It's confirmed that we're on our own. What's in your disaster kit?

[ecstatic]

We now know that the government will leave us to rot in our homes for days and days if the worst were to happen.

Are you stocking up on water? In case tap water is not drinkable?

Are you storing extra food?

Do you have first aid kits?

What about guns--in case of anarchy?

[TheFriar]

1. yes, we are finally doing that

And we're not in any particular danger except a huge earthquake. :)

[Field Of Dreams]

2. Anyone who can afford it...

are you getting a satellite phone?

[MojoXN]

51. I hadn't thought about that, but it's a good idea.

How much are they, and how good is the coverage? Any special pricing, is it like a cell phone with respect to costs?

MojoXN

[Field Of Dreams]

72. I have only done a quick Google search thus far...

the cheapest one I saw went for around $500.00 and some change. Also saw one for around $1200.00 -- not sure what type of monthly service charge there might be or what reception/coverage is like. I may get one but it's an investment I would need to save for. I do want to start acquiring some other disaster kit stuff first. Shame on me -- I ate all my post 911 supplies. LOL!

The only other techie thing I have invested in is a hand-held radio scanner which monitors some emergency and police frequencies. Interestingly, I believe the city of Baltimore (where I live) jams their police frequencies so criminals can't keep tabs on them. I also believe it is actually against the law here in the city to have a scanner in your automobile.

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

3. We're gathering supplies

But no gun. I'd rather die than kill somebody. I don't want to live in that world.

[nookiemonster]

9. Unfortunately, you're already in that world.

Having a gun is your choice, and if you decide not to, I would have to say that you are in the great minority. Still, it's your choice.

I have no intention of using mine, but it sure in the hell gives me peace of mind.

[Jawja]

48. I'm with you on that one.

I've stocked up and created my disaster pack over the weekend.

But no weapons. If somebody wants to kill me for food, they can have it.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. yes, and also

a generator, candles, tools, a chainsaw, and neighbors who will help us out, as we will them. Since I live on the side of a mountain at around 2000 ft, I won't have to worry about floods, but tornados can and do happen.

[catmandu57]

5. I try to keep extra canned food

and empty gallon jugs that can be filled, we have forty gallons of clean water in the water heater that can be tapped. I have a propane camping stove with extra bottles of fuel.
Guns are easily accessible, my stepson has enough to spare, now this is great if we are spared the brunt of whatever may come. Here we have to worry about tornados and blizzards, other than that it's the manmade stuff we have to worry about.

[truth2power]

17. What's your recommendation

as far as a propane camping stove? Two burner type or one of those single burner? Better to keep propane bottles or a can of propane fuel? Thanks.

[catmandu57]

21. Two burner is better

I could only afford a small one when I bought this, if you have somewhere to keep them bottles like the ones used for outdoot grills would be perfect, an outdoor grill itself would be nice.

[starmaker]

50. hot water heater is not good to drink from

[amandabeech]

71. Can the water be used for bathing or washing clothes?

I suppose that it could be used for flushing the toilet.

[catmandu57]

85. In an emergency situation

I wouldn't give a rat's ass as long as I knew that it had been chlorinated, and it's safer than scooping water out of a collection point.

[Child_Of_Isis]

6. Everyone in my area

is stocking up. One grocery store clerk said they can hardly keep food on the shelves. But the poor are not going to be able to save food. So, everyone buy an extra case of canned goods for them.

[kitkat65]

28. I'm glad you mentioned this . . .

"But the poor are not going to be able to save food. So, everyone buy an extra case of canned goods for them."

I don't thnk I could ever turn away someone who's in need. Great idea. Thanks.

[Hoping4Change]

67. Important things I don`t see mentioned.

In the emergency kit

1) Store a wrench that can turn off the gas and
2) Store a photocopy of all important documents and keep them in a waterproof container.

Get passports if you don`t have them.

