So, what should a home emergency kit contain?

[Northern Piper]

Over in this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=332732&page=2&pp=50), Sam and RickJay raised the issue of having emergency kits in your home in case of crises like New Orleans.

So, what do people suggest would be a good thing to store in a home emergency kit?

[CynicalGabe]

condoms, semiautomatic weapons, and several bottles of vodka


along with the obvious:
-bottled water
-many many batteries for your
-radio &
-flashlight
-extra clothes
-blankets
-vodka
-first-aid supplies (a whole separate list by itself)
-tire iron (no particular reason, you just never know when you will need a good tire iron)
-oh yeah, and non-perishable food

[chique]

Here (http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_91_,00.html) is one list.

[Gorsnak]

enough gas in the tank to make it out to the farm :)

[Northern Piper]

condoms, semiautomatic weapons, and several bottles of vodkaNot lawyers, guns and money?
:)

[Northern Piper]

enough gas in the tank to make it out to the farm :)what about those of us who don't have a farm handy?
:eek:

[dogbutler]

what about those of us who don't have a farm handy?
:eek:

If you don't have a farm, I'm sure someone would help you buy one.

[sunfish]

Some advice (http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/readynewyork/preparedness.html) from the NYC Office of Emergency Management.

[PBear42]

Depends where you live. The kits for floods, earthquakes and blizzards are rather different. Something to purify water, though - e.g., a filter or iodine (5 drops per quart) - is probably the most common and the most important.

[Gorsnak]

what about those of us who don't have a farm handy?
:eek:
You live in Saskatchewan and don't have a farm handy?!? Jeez Louise! Well, I dunno what you should do. Head on down to Agribition and convince someone to adopt you, maybe?

[picunurse]

We have two large storage containers in our outdoor shed in case of a major earthquake.
In one we have food, water & water purification stuff, blankets, clothing, shoes, one frying pan, a camping coffee pot, disposable plates, cups and flatware. Basicly, everything we would take camping for a week... in the dead of winter.
In the other we have medical supplies, more blankets, some cash, some ammo (the guns are in the house in the gun safe) a wind-up radio and one that takes batteries, matches and stuff to start a fire in bad weather. several types of lighting, including a propane lantern and flashlights, and anything else we decided we couldn't live for a week without.
They are chained to the shed wall. They each have a separate combo lock, and they both have motion/tamper alarms.

We also have smaller versions in two back packs that live in the trunk of whichever car is away from home.

[Sam Stone]

condoms, semiautomatic weapons, and several bottles of vodka

Snoop Dogg, is that you?

There are lots of good sites that describe putting together a disaster kit. I linked to the Homeland Security Dept's page in the other thread.

I would add that you should also consider the likely nature of the disaster that might hit you. If you live in a flood plain, an inflatable raft sounds like a good idea. If you rank the risk of a terrorist attack, then consider things like HEPA masks. I live in a cold climate, and the worst disaster that's likely to hit our city is something like a freak snowstorm or an ice storm that takes down power for a few days. The trunk of the car always has blankets in it (a good idea in any cold climate).

You can also get a crank radio. The Grundig 300 has a crank and a generator built in. A few minutes of cranking gets you an hour of radio time, and it has an emergency light built in. In addition, it has a charging jack for cell phones built in, so you can use your cell phone indefinitely as long as there's an operating cell tower in range.

[CynicalGabe]

You can also get a crank radio.

I don't listen to AM talk stations. :)

[Large Marge]

Over in this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=332732&page=2&pp=50), Sam and RickJay raised the issue of having emergency kits in your home in case of crises like New Orleans.

So, what do people suggest would be a good thing to store in a home emergency kit?

If what's going on in New Orleans is any indication, A GUN should be at the top of the list.

Seriously, if the police aren't there to protect you, and hoodlums come to your home and begin breaking out your windows to get inside and steal your food and water and belongings, words aren't going to do the trick.

[uglybeech]

Since apparently we're all about three days away from having rape gangs wander the street, those paranoid embunkered Montana survivalists are looking pretty sensible today. Personally I'll be switching from gun control advocate to NRA member, and very large caliber gun will be the first thing in my kit.

[Miss Purl McKnittington]

If you're on prescription medication, you should store some of that in your emergency kit if possible. Make sure you change it out every so often so it's no expired. For example, I'm a diabetic, so in our tornado kit, I have extra Novalog and Lantus, about 25 syringes, and glucagon. I had nightmares after the tornados hit Stoughton a couple weeks ago, so for a while I was checking the kit just to make sure it hadn't wandered away.

We also have the basic first-aid stuff and a map to show where all the emergency shut off valves are for water and gas, should the people who actually know that stuff be incapacitated. I'm contemplating sneaking cat food into the basement in the near future, but I'm not sure if it would survive the dog or winter fieldmice.

