go bags

We had an earthquake in the Bay Area recently. A little reminder to keep emergency supplies up to date. I like the recommendation to keep a go bag under your bed. This should have everything you want to grab and go so you aren’t hunting around for stuff. Looking around the internet reveals items that often do not show up on the Standard Lists.

* Emergency information like credit card numbers and telephone numbers, insurance policy numbers and insuror telephone numbers, health insurance ID numbers.
* Spare ID, cash and a spare credit card.
* First aid kit (and take a course in first aid).
* A pair of good shoes like running shoes and socks
* A hat.
* A rescue blanket–one of those mylar thingies to keep warm. (Plus maybe a set of clothes.)
* Three days worth of food. If in cans, make sure the cans have pop tops or pack a can opener. Sterno and matches (if you want to heat stuff). Camping pot?
* Three days worth of water. You can survive three days without food, but you have to have water. Note that the plastic in bottled water degenerates and you need to replace them.
* Flashlights and batteries.
* Radio with a power generator
* Spare cell phone and generator
* Whistle and pocket mirror to call for help.
* Maps and a compass in case you need to walk/bike out. Consider topo maps.
* Duct tape.
* A Leatherman all purpose tool or such like. Knife.
* Hiking stick/pry bar.
* Toilet paper.
* Little cloth towel
* Plastic bags like freezer bags and trash bags. In case you become one of those homeless people for awhile. Might as well look the part.

The go bag should be checked at least once a year and food and batteries replaced, the information updated. This bag has stuff for a mish-mash of contingencies where I might hang around for awhile or where I decide to try to hike out. Some of it might be frivolous, like the little cloth towel, but it doesn’t take much room and might make life a little more pleasant. A problem is prescription medicines. You need a supply but you want to keep it fresh too.

Your family should have a plan, of course. Keep ICE (In Case of Emergency) information available for emergency crews. On your cell phone, the ICE entry tells them who to call. Keep an ICE entry on your refrigerator as well. I think it also helps them if you tell them how many people live in the house/apartment and what kind of pets you have.