[txindy]

47. A few extra inexpensive, manual can openers couldn't hurt, either

I like that suggestion about the extra case of canned goods. Giving away a cap opener with the food would help, too. There are 'Dollar Store' shops all around here, so I'll get 10 can openers and squirrel them away for emergencies.

[fishnfla]

7. With all the 'canes we've had, we have a rather large emergency kit

We call it our 911 supply. We add things to it all the time, piece by piece.

[lynne]

8. I was snowed in for 6 days with 3 kids -

- no way to get in or out for food or water. No electricity. No heat. No neighbors within walking distance through 3 feet of snow. No one came to help me. I didn't expect them to. On day 6 I was finally able to find someone to plow me out for $150.

I always keep food and water for at least 6 days. I have a generator (after going 6 dayS without power after Hurrican Isabelle), kerosene lamps, first aid supplies, camping stove for cooking and wood stove for heat. Have the guns and the ammo. Not necessarily for anarchy (but I would use them for that if needed) but more for feeding myself in an emergency.

Mother Nature is a bitch. She can deal a blow at any time and no one can depend upon anyone else for their own survival.

[serryjw]

65. What do us BIG CITY people do

that live in 550 sq feet. No room to store anything, I have bottles of water in the apt most of the time. I could store 12 cans of something (FOOD) but what else should I do. I'm not a camper, so help!

Don't forget to have anything you will need for our furrbabies

[amandabeech]

73. Shelled nuts don't take up a lot of space, but do have lots of

calories and nutrients. Trail mix is also good. Then there's peanut butter. I also have vitamins so I don't have to worry as much about a balanced diet for a week or so.

[Spangle]

10. Of Course

Always had a kit cause of Hurricanes. Put it to good use last year.

A lot of time and $$$ is put into the awareness that such kits are NEEDED.

What is expected is that in the DEVISTATED AREAS that help would arrive "soon." As we are seeing.. that isn't the case. And you have got to figure out where to "meet up with help".

Also what happens, those that have, share with those who don't. Supplys run out quicker then expected. Also, people are use to "modern", how many still OWN a "hand can opener?" How about a phone that only plugs into the phone outlet and doesn't need to be plugged into an electrical outlet?

[jhain]

30. phone is a big deal

MANY people do not think of it.
and yard sales are loaded with them- buy one for a buck and stick it in your kit.

[MojoXN]

52. "How about a phone that only plugs into the phone outlet ..."

I have both, because I'm poor! Maybe that's what Jesus meant when he said the meek shall inherit the Earth!

MojoXN

[Pharlo]

63. Me too MojoXN - still have both

However, part of the problem may be my age - I have an electric can opener and a phone that needs to be plugged in, I just don't care for them - so, I went back to what I prefer....

[malaise]

11. This is a serious matter

Here's my disaster preparedness kit:
Documents and Cash - as soon as I hear a tropical storm is in the area, we fill both our cars with gas. I then withdraw $US1,000 in cash , seal it in two ziplock bags with IDs, passports and other important documents including family phone numbers.
All our documents can be rolled up and stuffed inside our clothing
Clothing and crucial essentials:
Raincoat, boots, sneakers, Tshirts, jeans and undies in garbage bags in another igloo - ready and waiting with bleach, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, traveling shampoo, hydrogen peroxide, dettol, aspirin and my centrum silver:D, toilet paper, handtowels, batteries and a portable radio. I take out the non-electric phone since there will be no power.

At the beginning of the hurricane season, I purchase 10lbs of salt cod or any other salt fish. It never spoils ever and is a great source of protein. I buy 20lbs of a variety of peas and boxes and boxes of a variety of pasta. All are stored in garbage bags in igloos. I also keep a dozen gallon bottles of water and a carton of long life milk.

As the storm approaches we buy potatoes, rice, etc then call all our friends and family and tell them where we will be in the event that we have to leave home. I have a good bath and shampoo since I don't know when next I'll have one and then I put on clothes with pockets that have zips and are marked with my name and next of kin's phone number.