[Rick]

Here in earthquake country I have most of what is mentioned above, plus I have a gas shut of wrench ziptied to the pipe next to the valve. If there is a leak, I don't want to running around looking for a wrench.
BTW after the Northridge quake, I found an unbroken bottle of burbon. I went around the neighborhood with small cups giving shots. Calmed everybody down, and made me the most popular neighbor that day.
I also have a gas generator.

[Cartooniverse]

I don't listen to AM talk stations. :)

-rimshot-


I know funny. You, my friend, are funny.

In addition to the usual stuff, might I recommend MRE's? ( Meals Ready to Eat ). Army Surplus stores may sell them. Alternately, foods that have some value aside from carbos that do not need refrigeration.

As far as real first aid? Benadryl in both forms. Lots of gauze. SEVERAL tubes of Triple Antibiotic ointment. Makings of at least one tournaquet and splint. A few yards of rubber tubing. Painkillers. Carpet strength needle and thread for emergency suturing. Assume that in a catastrophic event- just like this one- that you will have to do some emergency healthcare treatment on your own. Prepare for the basics.

Cartooniverse

[muttrox]

You have to keep in mind what you're planning for. A kit that keeps you comfortable while power and water are out for a few days is one thing, preparing for a post-WWIII hell-on-earth scenario is another. I would first determine what sort of events you are planning to meet. For example, our plans are based around a general loss of civil services for 3-7 days, but not for the kind of all-out anarchy that seems to be enveloping New Orleans.

[Dewey Finn]

Since apparently we're all about three days away from having rape gangs wander the street, those paranoid embunkered Montana survivalists are looking pretty sensible today. Personally I'll be switching from gun control advocate to NRA member, and very large caliber gun will be the first thing in my kit.

I was thinking the same thing. Those paranoid rantings of the gun nuts are actually coming true, here in the US. I never expected this.

[Excalibre]

condoms, semiautomatic weapons, and several bottles of vodka
You could have a good time in Vegas with that stuff.

</Dr. Strangelove>

[FlyingRamenMonster]

Back in Vancouver we were told to keep some glowsticks in our kit in case gas lines were ruptured after an earthquake, in which case the spark from a torch might cause an explosion. Basically, you were supposed to use glowsticks until you were sure the gas was fine. I'm not talking about those carnival things either, I'm talking about the big, thick kind specifically designed to provide light.

[Bricker]

Here's what I have in mine:


fire extinguisher
flare gun and flares
two empty five gallon cans, suitable for gas or water
25 gallons of water
water distillation kit and purification tablets
two can-openers
one case Sterno cans
15 pounds canned Spam
15 pounds canned tuna
30 pounds canned assorted cooked vegetables
powered milk and baby formula
2 complete first aid kits, including syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal
1 sting kit with epinephrine
small collection of antibiotics and sulfa powder
supply of batteries
battery-operated shock-resistant radio
handheld CB radio
tool kit
six rolls duct tape
waterproof matches
candles
Coleman lantern and fuel
compass and handheld GPS
toilet paper and moist towelettes
tampons
three sleeping bags
rain ponchos
work gloves and work boots
utility and hunting knives
shovel, pick, spade
12 ga. shotgun and shells - buck and birdshot
15 Canadian maple-leaf gold coins
$1500 cash


On the budget to buy this year: satellite phone.

I firmly believe luck favors the prepared.

[Crafter_Man]

Water and food are obviously important. But once people learn that you have these things, you home will be raided.

That's why guns and ammo should be at the top of your list, as they are tools to help protect your other stuff. Everyone should have at least one center-fire rifle and at least 1000 rounds of ammo. Personally, I wouldn't feel safe without a .308 main battle rifle (such as an M-14 or FAL) and at least 10,000 rounds of ammo. But that's just me. :D

[Bricker]

Water and food are obviously important. But once people learn that you have these things, you home will be raided.

That's why guns and ammo should be at the top of your list, as they are tools to help protect your other stuff. Everyone should have at least one center-fire rifle and at least 1000 rounds of ammo. Personally, I wouldn't feel safe without a .308 main battle rifle (such as an M-14 or FAL) and at least 10,000 rounds of ammo. But that's just me. :D

I own other firearms. But the shotgun is part of the emergency kit for a reason: four-ought buckshot is good out to about 60 yards, and whatever you hit is going DOWN. I believe it's an excellent tool to defend the home against even a marauding gang. As tempting as my supplies might be... it would quickly be apparent that it would be cheaper to find them elsewhere.

I have to admit that the past week has been kind of spooky. I've kept an emergency kit for over fifteen years, always knowing how unlikely it was in this country that I'd ever actually need it.

