[Curlyhead]

If I hadn't read this, I'd have forgotten about water...more important than ANYTHING else, including food. Hate to sound like doomsday, but save yourselves...read up.

[cvq3842]

Good point. And, I believe, water-pumping facilities would be the first to go if there were a massive power outage. Thanks for posting.

[CPOSharky]

Guns, ammo, water, food.

With the first two you can get the second two. (I live in the boonies.)

[cyclotic]

I have a trailer with full camping gear. I think we could bug out in about 15 minutes if really necessary. Cycling out is an option. All my kids are avid cyclists and could easily ride as far as necessary.

I also have a few cottages in mind that friends own and would not mind if I beat them there and kicked in the door.

[gopheraj]

mark

[LachlanMinnesota]

Let the lesson of Katrina take root. When the public authorties tell you to get out, then get out!

Water, then more water, then more water.
Food,
Water, water, water.
COld climate gear if necessary.
Water, water, water.
Shoes.

[LachlanMinnesota]

If you have no car, start walking. you can walk out of the the flood zone of a hurricane faster than you think. How far is 10 miles? 20 miles? For some, a lot. But ten miles distance would take you out of New Orleans' flood zone.

Gas stations will close because the owners will leave and lock the pumps.

Bikes are good to carry until you run out of gas.

If you have ten gallons of gas and get thirty miles per gallon, you will not go 300 miles. You must prepare for your car to idle for a long time in traffic while you maybe go ten miles. If it is very slow bumper to bumper, consider pushing it. But you will still get stuck in the traffic jam.

In short, start walking every day to build you and your family up. You will receive many benefits now, and it may save your life later.

[Solson]

I hope common sense is part of this kit. It seems to be quite lacking in most situations.

[TheSpottedOwl]

The hand crank radios are something I'd be interested in. I'm a mess when it comes to things like disaster prepardness. I think the biggest problem for many people is to have an extra month of meds on hand. I don't think the doctor would write an extra prescription. Heck, it's probably illegal in most cases. Does anyone have any info about that?

Having lived through some pretty good earthquakes, a good disaster kit has always been on my list, but no one else takes it seriously :( I can't do it all by myself.

[Atlas Sneezed]

This is pretty basic stuff, but bugging out with a few bottles of water is not ideal for most people.

The first focus should be on staying prepared at home. What if there were a month-long flu quarantine? Who wants to go out shopping and bring infection home to the family?

All this is not as simple as it sounds. Wouldn't a filter make more sense than carrying bottled water (which can in fact go bad if poorly stored)?

Unless you live in the heart of the beast, you should prepare to stay, not go (and don't plan to align yourself with thieves by thinking you will be able to get food and water using your guns and ammo - you won't last long.)

I recommend getting serious, and the free report, and planning guide at the site below are the best foundation for a serious preparedness plan.

www.readyfortheworst.com.

[Dead Dog]

Wife and I have made a system for packing survival type stuff. Essentially we took everything off of the DHS lists, the Red Cross, ect. and some special interest stuff like Alaskan and Canadian requirements for survival gear in light aircraft (we intend to do some back country flying).

We then consolidated the stuff into a shelter in place package (Boxes 1-3), Aviation/Evacuate package (Boxes 1-2), and Family Camping Trip (Box 1). Everything packs into 3 plastic stow bins (except for household items used to shelter in place). Total weight is about 75lbs.

We also have a rondevu plan, escape routes (in the Puget Sound, this necessary) and a communication plan. However, all this stuff needs to be repacked/reviewed annually

[B4Ranch]

A few hundred bucks in small bills is a good idea to have on hand 24/7/365. A major power outage in your area will close every bank and ATM.

[ansel12]

Something people overlook is mosquito protection.

If the windows are broken or you are having to hike out, have at least head protection against mosquito's.

In the future only buy LED flashlights.

Have large backpacks in case you have to load up your food and water and go elsewhere.

In my car I carry water, a little food, a cheap sleeping bag, an umbrella (I live in southern Cal. desert), and a backpack in case I have to abandon the car.

[Lurker]

The best emergency preparedness thread ever can be found here courtesy of Freeper backhoe.

L

[Armed Civilian]

I am PINGED