Paranoid - so the other half says but I say no - we lived through Gilbert and had food to share with others and we have had several close shaves since.

[ecstatic]

15. wow you've put a lot of thought into this

And I guess I need to do so as well.

[MojoXN]

54. Salt Cod! Mmmmm... Salt Cod. [drooling]

That's a great idea! I never thought of storing it as emergency food before. I always thought of it as a delicacy, to be soaked and soaked and shredded and fried into delicious cakes, or mixed into tomato sauce to make delicious pasta. I'm going to get a few pounds the next time I'm at the local Italian deli, and stick it with the rest of my stuff.

MojoXN

[serryjw]

66. Don't forget sanitary products if somene still needs it!

HBA, bandaids and anything you would need for scrapes or cuts or broken bones....clean undies would be nice!

[malaise]

75. We have a standard first aid kit

with those things. Another thing we always have is coal- coal stoves work perfectly if necessary you can make one with an old pot and oven rack. A few weeks after Gilbert, we had run out of gas and still had no power but we managed to get some fresh fish. The coal stove became a BBQ. I still remember how good that fish tasted.

[DoYouEverWonder]

12. I live in Florida

we already knew that.

[malaise]

16. Those of us who live with these storms

have loads of experience.

[crispini]

13. I'll be looking into all of the above, seriously.

And probably buying a gun.

[Coastie for Truth]

14. There are lists of emergency supplies-

Red Cross has a good list -- while FEMA is now in a major "Michael Brown and Patrick Rhode political hack screwup mode" the FEMA ("CERT") program - when "localized" and "targeted" and "supported" by your local Office of Emergency Services -- has a very good 16 hour training program.

Between the basic Red Cross program (First Aid, CPR, and the local hazard program -- floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, blizzards. whatever ...) and the local CERT you will get the list and learn how to use it and what to do when the "Big One" hits.

I have been through both programs, and I am an instructor.

Added attraction of some local CERT programs - as a "graduation present" they let you sit in the cab of an engine/pumper or a truck/ladder truck, turn on the flashing lights, pull the siren, climb up the training tower, try on a helmet and ScottPak, etc. (and relive your childhood fantasies).


(I live within walking distance of the Calaveras-Hayward fault system, just across town from the famous San Andreas fault)

[Coastie for Truth]

18. Our kit

We are in a severe earthquake zone and go for two contingencies:

1) We lose phones, electricity, water, sewage -- but our condo is still standing and inhabitable.

2) Out condo is uninhabitable.

Condo inhabitable

a) Batteries, batteries, batteries (radio, tv, ham radio and scanner, laptop, etc.)
b) Water, water, water.
c) Pre-moistened towelettes, toilet paper, plastic garbage bags.
d) Two weeks worth of food that does not require refrigeration or cooking (lots of canned tuna, peanut butter, jelly, flat bread, canned fruit and veggies), granola bars, trail mix.
e) Cash and coins.
f) FRS/GMRS and 5 watt ham radios.

Condo UNinhabitable

a) All of the above.
b) Cat carrier, dry cat food, litter, litter tray, litter deodorant.
c) Medications
d) Prescriptions, aspirin, first aid kit
e) Back up of my hard drive on CD's (I work at home, self employed) - hopefully the laptop
f) One week of clothes, outdoor "foul weather" gear.
g) Sleeping bags, ground cloth, tent.
h) Personal records - either hard copies or in Adobe Acrobat files on CD's. Hard copies of will, health care directive.
i) Fire extinguisher, fire axe.

A lot of this stuff is pre-packed - either in car or in garage.

[SpiralHawk]

19. Nice kit, Coastie

Be prepared.
That's the Boy Scout's marching song.
Be prepared
as to life you march along !

former Star, SH
(always have a pocket knife with me even unto these Latter Days)

[kitkat65]

34. What are FRS/GMRS? n/t

[Coastie for Truth]

64. FRS and GMRS

are the new versions of "Ham Radio". Low powered but useful within a neighborhood.

