list of shelter and bedding items is from the Utah Preppers website [comments are mine]:

--tent
--blankets
--emergency blankets (mylar)
--cloth sheet
--plastic sheet (placed under tent or sleeping bag)
--wool blanket (keeps you warm even when wet)
--sleeping bag
--foam or inflatable pillow (I have used the hood of my down jacket for a pillow)
--foam sleeping pad (to make the ground more comfortable)
--light throw blanket
--tarps
--tent/pack/bag patches
--stuff/compression bags
--nylon line--100'

What other items might you need for shelter or bedding?

Pectin

Have you been making a lot of jam this summer? Some recipes call for liquid pectin and some call for powdered pectin. What's the difference, and can you use them interchangeably? Those questions are answered in a short post by Jen on her blog, The Hall Family, here.

Self-Reliance

I came across a magazine that surprised me--Popular Mechanics--which has a "self-reliance" issue that is out now. The cover says, "Beyond Survival: How To Live Through Any Disaster--For A Day, A Month Or Forever." It is full of all kinds of information.

Evacuation Kits---Navagation

In the event of an emergency evacuation, maps may be crucial in getting you from point A to point B. Most communities are continually growing, and paving new streets. Current maps are necessary so that you can get where you need to go and avoid obstacles. A GPS may work, but there is a need for maps in case the GPS won't work.

Riverwalker has a great post on his blog, Stealth Survival, about emergency kit maps. He says we need state, county, and city maps, and gives ideas where we can get maps for free. He says, "No matter how familiar you may be with your area there is always the possibility of the stress caused by a disaster or emergency situation that may make it harder for you to remember all the different shortcuts you may be familiar with and a good set of maps will help to eliminate any confusion or problems."

If you use a compass, then a topographical map would be handy. If you don't know how to use a compass, now would be a good time to learn. A Boy Scout could show you, you could learn from a Boy Scout Handbook, or go online. Don't wait until you are under a great deal of stress and then try to figure out how it works.

Vacation Time!

I'm in Sandpoint, Idaho on vacation. I thought I would be able to post each day, but I am finding it difficult to have the time. So, I may not be posting much until I return home late next Tuesday night, Sept. 22. In the mean time--keep prepping!!

Trouble Again

Once again I am having trouble with my internet provider. My computer is slower than dial-up and won't connect to most websites. So, if I miss posting, that will be the problem. Except for Monday, when I will be flying to Idaho--I might not make it online that day!

Seniors or Disabled Emergency Kits

These items are in addition to the Adult Emergency Evacuation Kits.

--Food for special diet needs
--Batteries for hearing aids, wheelchair, etc.
--List of style and serial number of medical devices
--Special supplies: oxygen, catheters, etc.
--Prescriptions for eyeglasses (not older than one year)
--Personal sanitary items (Depends, disposable bags, ties, wipes)
--For guide dogs--a Pet Grab 'n go Bag

[From: Anaheim.net]

Evacuation Kits---Individual First Aid Kits

A small first aid kit should be in each evacuation kit, that way if your family members get separated, then each one will have a kit. You could buy a simple first aid kit, but from what I have seen (I haven't seen them all, though!), they have an abundance of bandaids, plus a few other items. Making your own first aid kit might be better and you can personalize it with what you family members specifically need. Below is a list of basic first aid supplies you might want to include:

Alcohol Wipes (12) - Use for cleaning needles, clippers, tweezers.
Aloe Vera Gel - Use for minor burns or skin irrations that require soothing.
Antibiotic Ointment - For the obvious minor cuts.
Baking Soda - Use to make an anti-itch paste. Just add water and apply to the itch area.
Band-Aids - Use for those little cuts and make sure to have an assortment.
Benadryl - Use for allergies.
Cotton Swabs - Use for cleaning or applying creams or ointments.
Elastic Bandage - Get 2 of these, a wide roll. They are use for sprains, strains or in some cases to keep a dressing over a wound.
First-Aid Tape - We use both the 1 inch tape used in sports, and the conventional 1/2 inch tape. Having both has been useful for us in securing bandages.
Gauze Pads - Make sure the pads are sterile, preferably packaged in individual packages. You'll need several small pads for both covering and cleaning small cuts and scrapes. Get 3 large non-stick pads for larger cuts or scrapes.
Gauze Roll - Use a 2 inch wide roll. It's great for wrapping an injured arm or leg. Be sure it is also sterile.
Hydrocortisone Cream - Used for itching caused by bug bites or plants. Make sure the cream is 1% or less.
Ice-Pack - Use the chemical ice-packs. It turns cold when you break open the chemicals inside the pouch. Do not apply the ice-pack directly to the skin.
Ipecac - Use for poisoning.
Latex Gloves - Use these whenever you have the possibility of coming into contact with someone's blood, outside of your immediate family. You want to use all the protection you can get.
Magnifying Glass - Use for those hard-to-see slivers, etc., the one's kids seem to attract.
Mole Skin - Use for blisters.
Safety Pins - Use for making a sling or pinning elastic bandages.
Scissors - Use for cutting tape or even skin in certain situations.
Sewing Needle - Use for those gruesome splinters.
Small Mirror - Used to check eye problems, also as an emergency signaling device.
Soap - We like using the liquid soap. Make sure it is not one just full of scents and get a small bottle of it. Soap is an excellent cleaner.
Syringe - Find the kind that has a bulb on it, it is great for flushing wounds with water rather than applying a cloth.
Tissues - A package of these can go a long way. Good for bloody noses and general clean-up. Also, a great emergency fire starter.
Triangular Bandage - Used as a sling. You can make one out of a light piece of cloth. Get a cloth approximately 42" x 42".
Tweezers - Use to pull out those splinters.
Tylenol - Use as a pain reliever or fever reducer.
If you are allergic to bee stings or other critters make sure you have the adequate medication in you kit.

