Get Ready To Grab & Go
D. S. Mitchell
I love AARP magazine. It is loaded with information for the young, and the old. The October 2017 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 “go bag.” A “go bag” is exactly what it sounds like; a bag or backpack, or suitcase (he recommends one on wheels) packed with life essentials.
Be ready for an emergency. You never know when such events will occur. The recent hurricane evacuations highlight our need to be ready for such events, day or night. In the last month we have seen the devastation and chaos caused by Harvey, Irma and Maria. It can happen anytime, anywhere. In my little corner of the world, the North Oregon coast, we are subject to evacuation orders because of tsunamis, earthquakes, fires, floods and even a rare tornado.
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 natural in cause, often these tragedies are man made disasters, such as toxic spills. The idea is that you can, in some small way, help yourself by preparing an emergency “go bag”. In a true emergency you will be under extreme pressure and 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, and pack for survival.
Rules For Your “Go Bag”
Rule #1: Pack a “go bag” for every member of the household including your beloved pet, and keep them together in an easily accessible place. **Remember there is a possibility that not all family members will leave together.
Rule #2: Basic electronics. Pack an extra phone charger if you are lucky enough to have electricity and a portable battery pack if you do not have such good fortune. A long-lasting LED flashlight. A small hand cranked or battery operated AM/FM radio with extra batteries.
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 pair of sunglasses. A small first-aid kit, sanitary wipes, a couple Bic lighters, a multi-purpose “Swiss army” tool so you have at least a knife and a can opener.
Rule #4: Clothing. Think in days (three to four max). Think in layers (that you can add, or remove). Lightweight rain gear, gloves, knit cap and waterproof shoes and boots.
Rule #5: Medications. The article suggests 3 days worth of each of your medications. I pack 7 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, ie oxygen tanks get a portable version for emergency situations.
Rule #6: Paperwork. 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.
Rule #7: Food and drink. Several bottles of water are imperative. Dehydrated survival packets are a good option (which are easy to buy on-line), or even granola bars.
Rule #8: Cash. Must have at least enough cash for a duration of several days. (The last severe gale that we had in my area the bank machines were down for several days). Make sure that you have small bills and even a roll of quarters for vending machines for when you have access to them.
Rule #9: Pet go bag. Pets become excited when we show stress and urgency. Cats and dogs may run and hide and refuse to co-operate with entrapment. If that is the case, you must save yourself and your family, and sadly that means you will need to leave the pet. However, other pets, especially dogs will want to stay close. If you have a dog or other animal that is co-operative, take the animal. The go bag for your pet should include any medications your pet takes on a regular basis, 5 lb bag of dry food, a bag of treats, multiple bottles of water, a leash, a collar, veterinary history in a zip lock bag, a familiar blanket and a toy.
Beyond the to “go bags” I always carry in my car, a sleeping bag, 2 blankets, a pillow, and a Costco 48 pack of bottled water. (I used to live in Montana and these are essentials).
In the garage I always have a full 5 gallon can of gas.
A little preparation goes a long way in a real emergency. Take some time and put together the “go bags” for your family. The several hours you spend on this task could pay off big time by saving your life and the lives of those that you love.
Calamity politics is a progressive news magazine that attempts to present interesting and topical information to a progressive audience. Join the Resistance.
Dar
