A beginner's work in progress.......
72-hour Kits
Published on September 4, 2005 By dabe In Misc
All of this Katrina disaster mess and subsequent discussions leads me to thinking that it would not be a bad idea to start assembling a 72-hour kit for emergency preparedness. I did a google search on "72 hour kit" and got a lot of hits for ideas to get started. You can also buy pre-assembled kits, with stuff packed away in bags, sacks or whatever. Not that expensive, but I'd rather have a kit tailored to my particular needs. I do think emergency preparedness begins with us, as individuals.

I live on Long Island, NY. The primary reason that the Shoreham Nuclear Plant was never operated was because there was no way to develop a reasonable evacuation plan, given that it's an island just east of, and part of one of the most densely inhabited areas of the country. Even something as mundane as rush hour is a nightmare every weekday morning. Therefore, even with a couple of days notice to evacuate because of a Category 3+ hurricane coming up the coast would render the roads impassible, as the routes to evacuate are quite limited. Like the Gulf Coast, Long Island is a sitting duck for a hurricane..... not a matter of "if", but rather "when".

Therefore, knowing this, it seems rather foolish to not have a kit together. We all think about assembling stuff from time to time, but never quite get around to it. I do have waterproof flashlights with extra batteries. Hell, I even have a UPS on my computer because every single winter we have a power outtage, not to mention the surges that seem to occur constantly. I have canned food and candles and assorted other stuff. But, in an emergency, assembling all the stuff together in one place could prove disastrous in its own right.

Anyway, I'm committed to getting my kit together as soon as my leg heals enough for me to negotiate around. I'll even begin some on-line shopping for items now. I know it's a good idea. I pass this suggestion on to you all who happen to live in natural disaster prone or military mishap prone or just are plain paranoid.

Good Luck.

Comments
on Sep 04, 2005
I have a kit (we get hurricanes here from time to time), but I've scavenged from it over the past year, so it's not what it should be.

We have plenty of canned goods, but not bottled water. I have toilet paper and paper towels, flashlights and batteries, PB crackers, fire extinguisher, soap, scissors, spare credit card, contact list, bandaids...some other stuff...but no where near what I should have in it.

I had been keeping it in the car (I've read of many wrecks where parents died and children had to fend for themselves inside the car until the wreckage was found) because it seemed like a good, safe place for it, but it's in the garage now.

Katrina has definitely made me think about beefing up my preparation kit.
on Sep 04, 2005
I don't get many opportunities to say this Dabe, so I will say this wholeheartedly....

THANK YOU!!!!

I have stated more than a few times in JU (and more when I was in a position to speak on the matter), it takes around 72 hours for Emergency and Government officials to do a complete assessment of a large scale disaster scene and get all the necessary players in place. It is NO coincidince that the standard for emergency preparedness kits is 72 hours.

Just think of how much more smoothly any major disaster response would go if, instead of having to assess and begin the relief simultaneously, the Emergency Managers and response teams had a day or two to really understand what will be needed. The only way this can happen is if enough of the population is prepared to take a few things on for themselves. Like 72 hours worth of food, water; first aid supplies, batteries (or when possible "dynamo" style "crank" radios and lights), blankets... etc.

Even after the search and rescue begins, the rescue teams can't make it to every house all at once. Being stuck on your roof would be horrendous, and a 72 hour kit wouln't take the threat away completely, but it sure would reduce it emensely.

The biggest reason though is, Personal Responsibility. We can expect the world from government and private disaster response officials, but when the disaster strikes we don't know if we will be the first or last to be reached... Being prepared for whatever disaster may come may make the difference between living through it or not.

As I used to say in my speeches...

"Preparedness isn't about 'survival', it's about taking steps to reduce the impact disaster has on you and your family."

Have an "Insightful" on me!
on Sep 04, 2005
Be sure and include some Michael Chertoff approved duct tape and Saran wrap.
on Sep 04, 2005
Well, I'm sure the duct tape will help with the paranoia. But, please, fill me in on the saran wrap usefulness.
on Sep 04, 2005
Saran wrap is for wrapping around your naked bod and meeting your husband at the door after a hard day at work, duh!
on Sep 04, 2005
Silly me. I'm divorced. I forgot. Whatever.......
on Sep 04, 2005
Have an "Insightful" on me!


Thanks, Ted.
on Sep 04, 2005
Silly me. I'm divorced. I forgot. Whatever.......


hahaha...well, if you'd been a compliant little wife wearing Saran wrap...

hehe
on Sep 04, 2005
forgive me...red bull + vodka
on Sep 04, 2005
Wonderful idea.

We have one; we've had one since the 2k scare. We've also got firearms and ammo in addition to the water, food, propane stove and medical supplies, and we all know how to shoot, even the kids. Dave wants to get a little generator eventually...but they're expensive.

Even if people only kept pork and beans and bottled water it would be better than nothing.