[From: Anaheim.net]

There are so many other things that could be included, that's why it is a good idea to make your own kits, so you can include just what you think you might need.

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There are many different containers that first aid kits can be packed in. One consideration might be to make sure it is water-proof. If the kit will be in a backpack, then it is better to have it in a soft bag, which could then be put into a zip plastic bag. If it were in a box, the corners would take up too much space and might even poke the person carrying the pack. The weight of the kit should also be taken into consideration--the smaller the person, the less weight they can carry.

Make sure to have a master list of items in your kits, and keep track of any expiration dates. Then it is easy to replace things that are no longer viable.

Evacuation Kits---Books

What kind of books would you need to help you during an evacuation? Usually, the first one listed is a copy of The Boy Scout Handbook. It will help you in a variety of ways, from different knots that will be useful, to cooking outdoors. It even has a section on first aid, although it will be just the basics.

A First Aid Book would come in handy for medical problems that go beyond the basics. There are many websites that offer free downloads of first aid information, a few are listed here:
--All Things First Aid
--Safety and First Aid
--First Aid Coloring Book for children
--Holistic First Aid
--First Aid Book

Scriptures or books from your church will help to ground you in a time of chaos, giving you the peace and calm that you might be yearning for.

To help calm and keep children busy, coloring books, reading books, puzzle books, and picture books will be a blessing. Adults might appreciate reading books and puzzle books, too.

A survival book will come in handy if you will not be staying in a government shelter. As we have seen after the Katrina storm, the government may not be ready for the surge of people that will be looking for help. Be prepared to be on your own--just in case. A few free download books are listed here:
--US Army Survival Manual (6th e-book down)
--Many kinds of survival downloads
--Scroll down for survival manuals

I am sure there are other books that would be important to include in our evacuation kits. Add a comment to share what books you may have thought of!

Canning Peaches

Here are two yummy sounding recipes dealing with peaches! The harvest is still going on, so if you have extra peaches you might want to try something different!

The recipes for Peach Pie Filling and Peach Vanilla Syrup will be found here!

Swine Flu Kits

I found this post on the All About Food Storage blog and wanted to pass it on--we all should be prepared!

The Southwest Utah Health Department is encouraging residents to assemble swine flu kits to keep in their homes. It seems this advice is good for everyone, so I am posting the list that the Health Dept. has provided so anyone can assemble a kit for their home. These kits will help prevent the spread of the virus and also help those who are ill to convalesce more comfortably at home. A swine flu kit should contain:

• Disposable gloves
• Liquid soap
• Paper towels
• Hand sanitizer (Alcohol gel hand cleaner with at least 60% alcohol)
• Thermometer
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and / or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Fluids for replacement (juices, Gatorade, Pedialite, teas, soda, soup, Jell-O)
• Cleaner / disinfectant for surfaces
• Masks (a regular one for the sick person to wear; one with a plastic eye shield for the caregiver if the sick person is a child and refuses to wear a mask)
• Phone numbers for physicians, pharmacies, and potential caregivers for young children

Re-Using Canning Lids

I found an interesting post about reusing canning lids--use it at your own discretion. This is just for your information!

Reusing Canning Lids

Evacuation Kits---Food--part 2

The foods I posted about yesterday could weigh down your pack, making it heavier than you might want. There are other alternatives you might want to consider, although the cost will be a bit higher.

Freeze-Dried Meals--There are several varieties of these foods, and they are packed especially for back-packing. The meals are very light-weight, but need water to rehydrate them, and usually hot water at that (check the package). The cost can be fairly high.

