I thought it may be fun and educational for us to share what we keep in our go kits for times of emergency. The photo below shows my pack supplies laid out (minus my small pharmaceutical supply and self-defense items) for readers to see.
This particular kit is for the urban environment I live in and includes some medical supplies. I would love to see what others have based upon their circumstances and skill sets.
My contents include: Toilet paper, fire starting supplies, drinking water filter straw, multiple survival blankets and garbage bags, rope, strap, flashlight, portable phone charger, change of clothes, waterproof coat, hand warmers, medical supplies, all weather writing pen, emergency food bars and eating utensils.
Let’s see what you’re packing!
Solar chargers for smartphone
Hand cranked AN,FM,Weather radio/phone charger
‘Power packs’ for phone
Multiple plug adapter and extension cord (in some deployments power outlets are at premium; in one site I plugged in behind a fridge, the available outlet being the only one not discovered by others)
Sanitizing gel and wipes
Extra batteries for flashlight and anything else needing them
Quick dry towel/wash cloth
Laundry soap
I suggest you add a charging cord for the phone, medical information and cash. Sooner or later you will be back in civilization or some semblance thereof.
I keep my emergency kit (stored in a large red rubbermade bin) near my camping, hiking, and hunting gear, since it’s all related. This gives me a modular ability to easily access what I need and keeps it all easy to carry in the event my family and I have to leave. Since much of the gear I would use during austere conditions is the same as what I would use for camping or a long hike, I stay proficient with the gear every time I camp – and it gives me an opportunity to ensure my family is familiar with the gear also.
Hand crank and/or solar powered radios are great, a military style folding shovel, and fire sources can be essential. I also pack a multitude of garbage bags, zip top bags, and straps, as you will always find a use for these. I’ve also photo copied all of our identification, credit cards, and other essential information.
TR
Not a complete list, but I keep a headlamp and bug lite instead of flashlight(s). Light sticks to illuminate common areas (hallway, porta-potti, outhouse, etc) at night. Duck tape. Zip ties. Microfiber towel. Bandanna, Multi-tool, trauma shears, and hemostat. Leather sewing awl. Small tarp. Hand sanitizer. Consider a flash drive with important information. Book or cards. I also have a small compressable pillow and light weight sleeping bag in my go bag.
Hope I can add to this, the Red Cross radio is solar powered , it has jacks for phones and torch etc , can be plugged in as well.it kept a whole Relief Centre on mobiles once.
Before you go somewhere inform someone, a friend or register with Red Cross in an emergency, or a park ranger if camping. Perhaps use a USB, or a CD to copy all photos, insurance details ,passwords, Dr’s Nos,spec scripts, medical scripts details, ID etc, too many to mention, and send these details to a solicitor or trusted family member. Perhaps allergy or medical advise should be easily seen on a bracelet , canned food , electrolytes, changes of clothes, blankets, the family’s history . … Too many things to list. Take an epi pen
Water sterization tabs. Listen to the latest news in the area . Follow advise in an emergency
Read all Emergency agencies web sites for tips . If it is just a trip and not an emergency do not go if you are sick or compromised
. cheers sandy