For most of us, when we think about the supplies we need to survive an emergency, we think of what goes in our 72 hour kit, or “bugout bag”. Its contents need to be light and portable, so you can grab it, jump in your auto, and get the heck outta Dodge.
We all agree that every family needs a 72 hour kit. But some will have the chance to use it more than others, because different areas are vulnerable to different disasters. For example, if you are most concerned about tornadoes or wildfires, you need the ability and emergency supplies to evacuate quickly-sometimes at a sprint. But some disasters, like earthquakes, there is no warning, but once the shaking stops, if your home is no longer safe, as long as you have a yard, that is as far as you need to evacuate. Other disasters like hurricanes and most flooding, evacuation is likely, but you have time to prepare.
In these cases, while safety is always your number one concern for your family, keeping them comfortable can make a world of difference in their ability to handle an adverse situation. So as you make your preparations, if appropriate, pick gear that will keep your family snug and secure as well as safe. Some examples:
Shelter:In a bug-out situation, tube tents or small domes might be the best choice, but if your bug-out location is your back yard or your have time to pack the van up, consider a tent that will sleep the family together, and that you can stand in to change clothes or prepare food. Canvas tents, while pricey, bulky, and heavy, are also a lot less vulnerable to sun damage, as well as being sturdier in rough weather. Some are even American-made. A trailer/RV CAN be a great option-you can preposition all your emergency needs, etc…Just remember that an earthquake powerful enough to render your home unlivable might topple an RV as well, and if you wait too long with a storm on the way, highways might be closed to high-profile vehicles.
Warmth: Space blankets may keep you alive, but a thick sleeping bag on a queen sized air mattress will give you a good night’s sleep. In cold weather, be sure to put a foam pad between bag and mattress for insulation. And don’t store those bags rolled up tight, or they won’t deliver the full warmth you need when unrolled. And pillows. I’ve slept on a rolled up fleece jacket many a night. It worked, but pillows are better if you can squeeze them in there.
Cooking: Heat tab and single burner canister stoves-or cold energy bars-are what you will find in most 72 hour kits. When practical, a twin-burner propane or white gas stove, and a folding table to place it on will make meal time a lot more convenient. Decent sized pots and a frying pan or griddle help as well. A true emergency evacuation may mean you have to forgo cooking and snack your calories, but if you have the ability to cook real grub, even if they come out of a mylar pouch of dehydrated meals, the variety, taste, and psychological advantage of something hot going down the hatch can make a real difference, especially with children. And don’t forget additional water. A 72 hour kit might just have enough to drink, but you will also need water for washing and hygiene. It might be available to purify where you are going, but unless you are sure, it’s hard to have too much water packed.
You tell me: We all have something that others would consider frivolous, but that for you or your family could make all the difference between grim survival mode and an almost enjoyable adventure. It might be a game, or a music player, or some books/e-reader. If the latter, don’t forget some way, probably solar, to recharge drained batteries. If almost doesn’t matter what it is, and like the other items mentioned, might have to be left home in a true scramble. But if it’s important enough to you to put on that packing list, put it on there. And we would be interested in knowing: What’s your extra or luxury item or items that you plan on taking with you if the need arises? Let us know in the comment section below.