[wellstone_democrat]

42. we bought something yesterday you all should consider

in some form or another---the cheapest (40.00 circuit city) Grundig hand crank radio with an LCD (loooong life) flashlight built in but it gets am/fm/short wave. So that you can keep it going in an emergency w/0 power. We have an older solar/crank am/fm radio which saw us through the ice storm a few years back in Maine and hurricanes.

Getting emergency info is critical at times and this means no battery worries!!!! Plus, nothing will last longer for a light source at this price than LCD.

[uncertainty1999]

68. Thanks for the reminder about CERT - I am definitely going to sign up n/t

[ajacobson]

Damn good point

I've been giving this a lot of thought over the last few days.

I did stock up on a few things due to the massive power outage a couple years ago, but its time to stock even more stuff I think.

[progressivebydesign]

20. Been thinking about that today, already.

Been planning to fill up a storage tub with essentials. Gun? never. Food, water, matches, cash, dog food, t/p, can opener!, sterno, first aid, wine, corkscrew, something to read, and a blanket, oh and 20 dollars in single bills, and important papers, and a map of the state. I'd toss in my laptop at the last minute.. as well..

[bluedog]

22. I suggest name braclets...

the kind that hospitals use.when they get wet the name stays on......for any and all areas in disaster zones.when impending storms or quakes or fies come in your area put these bracelets on..especially the children.......it may help reunite relatives ..............I did with my grandson here in Fl when the hurricanes kept coming last year..as we never knew if the storm forecasters were right on or not.........some had us heading into the storm when it changed course.

[jhain]

35. will add this item- good idea and

not life sustaining but I have most of my family photos are CDs now in a place where I can grab them- right next to the front door!

been meaning to burn some others and mail them to a friend out of state. I would miss those memories...

[malaise]

74. Great suggestion

I'll pass that one on to our ODPEM

[Silverhair]

23. Add a fire proof box for important papers to the kit.

They can be be found in stores, (Wal-Mart, Office Supply), cost between $25 to $50 depending upon size. Wide enough for a normal file hanging file folder, and deep enough for a lot of them.

Your important documents can be crital to rebuilding your life after a disaster.

[Joebert]

37. I found one last night at Office Depot that is waterproof as well

About $60.00

[mrbill]

81. waterproof and fire proof is a good thing

flood water really messes up paper, been there done that.

was involved with a wimpy flood that took a year to clean up, never would have thought of taking an ax and a sledge hammer to the attic if the water kept rising. the vents are the weakest opening.

[auracat]

24. one year's worth of rice, beans, oats, peanutbutter, pow.milk,

flour, also: bleach, kerosene lamps + kerosene, candles, lighters and matches (large box of each), hand pump for fuel, water, dry fruit, back up heat, first aid kit, vitamins, lemon juice and cooking oil (5 gallons), emergency instructions with locations of where to go in various weathers and situations posted Visibly in prominent location, lots of blankets, sleeping gear, empty 5gal containers, books, medicines, cat carriers and extra food, toilet paper, papertowels, soap, pens and paper, can opener, canned goods, extra propane and cooker, snow shovel, flashlights, batteries, safetypins, extra clothes (always packed and ready)
and two secondary locations that can be equipped fast depending on the situation.
the worst we have to deal with here would be a earthquake that knocks out power at -50F, (will happen some day), a windstorm that knocks out power for 5days or more (has happened locally), a fire that wipes out our town (almost happened last year), or an attack on the pipeline (nearby).

[kitkat65]

25. Sadly, my beau and I were seriously looking at the gun store ad yesterday.

I can't believe it's come to this.

Yes, I'm going to seriously get a survival kit together. I used to laugh at that kind of mentality but . . . now we know, don't we?

[jhain]

26. always done this here

near the coast- jersey shore. Lived through March '62 storm as toddler but it left an impression.

