Posted on 02/12/2003 5:59:08 AM PST by 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.
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.
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
BTW-- in your preparedness kit don't forget to include a few days supply of any medications you take regularly and their prescription numbers.
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.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.