Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Public Service Announcement

This is just a friendly, neighborhood public service announcement. This is the time of year to check your bug out bags.

  • Replace any expired food
  • Change out the water
  • Check any clothes to make sure they still fit, especially if you have kids
  • Update any copies of documents you have
  • Review the contents and make sure there isn't anything you want to remove or add

Don't have a bug out bag you say. Why not?! This is the perfect time of year to prepare one. You never know when something may happen, even if you are just bugging out to your basement during a storm. It is always good to be prepared.

If you don't have a bug out bag yet, here is the post I wrote 2 years ago about what is in our bag:

http://farmdreams-christy.blogspot.com/2007/12/bug-out-bag.html

I've made a few changes since then. I've added these for food:
http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_FM%20R240_A_name_E_MAINSTAY™%202,400%20Calorie%20Food%20Bar

And these for water: http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_WS%20P100_A_name_E_Datrex%20Water%20Pouches%20-%204.2%20ounce%20Pouch%20(purchased%20in%20case%20of%2064)

I figured this way I wouldn't have to change everything out as often.

If you are just putting your bag together, here is a good chart showing what is included in kits you can buy: http://beprepared.com/article.asp_Q_ai_E_518_A_name_E_Kit%20Contents$20Chart

It is also a good idea to have a smaller kit in your car. How many times do we hear stories of people getting stranded in remote areas in their car? I've got supplies in case I have to spend 2 nights in the car with Logan. Let's hope I never have to use any of it!

11 comments:

Jennifer said...

Good info, thank you!

Melody said...

That is where my mind has been lately too. For Christmas last year we bought the kids a backpack and gear, a sleeping bag that goes to 0 degreed F, and a small tent for "just in case". This year we haven't updated with food and clothes that are the right size yet.

Thanks for the reminder. Now if I could figure out a really great way to store the stuff so that we have it quickly! ;)

Mama of 4 Blessings said...

Good ideas! Thanks for sharing them with us:)

Carla said...

All good ideas. Might be especially helpful now that you live in Georgia--hurricane's and such. I hope you never have to use the kit. :)

Linda Foley said...

What do you do with the goats and other animals in a serious bug out situation?

Krista said...

good info Christy! We don't have anything as organized as you have posted, but we try to be prepared for the Minnesotan winter - you can easily be stuck on the side of the road during a snowstorm or at home when the power goes out and it's -40 degrees. Scary stuff but not if you're ready!

Gail said...

Great idea

Gayle said...

So interesting how prepared people can be (and how unprepared). About the only natural disaster I might have would be a wildfire (which I would have time to get out) and an earthquake (which planning for wouldn't matter much). We are lucky that way. I do have lots of -40, but we take it in stride. I wish I could say I had blankets, etc in the car at all time, but I never even have boots, hats or gloves. I need you to come and organize us! :)

Anonymous said...

I printed out the bug out list and will start preparing my bug out bags. For the house and for the car. Thanks for sharing this info.

Just earlier this morning I was looking at website that discusses emergency backpacks and had decided I need to make them up for Tim and I. Thanks again for the list.

Gone2theDawgs said...

I have been SO bad about not putting a kit together!! Thank you for the reminder and info on how to go about it!!

Christy said...

Linda, in a serious bug out situation, the animals would be on their own. Sorry, but the family has to come first. It would have to be a serious situation though.

Gayle, thanks for the reminder. I should put hats in the car for winter. It has been cold here lately.

Barbara, I'm glad it was useful for you. I'm always worried about posting stuff like this because some people think I'm crazy for doing this.