Lately I feel like I've become disaster-numb (or maybe just desensitized). I'm so overwhelmed with all that's going on in the world that I rather put on blinders, like the kind horses wear, and just focus on my own issues. But what kind of way is that to live? I donated some money to the Red Cross (I mean that's the least I can do), but somehow it doesn't feel enough. Side note: how depressing is it when you go to the Red Cross donation page and there's a drop down menu of all the disasters you can donate to. Is that going to be the norm now with climate change?
Anyway sorry to be Debbie Downer this morning, but I bring this all up because while I feel pretty powerless to impact any meaningful change in the lives of the hurricane victims, it has also made me want to prepare for any possible disaster that could come my way. When I was working for Los Angeles County we used to have earthquake drills and they emphasized the importance of an emergency supply kit (which you need to have at home, work, and in your car). So before I go on writing more reviews of possible clothes to buy (which let's be honest, we all really don't need more of), please instead buy or source these items and make an emergency supply kit:
*kit list obtained from this government source with added Amazon links (some affiliate, not all) to make for easier purchasing
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation (and I personally would think it might be best to pack a small bottle of household bleach to sanitize water for dire situations, or funnel some bleach into a smaller droplet bottle for easy packing but just dilute it so that there's no possibility of it reacting with plastic)
- Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert (this one has solar charging options, battery options, along with a hand crank, plus a flashlight, USB charging port to charge your phone, and it's the highest rated one on Amazon.)
- Flashlight (the radio above has a flashlight attached so I would consider this optional or add extras for additional family members)
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries (AA, AAA, D)
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- (not on their list but I would add hand sanitizer, right?)
That's the basic list. Here's additional items you might also need:
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lense solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container (I would add this to my basic kit for sure)
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
It may seem like a hassle to get all of this ready and then to have multiples for 3 different locations (and TBH I only have one of these kits so far). But your future self might greatly thank you someday.
And in the meantime, I'm also getting a closet sale together with all proceeds going to benefit hurricane victims, but I'll let you know when I've set it all up!