MRE's--These are military "Meals Ready to Eat." They come wrapped in plastic and don't need to be heated to eat. They have come a long way in taste and texture, and are very light-weight.

High Protein or Carbohydrate Bars--These are high-energy bars meant to boost energy levels when it is necessary, but not as meal replacements--both have their places.

Energy Gels--are similar to the bars in energy boosting, but are faster working because they are liquid.

As with any foods that are packed for emergency evacuation, taste the foods before they are needed. You don't want to get out of town and find you really don't like the foods you packed. It's better to find out when you are able to replace foods you don't like.

Evacuation Kits---Food--part 1

This is the basic list of foods that should be included in any emergency pack:

"Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
*Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener.

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
• Staples--sugar, salt, pepper
• High energy foods--peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
• Vitamins
• Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs
• Comfort/stress foods--cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags"

[List from--Self Reliant Sisters]

Evacuation Kits---Water

The first thing to put in your kit is water. We can survive a few weeks without food, but only a few days without water. The human body is 2/3 water and deprivation will cause the body to start shutting down within a short time.

A person doing nothing but resting looses 2-2 1/2 quarts of water a day. In very hot weather a person can lose a gallon of water per hour in sweat. On a daily basis, chronic dehydration in the human body can increase the chance of colon cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer; it can increase back and joint pain; and it can increase headaches.

At the very minimum have 1 gallon of water per person per day. In arid areas, 3 gallons per person per day is better. This water is only for hydration; you will need extra water for cooking and sanitation. If you have pets with you, remember their water needs, too. If you stay put during a disaster and you have large animals, such as horses or cows, be sure to have a supply of water for them as well.

Another thing to have in your pack is some sort of water filtration system. There are many on the market, with different ways of filtering water, and with different prices. Research water filtration systems to see which one is just right for your situation. Keep in mind your method of evacuation--in a car or on foot--so you will know how much water you can take/carry, and you will have a better idea of the size and weight of the unit you will need.

You might think that a river would be perfect to refill your water bottles, but don't do it. There are too many things in the water that you can't see that would make you very sick. Using a filtering system will help get rid of the bad stuff. Giardia, which is a microscopic organism, is one of the biggest problems and is in most untreated water. It creates an infection that takes 1-2 weeks to appear. The worst of the infection creates:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Gas or bloating
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Swollen or distended abdomen
• Vomiting

These symptoms can last 2-4 weeks. So, be safe and don't drink water that hasn't been filtered.

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[Winter gardening--fennel]

Basic Items in a 72-Hour Kit

There is a lot to think about when it comes to making a 72-Hour Kit. Please don't get overwhelmed, but make this a project, one that you will take in baby steps. I have a kit, but it seems to be inadequate, so I will be preparing mine along with you. Today I will list categories of items that should be included in an emergency bag. Then I will try to cover one item more thoroughly each day for the rest of the month. Pick and choose what would be best for your pack. (Please add your comments. My posts won't be able to cover every aspect of each category and I appreciate your help).

Basic items that should be included in 72-Hour Kits:

--food
--shelter/bedding
--fuel
--food prep/eating/cleanup
--water
--winter clothes in season
--personal things
--pack
--defense/hunting
--books
--basic tool kit
--equipment
--light
--fishing equipment
--medicine
--documents/money
--address/phone number lists
--communication
--information card
--navigation
--a "don't forget" list
--nuclear/bio/chemical

This is not a complete list, but it gets the ball rolling.
[List from Utah Preppers]

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Over at the blog, Safely Gathered In, they are buying supplies for their 72-Hour Kits, 3-months food supply, and their year's food supply. They have broken it all down into a manageable step-by-step process, where each week, on Tuesday, they "assign" a few items to buy. Their goal is to complete all three categories in one year. If the above list is overwhelming, maybe this baby step system would help you achieve your 72-hour kit goal. Just don't give up--do something, ANYTHING, so long as you are working towards being prepared--even something is better than nothing!

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog site! The name has been changed, but the content will continue as it was on our previous blog, Fresno East Stake Emergency Preparedness 1.

This month's theme is 72-Hour Kits, also known as Grab-and-Go, and Bug-Out-Bags (BOB's). Other items will be added as the month progresses, but the main idea is to prepare our kits for evacuation of our homes.

Please add your comments, everyone has good ideas! Everyone has had different experiences and knows things that worked and some things that didn't. For example--I read where one woman thought she would can the food in her freezer when the power would be off in an emergency. The power was shut off, and so she started canning. She realized that it took a lot of water to can her food, and that she needed a lot more than she thought she would.