Hard to keep AA batteries with teens in the house but otherwise I am good to go.

basics here:

http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_91_,00.html

[FlaGranny]

33. I remember that storm.

I lived in NJ then and worked in Camden. We had ice there. I worked on the 11th floor of a building downtown. Will never forget looking out my window at the scene of an elderly gentleman trying to cross the street, which was covered in ice, with the wind blowing between the buildings at probably 60 mph. He finally got down on his hands and knees and crawled across the street.

When I left work that day, it was a miracle I stayed on my feet. I had to walk 3 blocks to catch the bus home.

I remember that there was a lot of damage at the shore. I was 22 years old at the time.

[jhain]

40. my father was a police officer

in a coastal town in Cape May County. Our house was in a high spot- we were ok. No way out but dry inside.
I vividly remember my Mom gathering every piece of clothing and blankets, coats, etc...and we would lob all this stuff out our front door- hopefully clearing the flood water- to my dad and he would get it to others.

Boats going down the streets...

It is not something you forget.

[FlaGranny]

27. I have just about everything we need.

I have just decided, though, that we should have a tent so that if our house is damanged or destroyed, we can sleep inside it for protection against the weather and mosquitos.

Since batteries have quite a long life now, I have loads of them, but I'm thinking about getting more. Satellite phone is in the plan, but I haven't priced them and don't know if we can afford one.

Water can't be stored for too long - it will turn green on you inside the bottle after a while. It needs to be replaced with fresh water occasionally. I have the ability to store maybe 10 gallons, but have iodine tablets to treat rainwater and canal water (we have canals on two sides within a block or two).

After a hurricane it will be cool at night (lower humidity) for about 24-36 hours. Then it gets very HOT and oppressive. Got battery operated fans and lots of batteries to make life bearable.

I do not think generators are of too much use. Gas will be very hard to get and shortly the generator could be useless. They use a LOT of gas. I'd rather put my money into a gas grill to cook with and freeze dried foods. I have battery operated radios and a battery operated TV. Also have 2 pistols and a rifle.

Once upon a time, I did not believe I needed any of these things.

[bluedog]

32. some generators have converters

that turn to propane..its an easy kit from Sears I believe about $30.00...........during months of low usage of generators and propane is the best time to find these items....

[FlaGranny]

39. I know, and some are made

to run entirely on propane. I'm not sure how long the propane will last, though. The little propane tanks probably wouldn't last long, and who knows how long it would take to get the gas company to fill the large tanks. I dealt with lack of electricity for 2 weeks last August. It was miserable, but would have been bearable with fans (which I have now). I have oil lamps for light. We didn't use much oil because we were going to bed shortly after dusk and rising at dawn - just like prehistoric folks.

[ecstatic]

62. I didn't know that about water

Thats for sharing the info.

[malaise]

76. Add a bag or two of coal to that list

and kerosene. Keep the coal in garbage bags. Cooks very well and if you don't have power for weeks (as we did after Gilbert)gas will run out of your propane.

[mzmolly]

29. What about a hovercraft and a helecopter?

Apparently the Government can't be relied upon for "everything" any longer. :eyes:

[methinks2]

31. I live in florida,

and yes I'm prepared. The roads in the orlando area can't possibly handle an evacuation, so you're on your own. if you have a car you get to the store for supplies. Public transportation is a joke. Just refill you xanax prescription so you don't freak out too much. If the gov's really want to help people they'll start handing out the pills. After the hurricanes last year everyone including my doctor was on anti-anxiety medication. It's not just the immediate aftermath, it's months afterwards when the credit card companies don't care what you've been through. All of these homeless people will still have the bills to pay. And the creditors won't care that they've suffered or don't have jobs or homes. Too bad the bankruptcy laws were changed.

Does anyone think that they'll create a special exception for disaster victims when it comes to bankruptcy?

[LunaC]

36. Those in NO with disaster kits

Watched them get blown away by the hurricane or flooded in the aftermath. Lotta' good it did them for their efforts.