This week, I've reconsidered that likelihood. Very sobering.

[Dr. Woo]

condoms, semiautomatic weapons, and several bottles of vodka

Ha! When I got home immediately following the Loma Prieta quake in 1989 my husband was out on the front lawn with the following items:

- The kid
- The dog
- A bottle of Scotch and crystal (!?!) glasses
- All the camping equipment
- The Mossberg "abbreviated barrel" shotgun

The Scotch definitely came in handy later on.

I must say that all this time I've kinda given him the hairy eyeball about the gun, but after seeing this week's events in NO, I must concede that an important part of any disaster kit is some form of self defense.

I believe Bricker mentioned cash: this is very important. ATMs will likely not be working after a disaster.

The other thing I would include that I didn't see on any lists on this thread is pet food and any medication/peripherals for your pet.

[Cartooniverse]

1 sting kit with epinephrine

I have just spoken to a state-licensed Pharmacist in Reston, Virginia. He informed me that it is a violation of Virginia law to possess epinephrine in any form unless prescribed by a physician. Furthermore, according to this gentleman ( and confirmed in a call to a second pharmacy in Virginia), it is illegal to obtain it by any means other than a prescription issued by a physician. Period.

So either you've got Epi-Pens laying around in your emergency shelter kit that are A) legally prescribed and B) not expired ( according to the Pharmacist I just spoke with, their shelflife is roughly 12-18 months), or you might need to just cross epinephrine off that list.

Benadryl, as I mentioned in my list, is a reasonable substitute and is an over-the-counter medication readily available in most if not all states in the USA. ( Dunno about other countries, perhaps you can indeed purchase epinephrine over the counter ).

Cartooniverse

[Cartooniverse]

Added thought- Helpful tip to anyone who does have an Epi-Pen or other syringe-delivered epinephrine at home: The expiration dates are a good thing to go by, but the first Pharmacist informed me that it is usually good to use even if it's past date, as long as there is no brown coloring to the liquid. Once it starts to attain a brownish tinge, it is not safe to inject at all.

[Cartooniverse]

Freakin' cut and paste. Argh. This shoulda been up there.

Upon a bit of thought, it's worth mentioning that Benadryl does NOT replace epinephrine. Benadryl will certainly help to control a mild to moderate allergic reaction. It cannot suppress anaphylaxis fast enough to save you from choking on a blocked airway. Epinephrine is what ya want there ( and, a few new sterile syringe sets ) - but as I mentioned above, it's not over the counter.

[Muffin]

Minimally, duct tape.

Beyond that, equip based on your knowledge and training for anticipated situations.

If all else fails, just start licking some morphine sulphate.

[Leaper]

Here's what I have in mine:


15 Canadian maple-leaf gold coins
$1500 cash



Uh... where did you say you live again? Street address should be enough...

[RickJay]

Snoop Dogg, is that you?
One must always be prepared for a disasterizzle.

[Innuendo Hunter]

Here's what I have in mine:


fire extinguisher
flare gun and flares
two empty five gallon cans, suitable for gas or water
25 gallons of water
water distillation kit and purification tablets
two can-openers
one case Sterno cans
15 pounds canned Spam
15 pounds canned tuna
30 pounds canned assorted cooked vegetables
powered milk and baby formula
2 complete first aid kits, including syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal
1 sting kit with epinephrine
small collection of antibiotics and sulfa powder
supply of batteries
battery-operated shock-resistant radio
handheld CB radio
tool kit
six rolls duct tape
waterproof matches
candles
Coleman lantern and fuel
compass and handheld GPS
toilet paper and moist towelettes
tampons
three sleeping bags
rain ponchos
work gloves and work boots
utility and hunting knives
shovel, pick, spade
12 ga. shotgun and shells - buck and birdshot
15 Canadian maple-leaf gold coins
$1500 cash


On the budget to buy this year: satellite phone.

I firmly believe luck favors the prepared.

Wow, that's some disaster kit! :eek:

Good job.

[Bricker]

I have just spoken to a state-licensed Pharmacist in Reston, Virginia. He informed me that it is a violation of Virginia law to possess epinephrine in any form unless prescribed by a physician. Furthermore, according to this gentleman ( and confirmed in a call to a second pharmacy in Virginia), it is illegal to obtain it by any means other than a prescription issued by a physician. Period.

So either you've got Epi-Pens laying around in your emergency shelter kit that are A) legally prescribed and B) not expired ( according to the Pharmacist I just spoke with, their shelflife is roughly 12-18 months), or you might need to just cross epinephrine off that list.

I have a family member who is allergic to beestings. My sting kit was procured and is possessed legally.

