Et cetera : Have an emergency supply kit ready for disasters

An emergency supply kit simply is a bag with an array of items assembled to help one survive at least 72 hours when evacuating due to a disaster. 72 hours is the minimum time recommended because it may take an emergency relief organization that long to respond to a disaster.

There are many terms used to denote such an emergency kit. Have you heard of the B.O.B- Bug-out-bag? It is believed that this term may have derived from the “bail-out-bag” that military aviators carried. During the Korean Conflict, the U.S. Army would direct soldiers to “bug-out” if they were being overrun by the enemy.

Other names include, GOOD bag, which stood for “Get Out Of Dodge.” The term INCH bag meant “I’m Never Coming Home.” Other common terms are grab bag, battle box or personal emergency relocation kit, or PERK.

A bug-out-bag may also be used when the need is to “shelter-in-place.” This would occur when it is deemed unsafe to leave your home or building for a variety of reasons, such as utility blackouts, or civil unrest.

It is wise to have necessary items gathered in a backpack or easily carried container, whether you are evacuating or being confined at home. There are many lists that have been published as far as what an emergency kit should have, so pick one that will suit your needs and abilities. Be aware your needs, wants and interests will change over the years.

Avoid Becoming Overwhelmed

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when planning for a disaster. It does take time to search, compare items and prices. Questions arise. “Am I getting enough…Or too much…What if I make a bad purchase? Will I ever get done?”

Rest assured. No one truly feels prepared all the time. Even the avid preppers keep tweaking their supplies.

Some folks would get enough items for 2 weeks survival. Others for 3 days. It is up to each person to decide what you think you will need. Remember there is a limit to what you can carry in a backpack, so don’t go overboard!

Consider this. Even if you are only 50% prepared. You are probably more prepared than 90% of the population. And some preparation is better than zero!

It may take months, even a year or more to get what you feel comfortable with. Talk with others who are preparing. Compare your findings of items, stores, websites and informative articles. Gradually you will have a sense of what you need and want.

Be patient. Don’t stress out. Remember, getting yourself and your loved ones prepared for a disaster is not a sprint, but a journey. Take small bites. It will taste better.

Consider giving preparedness items for Christmas or Birthday gifts this year!

Project Joseph is a member of the Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition, 501(c)3, and receives oversight from the Coalition. E-mail: projectjoseph00@gmail.com for questions.

Recommended Survival Kit Items

Project Joseph Personal Emergency Kit Recommendations

Here is a list of items to consider for a backpack emergency kit.

Consider items for small children, the elderly and pets too.

Many items can be purchased for just a few dollars.

BACKPACK OR TOTE

Pocket Bible

Pen

Pencil

Paper

WATER

Nalgene bottle-32 oz. (wide mouth)

Water purification tablets

Filtration straw

Flavor enhancers- Mio, Gatorade, Crystal Lite

HYGIENE

Soap

Deodorant

Hand Sanitizer

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Floss

Comb

Toilet Paper

Camp or travel towel

Baby Wipes

FOOD

P38 manual can opener-no plastic parts

Pocket stove

Stainless/Titanium camp/canteen cup

Eating utensils

Beef jerky

Protein bars

Coast Guard approved survival bars

Dehydrated/freeze dried meals

Salt, pepper, sugar other spices

Hot chocolate/Tea/Coffee packets

Waterproof matches

Lighter

Magnesium fire starter

Vaseline coated cotton balls to use as tinder-put in med bottle

PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES

Extra eyeglasses or contacts

CLOTHING

Underwear

Socks

T-shirt

Sweatshirt/jacket

Bandana

Fleece hat

Work gloves

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

NOAA weather radio

Space blanket

50 feet of twine or strong cord

Rain poncho

Pocket knife

Multi-tool

Bug repellent

Sun screen

Playing Cards

Small games/toys

Sewing kit

Universal charger/Solar charger

Computer thumb drive

Flashlight/head lamp

Spare batteries

Ear plugs

Eye Mask

Most people could assemble a BASIC FIRST AID KITwith improvised supplies already on hand. This is a quick starter kit so you have SOMETHING:

1) Maxi-pads or clean rags for trauma dressings

2) Cut rags, old sheets, etc. into triangular bandages

3) Duct tape

4) Sharpie marker

5) Large Ziploc bag (to store things in, can be used as occlusive dressing)

6) Scrap 1" diameter PVC pipe cut into 8" lengths to use as tourniquet windlass

7) Anti-bacterial ointment

8) Hand sanitizer

9) List of your personal medical info, laminated (allergies, meds, history)

10) Band-Aids

Acquire the following as soon as possible for your basic kit:

11) 12 cc irrigation syringe

12) CPR mask (keychain size masks work on kids or adults)

13) Extra prescription meds you can't get along without

Work toward stocking a kit which also includes the following items. You don't need to buy commercial products in all cases. You might still be able to make do with improvised materials on hand such as splinting supplies. You can add more items depending on your individual needs and level of training.

1) Commercial tourniquet (CATor SOF-T Wide)

2) List of personal medical information, laminated (allergies, meds, history)

3) Pressure dressings OR ability to make them out of ABD trauma pads and ACE bandages

4) Splinting material (SAMSplint, trek/hiking poles, broom handles, triangular bandages, duct tape, 550 cord, etc.)

5) 4 pair nitrile gloves (size large or extra large will fit most people)

6) 12 cc irrigation syringe

7) Occlusive dressings (either commercial or clean plastic bags and medical or duct tape)

8) Trauma shears

9) Tweezers

10) Acetaminophen (pain relief without disrupting clotting like Ibuprofen or Aspirin)

11) Tape (duct, medical, athletic- Be aware if contains latex in case of allergies.)

It is recommended to take an 8 to 16 hour first aid course.

** This list may seem intensive, but based upon your interests, skills, number of people in your family, etc, you can make it personalized to you.