72 Hour Kits for "Terrnado" season

[ChemistCat]

We're coming in to terrnado season, aren't we?

So a word or six on behalf of personal preparedness seem merited. I've been through hurricanes and tornados. Nothing UBL can do will scare me more than an F-5+ headed straight toward me. Nothing he can do to my economy is going to make me live worse than I lived in a third world village. Here's what I know about 72 hour kits.

I have a large Rubbermaid container (because I have a large family) for the food. I included stuff I know we'll eat and will be a comfort to us, and is stable at room temp, easy to prepare. The new foil packets of tuna, cereal bars, peanut butter and crackers, packets of candy and other high-density calorie sources. A case of water, a case of Gatorade split between my car and my husband's, in case someone is ill--these don't fit in the rubbermaid container, alas. (Hydration can become a huge battle.)

I got those new Excedrin tablets that melt in the mouth. Those provide pain & fever relief and contain caffeine so if we need an alertness aid there it is also. They can be broken easily to split them between kids. Cider mix, contains vitamin C, can be consumed warm or cold. Cans of soup. You put together enough of that to give every member of the family something reasonably filling & nourishing 3 times a day for 3 days---AND---

Copies of vital documents like shot records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees OUGHT to go in it. A utility bill or two with your name & address on it can be VITAL for proving you live where you live, so cops may let you go back to your home if your area is very damaged. A heat source and way to warm stuff up. We took a #10 can and punched holes in it and have some of those chafing dish warmers. A small pan, adequate for heating a can of soup. Scriptures. First aid. Batteries for the kids' Gameboys and the flashlights. A radio. A change of clothing, a sleeping bag, a tent, are all nice-to-haves and could be musts if your climate is cold enough. Update your 72 hour kit each season.

And make plans with your family, where you'll meet if you're separated and can't go home nor use your cell phones! Talk to your kids' school. If they have to evacuate, where do they plan to go? They'll look at you like you're crazy unless they've been watching the news too. If they have no plan, suggest they make one!

If you have this you will find yourself far less worried. I had let ours get pretty old. Replenishing it was comforting.

[ChemistCat]

Forgot basic sanitation supplies--those disposable bathing clothes for bedridden patients work great, and some Purell--and toothbrushes. Little sample size things are good to throw in. If it's hot summer, some baby powder will make sleeping in the heat easier.

[FReepaholic]

>>...If you have this you will find yourself far less worried....<<

The cure for panic is preparedness.

I live in hurricane country. Every year thousands rush the grocery stores and hardware stores when a hurricane approaches. By having all that stuff on hand, I can avoid this madness.

[TonyInOhio]

Great post, and an excellent reminder.

Coincidentally, I attended my annual National Weather Service Spotter Training last night. We had a strong F4 tornado rip up a town about 25 miles from here last November - it reminded people about Ohio's own Tornado Alley.

FReegards,

Tony

[ChemistCat]

I watched people fight over drinking water in a Piggly Wiggly parking lot after Hurricane Hugo hit Sumter, SC. I won't soon forget what happens when the people who DIDN'T prepare are too great in number.

Friend of mine said, well, I'm so old, I have no children to worry about, so there's no point in my doing this; I just plan to die and then I don't have to do anything else. WRONG. You might survive the initial whatever-it-is, and then you expect someone else to take care of you? That's liberal thinking and no matter how old you are it isn't comfortable AT ALL to have no food or blanket. Could be no one will have one to spare for you. If you can carry more than you need, do so, because there will be someone else who has a Rolex but no food, and then the choice will be yours!

[phasma proeliator]

basic heat

http://www.mpioutdoors.com/esbit.htm

[The Great RJ]

After witnessing a neighbor's house being destroyed in a fire, my wife and I talked about what would be the worst things to lose if our house was destroyed. We decided that family photos are the one thing we could not replace and next to our lives are the one thing we would hate most to lose. We have since kept our photo negatives, heirloom family photos and CD's of our digital photos in a safety deposit box at our bank.

BTW-- in your preparedness kit don't forget to include a few days supply of any medications you take regularly and their prescription numbers.

[myprecious]

Great post. I also suggest extra disposable contact lenses for those as blind as me. Many of us would be in a real bind without backup.

[phasma proeliator]

excellent... and it's a good idea to include the prescription in there too.

Also, a pair of sunglasses for each family member can do wonders. It's much harder to survive if you can't see what you're doing.

[ChemistCat]

Giving this a bump in hopes that a few more people who might not have thought about a 72 hour kit might actually go make one.

[MasonGal]

When the tornadoes of 1974 ripped through our area (Mason, OH - near Cincy) - back when I was in high school - our house was hit - a couple of rooms were destroyed. The house on one side of our house was not touched by the tornado - but the house on the other side was completely destroyed.

Just as a I take tornado warnings very seriously - I will take a little time to make some preparations for a disaster kit for a few days.

I made a 72-hour kit for my family back around Y2K - and I'm glad that I did. Now - I have the same ready for whatever is down the road - terrorism, natural disaster, etc.

[backhoe]

Hello, FRiend... I'll link to your post, it's a good one, and FYI--

-Terror Tips--

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Good idea. I stick in a pair of glasses too and eyedrops are a must.