This has been on my mind a lot since Vermont’s July floods, and has been reinforced by the fires in Maui, the floods in Southern California and most recently, hurricane Idalia.
During the VT floods, I was once again working in the shelter. I was amazed how many people who had chronic conditions arrived unprepared. Counting on shelters to provide medications and durable medical products, such as catheters isn't realistic. Even though most towns and cities identify where the local shelter may be, how well they're stocked varies considerably. If it's something you really need, make sure you have it.
September is National Preparedness Month so this is a good time to focus on some of the basics.
This post is focusing on creating a “Go Bag,” which you stash in the garage, by your bed or someplace handy you can just take with you should you have to evacuate due to a disaster. It also can be the basis of your at home kit should you need it.
The American Red Cross has a good checklist of what you should have in your “Go Bag.”
• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home) Note: While that’s the ideal, water is heavy so put in what’s reasonable to carry and consider options like LifeStraw. These can be purchased in bulk from places like Amazon.
• Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool such as a Leatherman or even a Swiss Army Knife
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
Where you live, potential disasters, and season of the year will dictate additional items you’ll want to have in your GBs. Basically, you should have a bag for every member of your household, including one for the pets. Some of the pricier items, like battery powered or hand crank radios, can be limited to one person.
Below are some videos to see how various people pack their GBs. Note-don’t spend a lot of money on the bag. Repurpose an old backpack, gym bag or even a large tote that zips.
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