ctack2

The important thing to remember is that these are EMERGENCY kits and you don't always have time to pack stuff up in an emergency. Gather it all up (the one for the house) and keep it near an exit of the house so you can grab and go when you have to.

MadQuilter

Got that one covered! lol

Teacup

You should have a list of your prescriptions and several days supply of them in an emergency kit if at all possible. Also, do you have a way to get access to your credit card or checking account numbers if you lose your cards? Putting an old pair of prescription glasses in an emergency kit might also come in handy...better than not having any! Also a spare key for the car.

CarrieAnne

We have a backpack in the closet, for each person, with a change of clothes, some snacks, matches, flashlight, just a few things, in case you need to go fast. Always have the trucks ready in winter, with some extra blankets andgear!

RedGarnet222

Hi pam.
I think the red cross has a list of things for you on thier site. They deal with disasters all the time. Here is a link to thier videos...

http://www.redcrossstore.org/shopper...?LocationId=26


One thing I also remember is having all your important papers in a flood/mud proof container. One of those grab and go things. I am not sure but the lady that does money management came out with one. I wish I could remember her name. She does a lot of pbs specials. Found her !! Suze Orman...
Just google her kit under images and it will show up as a blue plastic box with cd's and manuals inside.

craftybear

wow, lots of good ideas, we all need to do this

redkimba

subscribe to Practical Primitive. They send out a newsletter that has different tips - how to build a fire without matches, making your own power bars, etc. They are really good folks.

You can also subscribe to Backwoods Magazine for other survival tips also.

pittsburgpam

One of the books I ordered had some good reviews and covers a whole lot of things. Crisis Preparedness.

JJs

being as how we live close to the gulf and we were without electric and water for a week after Ivan (believe me, Katrina is NOT the only hurricane to ever hit the area - and Katrina did NOT destroy NewOrleans - Katrina destroyed the Mississippi coast - New Orleans destroyed New Orleans)....
we stay prepared

IrishNY

You want to be prepared to leave your home on a minute's notice and have all the things you want to take ready, including important papers (including insurance documents), medications, phone charger, etc.

You also need to be prepared to remain in your home for at least three days and have the food, water, medications, to sustain you.

There are also lots of other events that require preparedness - pandemic preparedness, wilderness preparedness if you camp...

And in this era of shrinking public budgets, it wouldn't hurt to know CPR and first aid if you live in a rural area - it can take a while for help to get to you.