I was reading one of my entries from last Christmas, and I see that I planned to put together an emergency kit a long time ago. Michael and I finally got our act in gear earlier this month, when our superstitious tendencies got the better of us: we were worried about predictions of a December 4 earthquake and tsunami. We didn't tell our friends about the prediction, which we heard about at a dinner party, because we didn't want them to get as crazy as we were getting. In the end, earthquakes are pretty hard to prepare for; who knows where you'll be when it happens? Chances are you won't be wearing your emergency backpack. Even so, we put something together so we could put our hearts at ease:
If you aren't too mad at me for not telling you about the prediction that didn't come to pass, have a look at this content list, and let me know if you have suggestions:
- Flash light
- Matches
- Lighter
- Candles
- Work gloves
- Warm socks
- Ear plugs
- Markers
- Notebook
- Playing cards
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Water
- Apple juice
- Energy bars
- Granola bars
I know I could look at/buy the emergency backpacks at Mountain Equipment Co-op, but it's more fun this way.
9 comments:
Ooh, way to go. I never plan for camping in the park. I plan for a 72 hour cocktail party at my house. The emergency kit contains raspberry juice and club soda, along with the flashlight and canned goods. This was the only way I could get motivated to collect earthquake supplies. My weak point is the lack of a battery-operated radio, I think.
Do you also have a first aid kit? First aid kits I love and maintain with no extra motivation.
i would suggest a wind-up flashlight.
I would also suggest a wind-up radio, so you can hear what's going on in the outside world. Also, you need a crapload more water - you'll need it to brush your teeth, wash yourself and to drink, so get big-ass jugs of the stuff and store it in a closet. I'd throw in some forks or spoons and more canned food that's high in protein - baked beans, tuna, sardines. Some cans now are snap top, or you could put in a can opener. How about two toothbrushes and toothpaste? At MEC you can get super thin emergency blankets (I believe they are actually made of foil) and those would be good because they are so thin yet toasty for when you are sleeping on the floor with no heat!
And where is the invisible marker activity book??
Looks good, I'm glad you are thinking ahead. I was in Toronto for the blackout and it made me realize that disasters do happen and it pays to be prepared.
Love,
Erin C.
I should say that we have our camping gear in the same closet, so hopefully we'll be able to grab that as we set out for the woods. We also have batteries for our radio. I don't know how long batteries last for (I bought them years ago), so I think wind up flashlights/radios are smart. I wonder if you can get 2 in 1? That would be awesome.
Also, I know we need more water, but Michael plans to do some looting, and there's always the water from the toilet tank...we bought a big jug last year and it evaporated! It's worth a second try though.
I like Sarah's cocktail party idea. What about some strong drink though? It couldn't hurt...
Since you will be in the park, you might want to include some bird seed. You may need some entertainment to get your mind off the fact that the world is caving in (or whatever happens when an earthquake occurs). Plus maybe some water wings in case you end up floating around in the park when the south end of the island ends up under water. I'm not one to talk though, since I don't have an emergency pack ready. Guess who will be knocking on your door when disaster strikes?
We have loads of water, but apparently you need to replace that shit. Maybe ours evaporated too? Kelly has an awesome emergency radio/flashlight/cell phone charger that winds up or runs on batteries, and is also tuned to emergency weather channels or something and picks up local TV stations (audio).
Of course a wind up radio/flashlight combo exists. This one is pretty basic, but some have emergency sirens and alarm clocks. Fun!
So many good suggestions here. I'd like to add The SAS Survival Handbook by John "Lofty" Wiseman. I've checked out several books to put in our emergency kit (a Rubbermaid container in the garage), and this book was easily the most complete. Also, we keep a large folded tarp on the top of our kit. Aside from obvious uses like an instant shelter, you could also use it to carry and injured person, wrap and store food in a tree away from animals, and collect rainwater. As for the wind-up radio, there's a great Grundig model for 20 bucks that's both an AM/FM and shortwave radio for international news, with a built-in light. Love it.
I got a wind-up radio! I bought it for the annual Bowen gift exchange, and then I fought hard to keep it! It was $20 at Canadian Tire and I love it.
Now we need a first aid kit, a tarp (because Adam is smart and I didn't think of all the things it could be used for), and a survival book.
There were lots of holes in my original list, but I'm happy that everyone helped fill the gaps. Thanks!
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