[CBEscapee]

Add a good mosquito repellant to the above kits.

[Bricker]

Add a good mosquito repellant to the above kits.

That's a good idea. I, personally, seem to have little luck with mosquito repellant -- whatever I put on just seems to act as a flavor enhancer for the little bastards.

[Gorsnak]

That's a good idea. I, personally, seem to have little luck with mosquito repellant -- whatever I put on just seems to act as a flavor enhancer for the little bastards.
You want the stuff with the highest content of DEET you can find. It's the only thing that works. Take it from someone who spent several summers planting trees in interior BC.

Personally, I think I'll stick with my farm strategy for the emergency plan.

[rainy]

I have a family member who is allergic to beestings. My sting kit was procured and is possessed legally.

I'm a (relatively new) beekeeper and have been told by others in our beekeeping club that you can go to your doctor and tell them you want to have a pen on hand in case anyone gets stung on your property and they don't have their own pen. If this is true (I haven't tried to do so yet, but should) could you explain your need to your doctor and get a prescription for one?

-rainy

[rainy]

Here's what I have in mine:

[impressive list]

I firmly believe luck favors the prepared.


Obviously this is a holed up in the house kit (and an impressive one I might add) but this week's events point out either having a way to haul such a collection of survival goodies, or a pre-packed smaller version to take to the rooftop with you. Anybody got any good ideas for ways to make these things really portable?

-rainy


Because you never know when....cue Burt Gummer: "Food for five years, a thousand gallons of gas, air filtration, water filtration, Geiger counter. Bomb shelter! Underground... God damn monsters."

[Bricker]

I'm a (relatively new) beekeeper and have been told by others in our beekeeping club that you can go to your doctor and tell them you want to have a pen on hand in case anyone gets stung on your property and they don't have their own pen. If this is true (I haven't tried to do so yet, but should) could you explain your need to your doctor and get a prescription for one?

-rainy

I have no idea if that's true or not, and since I didn't need to explore alternative means to get the kit, I didn't.

[BiblioCat]

People often mention flashlights on lists like these, but I think lanterns are a necessary item, too. They give off much more light than flashlights.
We have a couple of propane lanterns and a couple of battery-powered lanterns that we use for camping, and I've used that battery lanterns a couple of times when the power's gone out at home.
I do see that a couple of posters have mentioned lanterns, but it's worth repeating. One flashlight's not going to do much in total darkness. A propane lantern gives off a lot of light.

[Northern Piper]

I would add that you should also consider the likely nature of the disaster that might hit you. If you live in a flood plain, an inflatable raft sounds like a good idea. If you rank the risk of a terrorist attack, then consider things like HEPA masks. I live in a cold climate, and the worst disaster that's likely to hit our city is something like a freak snowstorm or an ice storm that takes down power for a few days. The trunk of the car always has blankets in it (a good idea in any cold climate). I was thinking about the ranking of likely disasters as well. For me, the three most likely would be:

1. major winter storm, with power loss;

2. summer tornado;

3. flooding from the Mighty Wascana.

On # 1, basic need is a fireplace with ample supply of firewood - check.

On # 2, basic need is a good solid basement - check.

On # 3 - hmmm. I think I'll take a buddy up on his request to store his canoe in my back yard.

However, I've got to work on the ancillary supplies, and the suggestions from this thread are very helpful. Thanks everyone.

[Gorsnak]

3. flooding from the Mighty Wascana.
I don't think you're giving enough weight to the possibilities of an attack by pirates.

Why yes, I do like the Arrogant Worms. Why do you ask?

But seriously, you're right. The only large-scale disaster that's even remotely likely here is the blizzard accompanied by failure of the power and/or natural gas distribution systems. Tornadoes are devastating, but their effects are highly localized and you can reasonably expect assistance to arrive very quickly. What you need to survive the winter power outage is a source of heat and enough food to survive till the roads are opened. Figure 3 days tops till you can travel, but possibly more till you have power/gas. Water's not an issue in this scenario if you have a heat source, since there are huge piles of water in solid form just outside your door, so you're basically looking for a bit of a non-perishable food stockpile (though again, if your freezer stops working, you can just stick stuff on the back porch), first aid, lamp of some sort, radio. But the heat source is the big issue.

[balagan]

Some of these lists look like they came straight out of the film "Tremors". Giant underground worms are things that shouldn't be believed in. A government is something you should believe in. Obviously this government is one you can't believe in when it reacts this badly to a disaster.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is, I would say some of you were taking it a little over the top if there wasn't a Republican majority in government.

Whisky, would have to be included in my survival list, as the alcohol can steralise wounds, and get you pissed, which is just as handy.

[Northern Piper]

I don't think you're giving enough weight to the possibilities of an attack by pirates.Why would they come after me? I don't have any grain or fer-til-iizer! :D

Water's not an issue in this scenario if you have a heat source, since there are huge piles of water in solid form just outside your door.mmm, yess, but there's this little matter of the dachshund and the basenji and their winter use of the backyard...
:eek:

[Northern Piper]

Reading Bricker's list, I got two different visual images of Bricker, both inspired from the comics:

# 1:
I firmly believe luck favors the prepared.- Bricker in a bat-suit;


#2: 15 Canadian maple-leaf gold coins- Bricker as Uncle Duke: "Where the hell are my Krugerrands!!"


:p

[Gorsnak]

mmm, yess, but there's this little matter of the dachshund and the basenji and their winter use of the backyard...
:eek:
Any blizzard severe enough to wipe out the power grid is going to leave plenty of fresh drifts. Then you can melt snow by the fireplace to go with your "hot dogs" ;)

[BoBettie]

Watching this disaster, I was thinking that keeping your stuff what you might have to take with you in a rolling cart of some sort would be a good idea.

something like this:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-8373495-4534224?_encoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B0000ARUNZ

[danceswithcats]

To the above excellent suggestions I'd add a copy of 'Robert's Rules of Order' to help with parliamentary tasks when setting up government amongst the survivors. When firearms and liquor are involved, you don't wish to misrule on a critical motion. ;)

[Raguleader]

Obviously this is a holed up in the house kit (and an impressive one I might add) but this week's events point out either having a way to haul such a collection of survival goodies, or a pre-packed smaller version to take to the rooftop with you. Anybody got any good ideas for ways to make these things really portable?

-rainy

IIRC, military pilots have a sort of "Box within a box" setup for their survival kits. When they eject, they have:

1) What is physically strapped to them (ie: what's in their pockets or on their flight harness), flashlight, knife, handgun (if they have one), some basic first aid, maybe a granola bar, very lightweight and unencumbering stuff.

2) What is contained in a small sports-bag kind of thing (some food, water, first aid supplies, blanket, etc.) that can be thrown over a shoulder and carried off.

3) What is in a bigger bag (something of a more robust survival kit, I think the smaller bag is attached to this one in an easily-seperated-if-needed way)

Basically, he takes what he needs based on how quickly he needs to get to somewhere else (like if he's getting chased by dinosaurs or pirates, he might just run with what he's got or grab the shoulder bag).

As for what I'd keep in MY survival kit:

First aid stuff (several small, self contained kits and one or more larger, more robust kits)

Blankets - something waterproof and easy to carry. If you have extra cash for them, you can get survival blankets that are brightly colored on one side (so as to make you more easily spotted by rescuers) and foiled on the other side (to reflect sunlight, for the same purpose). Hiking sleeping bags are lightweight, waterproof, very warm, and can be packed tightly if you need to keep them in a bag or a box. If all else fails, a wool army blanket from a surplus store should serve nicely.

Emergency lights- I'd recommend one or two Mag-Lites (combining the best qualities of a flashlight and a club), possibly an assortment of smaller or lighter flashlights, depending on who is with you. I'd say at least one flashlight that doesn't need batteries (wind-up or shake it to charge it), and depending on your likliehood of flooding, a flashlight that floats and can be tied to you so you don't loose it. Lanterns, chem-lights, etc. as you have space for. Unless you use the flashlights fairly often, I'd keep the batteries seperate from them (the corrosion from leaving batteries in a flashlight too long can leave both the batteries and the light useless).

Extra batteries or fuel for whatever you have that needs them.

A radio - preferably a survival radio that doesn't need batteries. That wind-up one with the cell phone power jack someone mentioned sounds nice. Depending on where you are, some kind of broadcasting radio (CB, HAM, etc.) might be handy too, but make sure you know how to use it, and keep your messages as brief as possible so as not to jam the frequency.

A controlable source of fire - ie, lighters (with extra fuel), strike-anywhere/waterproof matches, whatever. Just make sure there's no leaky gas or anything of that nature when you light one of these things. Fire can be used to cauterize wounds (if that ends up being necessary), heating up food or rooms, or just for something as mundane as fusing the end of a rope made from synthetic fibers (to keep it from unraveling after you cut a length of it off)

Some means of self-defense (if you keep guns, make sure everyone knows how to use them, if only to make sure they don't hurt themselves or others on accident when they need them). This could be if you need to fight off other, less-prepared people who want to steal your supplies (of course, if the other person is being civilized about it, you might offer to share), or it could just be for fighting off any wild animals that come unwelcomed (depending on where you live, you might have to deal with grizzlies, mountain lions, or other predators that might be as desperate for your food as you are)

And of course, a towel. People will give you anything you need if they see you are prepared enough to have your own towel. :cool:

[Sam Stone]

Don't forget that if the power and water go out, you have quite a lot of water in your house already: Your hot water tank probably has between 25 and 50 gallons of potable water in it. Close all your water valves to prevent contaminated water from coming in, and you've got a good supply of drinking water to last you a long time. If you're in a cold climate, and worried that with the power out the water will freeze in the tank, then use the relief valve to drain water into pots, pans, etc.

Likewise, your toilet tanks have between 3 and 5 gallons of water each in them. Don't drink it, but it's usable for washing, cleaning, etc.

If you get some warning that the water might go out, you can even use your bathtub as a reservoir. Put the drain plug in, then duct tape over it (most drain plugs leak). Fill the tub with water, and you've got a good supply.

I'm also tempted to buy one of those camel-back water holders. If you have to get out of town quickly, say in the case of a terrorist attack, having one of those could be priceless. Plus, they're very usable for hiking, camping, biking, etc.

[Jake]

condoms, semiautomatic weapons, and several bottles of vodka


along with the obvious:
-bottled water
-many many batteries for your
-radio &
-flashlight
-extra clothes
-blankets
-vodka
-first-aid supplies (a whole separate list by itself)
-tire iron (no particular reason, you just never know when you will need a good tire iron)
-oh yeah, and non-perishable food

Cynic, you forgot to mention vodka. ;)

[EvilGhandi]

Re: epinepherin.

I dont know about individual state laws but there is an inhalable form that is perfectly legal to possess called Primatene mist.

Perhaps one of our resident phisicians can comment on how effective it would be in treating severe allergic reactions.

[picunurse]

Don't forget that if the power and water go out, you have quite a lot of water in your house already: Your hot water tank probably has between 25 and 50 gallons of potable water in it. Close all your water valves to prevent contaminated water from coming in, and you've got a good supply of drinking water to last you a long time. If you're in a cold climate, and worried that with the power out the water will freeze in the tank, then use the relief valve to drain water into pots, pans, etc.

Likewise, your toilet tanks have between 3 and 5 gallons of water each in them. Don't drink it, but it's usable for washing, cleaning, etc.

If you get some warning that the water might go out, you can even use your bathtub as a reservoir. Put the drain plug in, then duct tape over it (most drain plugs leak). Fill the tub with water, and you've got a good supply.

I'm also tempted to buy one of those camel-back water holders. If you have to get out of town quickly, say in the case of a terrorist attack, having one of those could be priceless. Plus, they're very usable for hiking, camping, biking, etc.
It seems we're preparing for different disasters. In the Seattle scenario, there would be no house. It might just fall down, or it could be swallowed by liquefaction (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/image_glossary/liquefaction.html).
Earthquake is our most realistic threat here. We don't get hurricanes or tornados (ok, one in a while, but they're little). Our house is on high ground, and not near a slipable slope. If we get 4 inches of snow in a winter, we think we've been transported to Alaska.
Getting anywhere would not be an option, for example, my husband works 17 bridges and overpasses from home. He estimates it would take him 3 days to walk home. That's if he didn't run into something he couldn't climb over or creep under. (like looters)
Since the Seattle infrastructure is ill prepared for "The Big One" we figured we should be.

[Muffin]

Where I live (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada), we are relatively safe (having said that, I am expecting a sperm whale to drop out of the sky on me any second now). Although anything might happen to a few homes or neighbourhoods, about the only major catastrophes that we face as a city are winter weather and train derailments.

It is not unusual for one or more of the roads out to town to be closed for a day or two due to winter storms (there is only one road east, one road west, and one road south, and the one road north dead-ends at a rail line), and it is not unusual to lose power for a few days due to winter storms. It is quite conceivable that we could be both cut off and lose power for an extended period. That would cause great inconvenience, but I doubt if anyone would die, for we have the ability locally to handle this sort of problem.

As a port, we have significant rail yards. There is always the possibility of a derailment releasing toxic fumes (just think of Mississauga in 1979). I do not think we would do well if suddenly we all had to flee the city, for there are too few roads for a sudden and massive exodus.

If there were a combination of severe winter storm and toxic train derailment (a scenario that can reasonably be envisioned), the effects could be very serious. One cannot flee chlorine gas if one is having to dig one’s way out of one’s home, or if one is waiting to be dug out by neighbours who themselves are fleeing.

As far as personal preparedness goes, I’m into wilderness canoeing and backcountry skiing, so being self supporting for extended periods without a roof over my head, and being able to travel without motors, even at –40, is no big deal. I suppose I ought to purchase a gas mask and some filters.

[kiffa]

My family and I live in an area well-known for civil unrest. Folks don't go looking for Americans, but we have had several "hunker downs" where we couldn't leave the compound. Usually you have a little while to get prepared so this is what I stock up when tensions mount.

Our compound has a high, barb wire brick fence that's about ten feet high.

We have a huge generator and fuel tank that probably would cover a couple of days. The fuel level is topped off.

We have guardians who are linked to a guard service by radio.

Satellite telephone in case the cellphone system goes out.

About a weeks worth of rice, beans, some canned goods like tuna, chicken.

Bottled water for a couple of days. A bathtub filled with city water. A pool filled with more water if necessary. [Bleach usually used for cleaning veggies but can be used to make water potable].

All cars are topped off ie full gas tanks.

We have a fairly extensive book, video and DVD library; everyone has a their own computer, there are xboxes, ipods etc. to keep three teens entertained. There is also some exercise equipment.

If I hear gunshots: we close all the security grills, close drapes, instruct folks to stay away from windows. Only once [in another country], did the kids and I have to sit in a dark house, way in the back with lots of mattresses protecting us. That was the only time we have been evacuated from home due to civil disturbances. That was really frightening.

We also have a place in Detroit and funny is that I feel safer at home than here. I usually jump out of bed, mr kiffa trying to grab my hand when I hear guns shots in Detroit. I think New Orleans would have been an absolutely horrific experience

[BiblioCat]

Water's not an issue in this scenario if you have a heat source, since there are huge piles of water in solid form just outside your door, so you're basically looking for a bit of a non-perishable food stockpile (though again, if your freezer stops working, you can just stick stuff on the back porch)....
You'd be amazed at what difficult concept this is for some people.
"Oh, no, three feet of snow and the power's off! We have a fireplace, but no water and the fridge isn't working! Whatever shall we do?" :smack:

[Ragiel]

I have a family member who is allergic to beestings. My sting kit was procured and is possessed legally.

I would have no problem prescribing a couple of epi-pens for a patient who wanted to stash them for emergencies. Your family doctor might agree.

Of course, all states have laws against taking a pen prescribed for yourself and using it on a neighbor who happens to be going into anaphylactic shock. Under emergency conditions, who will keep that in mind? Law-enforcement teams will be even more overloaded than usual.

So, of course, I am stating for the record that it's illegal to share. If you have to, I'm not going to call the cops on you. :D

Ragiel, M.D.

[Ragiel]

Re: epinepherin.

I dont know about individual state laws but there is an inhalable form that is perfectly legal to possess called Primatene mist.

Perhaps one of our resident phisicians can comment on how effective it would be in treating severe allergic reactions.


Primatene mist delivers 0.22 mg of epinephrine per dose, as opposed to 0.3 for an adult epi-pen and 0.15 for the junior strength. Absorption through the lung capillaries should be as fast as the subcutaneous ones.

Problems: if the victim is not accustomed to using an inhaler, it may not be easy to get the full amount into the lungs, and if the reaction is compromising breathing, it may be impossible.

And, with the current hysteria over possible misuse of epi and pseudoepi products, the store may refuse to stock or sell it even if it remains legal. Both federal and state laws may apply as well. In MI, the Walgreen stores have restricted OTC Claritin-D to 15 tablets per day because of their pseudoepinephrine content. That's their choice; other stores make the tablets slightly more available. Another thing to check out ahead of time.

Ragiel, M.D.

[BiblioCat]

Of course, all states have laws against taking a pen prescribed for yourself and using it on a neighbor who happens to be going into anaphylactic shock. Under emergency conditions, who will keep that in mind?
I'm a volunteer EMT in Maryland and we're not allowed to carry them on our volunteer medic units. IIRC, the paid paramedics carry them, and can administer them, but we can't even carry them. I can administer a patient's own Epi-pen in case of emergency, though.

[Broomstick]

So either you've got Epi-Pens laying around in your emergency shelter kit that are A) legally prescribed and B) not expired ( according to the Pharmacist I just spoke with, their shelflife is roughly 12-18 months), or you might need to just cross epinephrine off that list.
From personal experience - it's not that hard to get a script for one of these. Then again, I have kick-butt allergies.

Benadryl, as I mentioned in my list, is a reasonable substitute and is an over-the-counter medication readily available in most if not all states in the USA.
Except it doesn't work nearly as fast.

If you have severe allergies the Epi-pen can't be beat, but yes, the Benedryl works for everyone. A pharmacist co-worker told me a couple years ago that the children's "fast melt" tablets get into your system faster, but I have no way to confirm this, and don't take it as medical advice.

[Broomstick]

Primatene mist delivers 0.22 mg of epinephrine per dose, as opposed to 0.3 for an adult epi-pen and 0.15 for the junior strength. Absorption through the lung capillaries should be as fast as the subcutaneous ones.
[Johnny Carson] I did not know that [/Johnny Carson]

Huh.

