J.S. from Nampa: Prepping Starting Small

Preparing can be a little overwhelming to a lot of folks, but, you can start small.
For example:

3 day supply of all your needs. All you need is container to store the following items, and can be easily transported

Food: 3 meals a day for 3 days for each person. Something easy to prepare, cup o’soup, instant oatmeal, granola bars ect.

Water: 1 gallon per day per person. Now is great time to get water jugs because all that camping and hunting sales. If you drink soda buy it in the 2 or 3 litter bottles. Wash the bottles and fill with water, 4 liters equal just over a gallon. Don’t use plastic milk jugs, the plastic in them breaks down rather quickly. Remember this for food and sanitation.

Sanitation and health: all purpose Bleach can be used purify water, kills viruses, germs and bacteria on surfaces. Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, Comb, brush, toothbrush, bar of soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene and/or diapers, garbage bags.

First aid Kit Disposable gloves and masks

Entertainment: Books, games, cards, dice, Radio with extra batteries.

Heat and light: Flashlight with extra batteries, Sterno has a little emergency kit for around $8.00 that includes a little stove, fuel for the stove and 7 candles. You will need small pan or mess kit for cooking.

Keep fuel tanks half full or more at all times.

Medications: Allergy, prescriptions, Pain killers, cough drops, indigestion, diarrhea…

Copies of insurance papers, driver’s license, Pictures of pets and family member in case of separation. Have an out of state contact number if possible. They will be a check in spot to let folks know you are ok.

Don’t forget your pet’s needs, leash, collars, food and water, dishes. Sanitation doggie training pads, a cat box and litter, most shelters will not allow pets, only service animals.

Warm clothing, emergency blankets, Extra undies and socks. T-shirts and sweats.

At least $20.00 in bills and change. Assume your ATM card and checks will be no good.

Remember the best survival kit is no use to you if it’s at home and you are in your car. You will have to duplicate your effort somewhat. But if you have the same things in your car as you do at home you have just doubled everything if caught at home.

Now you probably have a lot of these items already on hand. Once you have everything together in backpacks or a carry all, you will be ready for 3-6 days at home or you can put it in your vehicle in case you have to evacuate.

The thing is don’t get overwhelmed, start with 3 days, then a week, then a month, then 3 months.

This is just a basic setup to start with. Okay say to yourself I have 3 days worth. You may have a large initial investment if you have no camping type gear. But these are multi-taskers, they don’t spoil. You can always use them for other things such as camping, tailgate parties, and travel that sort of thing.

From Marie: Many thanks to J.S. for another great post on emergency preparedness!