Blog

Moving from conspicuous to conscious consumption and doing reviews along the way.  Find plenty of unsponsored reviews of Quince, Everlane, Grana, and Cuyana on the site!  I'm working towards a minimal waste lifestyle, and oh yea I love bags >.<

Prepare yourself!

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:

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!