Emergency Preparedness, Tips and Techniques

[le Voyageur]

Now that Isabell is history, and we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel (no pun intended), it was fairly amazing to see how unprepared the general public was for this storm...so, let's share some insights and post ideals on how to be better prepared for the future...here's a start

 

1. A 72 hour kit is too lean, 2 weeks is better, (my kit is geared for two months unsupported).

 

2. Tarps, at least 2, size large. Should your roof peel away, you'll need them.

 

3. DC to AC inverter - at least 400 watts. Allows one to run a TV, or 120v medical devices from one's auto.

 

4. Heater Meals http://www.heatermeals.com

 

5. Maps - should you need to evac

 

6. Water containers. Use 4 or 5 30 gallon totes (Wal Mart).

 

7. Solar powered battery charger

 

8. Flood water, creek, stream, or river water can be used for flushing toilets. Use cat litter/quick lime for bucket latrines.

 

9. PFD's for areas prone to heavy flooding.

 

10. Spare clothing stored in dry bags

 

.....

[eisely]

Out here in California the big schtick is earthquake kits. I don't think PFDs would be included in that. However, what should be included are...

 

Sanitary supplies for females and babies in the househould,

 

More water,

 

Pet food for pets in the household,

 

and still more water.

 

Keep the fuel tank in your car at least half full at all times.

 

Did I mention water?

 

Keep extra shoes, preferably sneakers.

 

Earthquakes happen at night and you may have to walk through serious debris.

 

Keep a pair of shoes by your bed at night for the same reason.

 

Keep on hand spare batteries and bulbs for flashlights.

 

A portable radio. You can get radios these days with a built in hand crank generator that charges an internal battery enough for several hours of operation.

 

I generally look at my camping gear as part of my earthquake kit. In this regard fuel for lanterns and stoves can come in handy.

 

By the by...there is an emergency preparedness merit badge. Making sure the families in your troop are appropriately prepared for what is likely to happen in your area is a great troop activity, and snags a merit badge.

 

[Bear155Scout]

Another Good MB is Wilderness Survival

 

Other Items

Rain Gear

Water Purification filter

blankets

 

A meeting place

 

rope or cord

 

bear

[scoutldr]

Some other items that we found useful after the storm cleared:

 

Prescription meds (at least a 2 week supply)

 

Cash (ATM machines and credit cards won't work)

 

Full gas tanks, propane tanks and gas for generator and chain saw

 

Batteries, all types

 

Extra portable oxygen tanks for Mother in Law

 

LARGE pot for heating/boiling water

 

Valuable papers/pictures/family heirlooms stored in waterproof containers or safe deposit box

 

Car charger for cell phones

 

Extra cameras/film to document pre and post conditions

 

Hope you and your family were as lucky as we were, LeV...I hear Camp Chickahominy (Colonial Va Council) was destroyed and will NOT be reopened. The damage estimate for Camp Pipsico has been increased to around $400,000.

 

I had a battery powered TV, but without cable, all I could get were 3 football games and an infomercial for Bun/Thigh Master. Grrrrr.