I've always been a "prepper" but NO has shown me that even the best survival kits won't make a difference if they're destroyed before you can get to them. Ideally the prep supplies should be stored at a "bug-out" location but that's beyond the financial means of most folks, including myself.

[FlaGranny]

43. That is a big problem.

Many folks that were flooded lost their supplies. We won't have a problem with major flooding where I live, but it is very important to secure your supplies where they will be as safe as possible. They do you no good if they are blown or washed away.

[ecstatic]

60. I know it sounds smug

But I believe I'd have the means to evacuate ahead of time if it was an *expected* disaster. But you're right being prepared does take quite a bit of money.

[Deja Q]

38. Helium canister, rubber binders, plastic bags.

Though I only need one of each item. :-(

It's by far the most compassionate solution if our country keeps slidin' on down.

[Q]

41. Everyone should put together a 72 HOUR EMERGENCY KIT...

...which includes everything one would need to survive for at least three days. This kit is meant to be portable and to supplement other emergency supplies.

I have one of these for each member of my family. The kit should also include prescriptions, first aid kit, dehydrated foods and of course water.

[FlaGranny]

45. I no longer believe that a 3-day kit is good enough.

I had a 3-day kit, but I'm turning it into a 2-week kit.

Hurricanes Frances taught me first hand that 3-days was not enough.

[txindy]

53. I can hardly imagine how you feel seeing the latest hurricane 'response'

While living in a hurricane-prone area, I mean. I'm with you, I'd have a 2-week kit esp. since Katrina devastated an area not that far from Florida. I'm in the Texas Hill Country, so hurricanes are a moot point for me, but if I lived closer to the Gulf, I'd have a HUGE kit as back-up.

I love the suggestions in this thread. The greatest threats here would be tornados or flooding. My home wouldn't flood, but all access out of the area certainly would, so no food or fuel would make it in should that happen. I'm preparing, as well.

[Q]

57. The 72 hour kit is meant to be portable...

...in case you have to evacuate your house for some reason. That is...it's a portable kit to take with you until you can get back into your house.

The 72 hour kits we put together for our family are quite heavy. They even include a fresh change of clothes, 'hiking' boots and camping equipment. Our kits are put in heavy duty canvas, waterproof duffle-type bags with handles.

A two-week kit would be too heavy to take with you. That's why it's important to have a food and water stash someone in your house that you can return to and replenish supplies.

[ecstatic]

61. that's about all I could deal with

I don't have the attention span or knowledge to plan for weeks and weeks. 3 days, and then if I'm not rescued, I guess that's it. Hopefully I'd be able to get to a loved one's home and they'd be a bit more prepared than me.

[Sgent]

44. In my earthquake prone area

Desalinator hand operated water maker
First aid kit inc some narcotics and antibiotics. Also have superglue in it.
bottle of clorine bleach
12g pump shotgun
14 Cold Weather MRE's (1/day/person for 7 days)
Flashlight w/ extra batteries
Safe w/emergency papers
Sleeping matt, bag, and pop tent
5 Gal of clean h20

[tom_paine]

46. Been doing that since 2000 confirmed we were a Third World Nation

and it was only a matter of time until the rest caught up with our Upper Political Levels in Third-Worldness.

[MojoXN]

49. 2 12 gauges, a .308, a .30-06, a 1911 .45, a .22, and a 9mm

Dry and canned goods to last two people three months @ 2000 calories a day, at least 250 rounds in each caliber, 60 gallons of water, solar still supplies, materials for a Kearny fallout meter, at least 500 feet of fishing line, 100 yards of parachute cord, knives, axe, sharpening stone, books on trapping, edible wild plants, 10 bottles of iodine for water purification (nine drops per gallon will kill almost any pathogen), matches, lighters, flint & steel, good boots, a good pack, a tent, two-way radios, topographical maps, a compass, 10 gallons of gasoline, 20 gallons of kerosene, kerosene heater, 200 Amoxicilin, 200 Penicillin, 100 Cipro, first aid supplies, painkillers, hydrogen peroxide, bandaids, splints, crutches, gauze, hypodermic needled, IV saline, glucose, soap, alcohol, and most importantly... a bicycle. Yes, the lowly, humble bike. While you poor bastards are getting nowhere in your gas drained vehicles, I'll be able to get away from here if need be at fifty miles per day.

