Grab And Go Strategies
D.S. Mitchell
AARP Does It Again
I love AARP magazine. It is loaded with information for the young, and the old. I was on a clean everything mode recently. As I was cleaning out a closet I found an October 2017 issue of the iconic magazine. The issue was loaded with a bonanza of knowledge. I thought Jeff Rossen did a great job of telling the public how to put together a “To Go Bag.” A “To Go Bag” is exactly what it sounds like; a bag, a backpack, or suitcase (he recommends one on wheels) packed with life essentials.
Be Prepared
It is an important message. Being prepared, being ready for any emergency, is a good thing. You never know when an untoward event will occur. The recent flooding and dam collapse events in the Midwest highlight our need to be ready for dangerous situations, day or night. Over the last couple of years we have seen the devastation and chaos caused by floods, fires and hurricanes. It can happen anytime, anywhere. In my little corner of the world, the North Oregon coast, we are subject to evacuation orders because of earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, floods and even a rare tornado.
Don’t Wait Till The Last Minute
No matter where you live there is always the possibility that you will be forced to move quickly out of harm’s way. Not all incidents of danger are caused by natural events, often these tragedies are man-made disasters, such as toxic spills. The principle idea in the AARP article is to take personal responsibility for your safety. One key way to help yourself is by being prepared for an emergency. A “To Go Bag” is a good place to start.
Peace Of Mind
In a true emergency you will be under extreme pressure to clear out. Critical evacuation time can be lost as you race around the house looking for medications and other supplies. So, do yourself and your family a favor, be prepared, and pack early for survival and peace of mind. In addition to the “To Go Bag” devise a plan to meet up at a predesignated location if at all possible. Of course your plans need to be fluid. When emergencies arrive you may not be able to hook up as originally planned, but having a plan is always better than having no plan.
A Bag For Everyone
Rule #1 Pack a “To Go Bag” for every member of the household: Be sure to label each “To Go Bag” with the person’s name. Be sure to include a “To Go Bag” for your beloved pet. Importantly, keep the bags together in an easily accessible place, and be sure everyone knows that location. It is important to remember there is a possibility that not all family members will be able to leave home together. So each “To Go Bag” needs to have the listed items. A few extra dollars spent today, will be well spent in an emergency.
Basic Electronics
Rule #2 Basic electronics: Pack a phone charger. If you are lucky enough to end up in a place that has electricity you will be glad you brought it. You will also want to pack a portable battery pack if you do not have such good fortune. You will need a long-lasting LED flashlight. A small hand cranked or battery operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries.
Personal Needs
Rule #3 Personal needs: Make a list of all the toiletries you use daily, and really think about what you will need in an emergency evacuation, and buy travel sized versions of each. Make sure to pack an extra pair of eyeglasses if you wear them and a spare pair of sunglasses. Be sure to pack a first-aid kit, sanitary wipes, a couple of Bic lighters, a multi-purpose “Swiss army” tool (so you have at least a knife and a can opener).
Clothing
Rule #4 Clothing: Think in days, three to four days max. Think in layers, clothes you can add, or remove. Lightweight rain gear, gloves, knit cap and waterproof shoes and boots will be essential.
Medications
Rule #5 Medications: Three days worth of each of your medications is essential. I personally pack seven days of medications. That choice is up to you, but be sure that you have at least a small cache of each of your meds. If you have large items, such as oxygen tanks get a portable version for emergency situations.
Documents
Rule #6 Paperwork and Documents: Fill a zip lock waterproof bag with photocopies of your birth certificate, driver’s license, power of attorney, marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates, proof of address, insurance, medical and immunization records, Social Security and Medicare cards, and info about credit and ATM cards.
Food And Drink
Rule #7 Food and drink: Packing at least a six pack of bottled water with each “To Go Bag” is imperative. Dehydrated survival packets are a good food option. Survival bars can be found on line, or even granola bars or power bars are good choices.
Cash
Rule #8 Cash: You must have at least enough cash to last your family a full week. The last severe gale that we had here on the Oregon Coast caused all the bank machines to crash, and they were down for at least a week. Make sure that you have small bills and even a couple rolls of quarters for vending machines in case you are lucky enough to have access to them.
Pets
Rule #9 Pet “To Go Bag”: Pets often become excited and unpredictable when we show stress and urgency. Cats and dogs may run and hide and refuse to co-operate with being caged. If that is the case, you must save yourself and your family, and sadly that means you will need to leave your beloved pet. However, some pets, especially dogs will want to stay close to you. If you have a dog, or other animal that is co-operative, take the animal. The “To Go Bag” for your pet should include any medications your pet takes on a regular basis, a 5 lb bag of dry food, a bag of treats, multiple bottles of water, a leash, a collar, veterinary history which you keep safe in a zip lock bag, a familiar blanket, and a favorite toy.
Beyond The “To Go Bags”
1.) Beyond the “To Go Bags” I always carry in my car, a winter coat, a pair of heavy socks, gloves, a sleeping bag, 2 blankets, a pillow, and a 48 pack of bottled water. I used to live in Montana and these are essentials to have with you at all times. Being trapped by a surprise blizzard can be a death sentence.
2.) In my garage I always keep two full 5 gallon cans of gasoline.
Conclusion
A little preparation goes a long way in a real emergency. Take some time and put together the “To Go Bags” for your family. The several hours and the money you spend on this task could pay off big time. This time spent could save your life and the lives of those that you love.
