Starting on Your Preps

I’m assuming you’re already prepared for this week’s dinner, and you’ve got an umbrella in case it rains. But you’ve come to realize that you’ve got to get prepared….for something. But what?

It’s summertime, which means it will soon be fall and then winter. So start by considering the seasonal storms that will occur and think back to those times when the storms were really bad. Think about this: What would you need to make it through a winter storm where your area has lost power for 3 to 5 days, the temperature ranges from 30 degrees in the day, to 21 degrees at night and the roads are blocked due to snow, and ice?

To start let us consider the Rule of Three's:  
On average you can last...

3 minutes without air, 

3 hours without shelter,

3 days without water, 

3 weeks without food, 

3 months without hope.

AIR –You should be able to breathe in a winter storm so let’s skip to shelter.

SHELTER – How do you plan on keeping warm?  Does everyone in the family have enough warm clothes? Such as, sweaters, sweatshirts, long underwear, socks? What kind of heat do you have in your home? Do you have a fireplace? Make sure you have ample wood on hand.  If you don’t have a fireplace what alternative heat source do you have since you have lost power? What if your natural gas is cut off in your area? Consider a propane heater (make sure to use in a ventilated room), and stock up on propane canisters. Another little known device is a hot water bottle.

WATER – What are you going to drink? How are you going to prevent the water in your pipes from freezing? Are your water pipe’s insulated? If a water main breaks, do you have water stored in your home for drinking, sponge baths, and toilet? You will need on average of 1 gallon per person per day. Put 8 drops of pure bleach per gallon every 6 months of storage. And if you are not sure boil for 10 minutes.

FOOD – Do you have food that will last 5 days without spoiling? Remember it’s freezing outside and your electricity is out, you may need to consider moving your food to a colder part of the house. What foods do you usually eat? Restaurants will be closed. Microwave won’t work at home. How will you cook the food? Heat water? Do you have a grill? Do you have charcoal? Matches? Propane? (Remember don’t use them indoors).  High energy foods to keep you warm? Good protein – Beef Jerky, canned beef. Warm drinks - hot chocolate mix, coffee, tea, cider.

HOPE – Hope comes in many forms. After 3 days cooped up in a home not being able to get out, you and your children will need some diversions. Battery powered electronic devices will only last so long. Have some board games, song books, Bible, books to read. Also have some comfort type food like hard candy, popcorn you can pop on the grill.

Finally you need to prepare an emergency bag that will remain in your vehicle and go wherever your car/pickup/van/family bus goes. It will also provide for your immediate needs. This is the one you start your preps with. You can call it your ‘Emergency’ bag, or your ‘Go’ bag. Check it every 6 mo’s.

With the items in this bag you will be able to stay warm, stay hydrated, stay fed and stay comforted until you are able to move again or help comes. And you will need enough for every person in your vehicle. I’m assuming you live in the US and you have a cell phone (fully charged) and that you are wearing seasonally proper clothes. You should also have a short shovel, tool kit and a crowbar in your vehicle. As a minimum you will want the following in your ‘Go’ bag:

1. Medium size water resistant backpack/carry bag. (Should be earth tone in color.)

2. Sleeping bag/blanket.

3. Two space blankets. (1 for warmth, 1 for emergency signal/reflector)
4. Leather working gloves with Thinsulate lining.

5. Hiking shoes (water resistant).

6. Wool Knit cap (preferably with knit face mask)

7. Change of Clothing- One appropriate change of clothes per person + 3 pairs of underwear, 3-4 pair of socks.

8. 4-emergency Water pouches/bottle’s/or a 'Camelbak' backpack with water.

9. Emergency whistle/reflective mirror.
10. Food. Needs to be non-perishable, high energy food. Jerky, granola energy bars, dried fruit, nuts (Also include some hard candy for treats.) 3 days worth.

11. Toilet paper.
12. Wash cloth/utility cloth/wipes.

13. An LED Flashlight and spare batteries.

14. Gorilla Duck Tape.
15. Two bandanas.

16. Cash ($50 + Coins - there could actually be a pay phone that works.)

17. Matches, match cases, and a Bic lighter, fire starter.

18. First aid kit. Compact first-aid kit (Don’t get a cheapy kit with just bandaids). Also Supplement it with Tylenol, Imodium, anti-acid, and Benadryl and any prescription medication you may need.
19. A Leatherman-style multi-tool.

20. Toothbrush and toothpaste/dental floss

21. Comb/Brush
22. 2 pencils, two pens and pad of paper.
23. Bar soap. (preferably unscented)

24. Ziplock bag containing ID/contact info for friends and relatives, and any pertinent medical information.

And here is an excellent suggestion on making an emergency flash drive.
25. Bible (or religious/uplifting book of your choice)/Journal.

26. Travel game pack.

27. Sewing kit.

28. For women, personal hygiene items

Make sure to add items that are specific to your family!

(*Please note the links to products are suggestions and examples. I receive no monetary compensation from recommending these products.)