I know that I'm forgetting a few things here. As you can see, I'm ready for damn near ANYTHING. I suggest to you all that you provision yourselves as I have. You never know WHAT you're going to need, or when you're going to need it.

MojoXN

[mongo]

55. Make sure you have a shotgun

and that you get to the grocery store quickly to get some extra stuff you might need before other people loot it all.

I AM SO SICK OF THIS FUCKING SHIT I COULD JUST :puke:

How about getting involved in your local community? Creating a disaster recovery plan, block by block, building by building?

How about making sure your local shelter is stocked now?

How about having plans in place for deputizing local civilians to protect the local grocery store and the pharmacy for the good of ALL?

Oh wait, only the poor should have to be in shelters - the have and have-mores don't want to have to sleep next to some poor person.

Taking care of the poor is the Gobermints job, right?

[MojoXN]

56. No, make sure you have a shotgun...

So that when some asshole who has no respect for human life comes to victimize or kill you, you have the means to defend yourself.

MojoXN

[malaise]

79. That is how the Cuban model works

block by block in communities.

[Zenlitened]

58. Here in New England, it's a Blizzard kit but the idea is the same.

Lots of good advice in this thread, no matter what part of the country you live in.

:thumbsup:

For folks in cold weather zones, I'd suggest adding a really top-quality sleeping bag for each member of the family. Much more effective than ordinary blankets if power is out for several days and you don't have a fireplace or stove. With camping season drawing to an end up this way, now is a good time to get gear on sale.

[WhiteTara]

59. right now it is in disarray, but I am already

setting up our survival kit. I am going to get some organic beef from a local farmer, make jerky for protein and have a large supply of seeds to make sprouts. We have a private well, but it is powered by PG&E, so a supply of water is in order, as well as bottle gas for our camp stove. I also keep canned food that I tend to rotate. Getting a supply of batteries today. Guns, not so much. I know how to shoot, but I don't know how to kill.

[CatBoreal]

69. May I suggest...

Iodine tablets to purify water with, especially if you're going to be without water for a while. Something may happen to the water supplies that you save, may be punctured or not enough. At least this way, any water you can find will be able to become potable.

[Misskittycat]

70. I went onto the Internet for "disaster supplies" and found

many different companies offering lots of different portable emergency kits.

This is especially important for people in earthquake zones, because we get no warning at all (so we can't fill up bathtubs or go to the store right before the event and stock up on food);also because of the fire hazard from continuing aftershocks, cooking equipment won't be useful.

[DanCa]

77. Springsteen cds, my cd player batteriers.

Food water the bible, lots of beer. I wont bring a gun I dont need one. I also forgot my parkie medicine,

[DanCa]

78. Self delete dupe

[screembloodymurder]

80. Here is what I bought:

1. Radio and batteries
2. Water purification tablets and filters
3. Book on edible plants
4. Fire starters
5. Extra gas in cans
6. Compass
7. Canned food

Here's an excellent site for preparation.
http://www.72hours.org/build_kit.html

[FlaGranny]

82. After re-reading this thread

it strikes me that this is something that only people with a little money can do.

Maybe everyone who can afford it should at least buy some extra iodine tablets to give to families who cannot afford them.

[Ilsa]

83. Short term survival or very long term, as in "disintegration of society"?

I have short term and some long term supplies. For starters, I always have a stocked pantry. I hate running out of things.

We are former backpackers and keep tablets and a PUR water filter available as well as our gear.

No guns here. My sons are still young and one is autistic. It's too scary a situation.

[Mizmoon]

84. I live among rich white people in New York

they give us a million each when we are in disasters :sarcasm: