Step Two: Prepare Your Emergency Essentials

A BOB (Bug Out Bag), EEK (Emergency Evacuation Kit), ALICE (Advanced Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment), and GOODY (Get Out Of Dodge, Y’all) – call it whatever you want, it’s the basics your family would need to survive for 72 hours. Even if you’re sheltering in your home, it’s good to have everything you need in one spot. Here are some items you will need to create a emergency kit.

WATER:
You can be surrounded by flood waters and not have a drop that’s safe to drink. Plan for 1-2 quarts per person to start, include purification tablets or other portable filtration methods in your kit. Keep a larger quantity near your evacuation vehicle.

CLOTHING:
One set of warm, dry, durable clothes for everyone, plus extra underwear and socks is a must. Include appropriate outerwear and footwear, or have them readily accessible in your home.

SHELTER:
A heavy duty tarp with heavy grommets (remember, we’re dealing with strong winds) can be used to block out wind and rain. Depending on spaaace, a tent may also be an option. Don’t forget rope to secure the tarp. A 50′ length of sturdy nylon cord is probably the minimum you want to include.

SANITATION:
In severely damaged areas, disease outbreaks following the event can sicken and even kill more people than the initial tragedy (think Haiti). You need to deal with waste. A five gallon bucket is probably the simplest option, but a camping toilet is compact and potentially more sanitary. Don’t forget the toilet paper! I remember my father-in-law telling me about how when American troops first invaded Europe in WWII, they brought extra ammo. Later, they packed extra toilet paper. It’s something you don’t want to do without.

FIRST AID KIT:
Buy or prepare a basic first aid kit. Band-aids, large bandages, gauze, ace bandages, an eye wash glass, a first aid manual, pain killers, antibiotic ointment, and liquid bandage should all be included. Don’t forget any prescriptions medications.

Great essentials to have, right? Continue on to page 4 for steps on how to prepare your home!

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