Have a Plan: November 2007 Archives

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QUESTION: EMERGENCY BACKPACKS

I have begun putting together an emergency backpack for my car and I'm finding that I am including so many things, I really need a suitcase. But if I have to leave my car and walk any distance, the suitcase doesn't make sense. It seems that I want to include everything I could possible need for any situation, but that's probably unrealistic. I'm a bit overwhelmed, and it's actually keeping me from putting anything in the car.  I would love some guidelines on what to do, to make it so I put something together. Thank you so much for your response.

Abigail Haddock responds:

My car emergency kit is packed in a large fanny pack!  A backpack or a knapsack with wheels can be handy.  Now here is what I suggest. 

Sit down and visualize being at work or at the mall and a disaster occurs.  You must abandon your car and walk home.  Keep your list simple because you are going to carry what you pack. 

I suggest sturdy shoes or hiking boots stuffed with socks, knit hat, mittens and leather work gloves, windup flashlight with radio and possibly cell phone charger (the more options for powering flashlights and radio the more opportunity you will have to use it i.e. solar, wind up, batteries, ac/dc), light sticks, space blanket, whistle (hang it on the outside of your pack of choice), compass (learn how to use it of course for you actually  need to use it), street map and topographical map (so you can traverse the terrain as the crow flies when streets might be damaged or dangerous), good Swiss army knife with assorted gadgets, water proof matches and a lighter, bandana, 3 day 3600 calorie food bar, water in Mylar bags, a metal cup, hard candies, 4 plastic garbage bags (can be used for rain gear and to protect feet), toilet paper, small first aid kit including necessary medications, currency, phone car and ID information (list of phone numbers, names and addresses of family members, medical information, copy of license etc...).

I keep a complete change of warm polar fleece clothing bundled in my car and seasonally change some of it to accommodate the weather.  Think minimally.  In all probability you are not going to stop and fish or cut down a tree along the way.  You are going to get home or to your family meeting place.  Personalize your kit to meet your own personal needs.   I always have a warm blanket in the car and some energy bars.  

I do not choose to carry a 40 lb pack so I keep mine simple.  There are many products for an emergency kit and many different kits to prepare for different needs.  I have a work kit in my desk, car kit (fanny pack for me and car kit for vehicle needs) pet kit, home family kit, bug out kit or grab 'n go kit.  Each kit is designed differently for different needs. 

The first step is to make a plan and know how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency.  Second step is to prepare a kit.  Be sure to involve children in planning and kit making.  Doing so will make them part of the team and will inspire confidence and reduce fear.

Take self sufficiency classes and learn about self protection, foraging, using a compass, first aid and CPR, search and rescue (C.E.R.T.), basic car care and learn other skills that would make you and your family self sufficient and ready to face any emergency.

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