Problems: if the victim is not accustomed to using an inhaler, it may not be easy to get the full amount into the lungs, and if the reaction is compromising breathing, it may be impossible.
Very good point.

But what you're saying is that what's in Primatene Mist is what's in an epi-pen, just a different dose and means of delivery?

[Cartooniverse]

I'm a (relatively new) beekeeper and have been told by others in our beekeeping club that you can go to your doctor and tell them you want to have a pen on hand in case anyone gets stung on your property and they don't have their own pen. If this is true (I haven't tried to do so yet, but should) could you explain your need to your doctor and get a prescription for one?

-rainy

Good question. State laws vary wildly, of course. In NY State where I live, I can tell you that you have to have a prescription. Furthermore, there are a few very specific exceptions to the prescription law and they are covered by NYS DOH ( Department of Health ) statutes. I can't find the code numbahs, but here is what they allow:

Licensed summer camps may be sold Epi-Pens. The camp nurse ( always a licensed R.N. ) keeps it under lock and key. He/She dispenses it. Quickly of course. :)

Ambulance corps' that are State Certified ( look for the large NYS DOH blue sticker showing they are a State Certified EMS Provider ) may get Epi-Pens. They obtain them from their Medical Control Director- usually the head of the E.D. in a local hospital. That Dr. prescribes a set amount of Epi-Pens, which are kept locked in the ambulance till such time as they are needed. Periodically they are returned to the hospital, accounted for and fresh ones are prescribed and dispense.

In Gawjah, you may well be allowed to obtain an Epi-Pen over the counter, or by going to a Dr. and asking for one as you have described. It's surely worth a shot. If anyone's gonna be bitten, it's beekeepers. However in NYS, you have to have a Dr. know that you yourself are in danger of anaphylaxic response to the allergin exposure of a bee sting. Or, for that matter, the panoply of other allergins out there that cause anaphylaxis. Right off the top of my head, I can cite peanuts, sesame oil, shellfish, seafood in general, dairy and strawberries . These are all from personal experience either as an EMT seeing reactions or from family members who suffer.

The sesame oil was scary. Long before I was an EMT, I used to self-inject allergy shots. With the vials came a vial of epinephrine, in case for some odd reason I went into anaphylaxis after self-injecting. A few doors down was a pal and his girlfriend. He KNEW he was dangerously allergic to sesame. He ordered a gyro, and asked for yoghurt sauce. Instead they put on tahini. He got home, unwrapped and took a big bite. He spit it out but that didn't matter. His gf called me in a panic. I told her to call 911 and I called my allergist, who advised me/ gave me permission to use the entire vial of epinephrine on my buddy. Within 2 minutes I was at their door, needle and vial in hand. Shot him full of it, ambulance arrived maybe 4 or 5 min later.

The ER nurse informed me I saved his life. By the time the ambulance showed up, his airway would have swollen shut. -sigh- Scary stuff, allergins.

An item I'd add to the kits folks are listing ( trying to respect the OP a little bit here :D ). Solar powered battery chargers. They exist, Campmor sells them. They supply enough to charge one or two small batteries. Enough for a cel phone, and/or a radio or walkie-talkie. After a storm or other emergency passes, it might well be the best way to insure you have outside communications. Battery operated CB radio might be a good thing too- they're ALWAYS monitored and do not require Cellular towers to function.

[Kozmik]

Here (http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html) are the recomendations of the American Red Cross.

[StarvingButStrong]

One thing that always bothers me about the whole idea of being well-prepped for a disaster is what you should do, or could bring yourself to do, when your unprepared neighbors start to come around. A 'ten day supply' of food for your family of two pretty much vanishes if twenty other people need to eat, but how can you refuse to share? Could you ever face them again afterwards?

And as far as guns and self defense, it's one thing to shoot at an unknown 'looter', another when it's the guy from down the block who gave you a jump start last winter. :(


Luckily, some things are more sharable than others. Around here, the most likely disaster is the winter storm/no power scenario. If that strikes, there's no reason not to let the neighbors in. Heck, the more warm bodies the better. And it takes a looooong time for lack of food to turn into a real problem.

Anecdote: we actually had a trial run of this situation, in a minor way (power restored in a little under two days) when I was a teenager. As it happened, we were one of only a couple of houses in the neighborhood that had a gas stove, so we had four families come over to join us. They brought along food and blankets, we cooked rather exotic improvised 'stews' out of the assortment, and everyone sat around telling stories and playing games.

We kids thought it was the greatest 'campout' ever. I remember that the main floor -- where everybody stayed -- was so warm we never had to use the fireplace.