Why disaster preparedness…? The term “Disaster Preparedness” is a new title for what people have always done. When you keep extra food in the cupboard, a full gas tank, flashlights and candles for power outages and etc., you are being prepared.
Preparedness or self-reliance was instilled in me and my brothers at a young age. Our parents grew up during the Great Depression and told us many stories of that time. My dad never threw anything away that could be re-purposed. We always had a small backyard vegetable garden and either chickens or rabbits.
I don’t understand how other people can feel comfortable only having a 1-2 day supply of food in their cupboard and no water backup water supply. What if…? I can still hear my parents saying, “What if something were to happen where you can’t run to the store for food or the water is cut off or…, what would you do?
Every person should have at least a one week supply of food and water for themselves and any pets. This would greatly lessen the burden on evacuation shelters, but for me it’s about self-reliance. I want to be able to stay in my home! If I need to evacuate then my supplies can come with me.
I love the convenience of pre-assembled Survival Backpacks and additional duffel bags for other preparedness items. I know myself, if I had to start from scratch I would never get it done.
We have accumulated about a dozen medium to large duffel bags. I use luggage tag labels with titles such as household, sanitary, camping, personal (each family member and pet), search and rescue and so forth. We keep a Survival Backpack in each vehicle, trailer and a paired down pack for the motorcycle. My dogs have their own backpack just in case we have to evacuate.
Pre-built Survival Kits provide the essentials needed during most events. You will still want to customize your kit with a selection of additional items that fit your individual preferences and climate. I have never seen a survival kit contain exactly what I want.
Your duffel bag or backpack needs to hold-up! Look for the best quality within your budget. Our website Pet Terrain sells the backpack you see pictured, and the ones I personally use. They are sturdy enough for my needs.
The different survival kits include items based on the amount of time they will last you, usually in the 1 to 2 week range. Most are designed to include items meant to help you during a specific type of situation…like driving, camping, hunting, etc.
Ready.gov has a basic emergency supplies list in a PDF that can give you additional ideas or it can help you in building your own kits. Whatever you do just do it now!