Long Range Patrol entrees

My kids are in a competitive swim club and have practice every night of the week.  It makes dinner time really, really crazy because I have two choices: do I serve dinner at 4:30 every afternoon or wait until they get home and have dinner at 7:30?  I’ve decided to serve dinner later in the evening, and last night I decided to do something I’ve never done before.  I served them a military-grade Long Range Patrol entree.

I didn’t make this decision lightly.  The Freeze Dry Guy had sent me a sample package of their newest military-grade meals, called Long Range Patrol entrees (LRP), and I was amazed to find out just how delicious they were.  There are  8 varieties of these LRPs: beef stew, turkey tetrazzini, spaghetti with meat sauce, chili mac with beef, chicken and rice, western eggs with ham, seafood chowder, and scrambled eggs with bacon.  I tried the stew, tetrazzini, spaghetti, chili mac, and chicken.

No one expects this type of food to be delicious but the chili mac with beef was just as good as my homemade recipe.  Seriously!  I had two packets of turkey tetrazzini, and that’s what I served my family for dinner, along with a spinach salad.  My husband initially refused to taste the LRP entree, but one bite later, he was a convert!  He ate two huge servings.  My son asked if he could eat the leftovers for breakfast the next day.  I sat back in amazement.  How could an entree, planned and prepared for the military, be so good that it could be served at a family’s dinner table?

Well, I don’t know all the voodoo magic that went into formulating these meals, but here’s what I like about them as an addition to my food storage pantry:

1. They really do taste good.  Every entree was delicious.
2. They are very compact at about 3″ x 2.5″ x 4.5″.  A half dozen or so would fit easily in a bug out bag.
3. Preparation time takes 10 minutes, plus the time to heat up 16 ounces of hot water.
4. There are enough flavor choices to suit just about anyone, including two breakfast entrees.
5. Each LRP weighs less than 5 ounces.
6. One entree could easily feed two people.
7. These are an outstanding option for singles and couples who aren’t sure they want to stock up on #10 cans of freeze-dried entrees.
8. They taste fresher than most of the MREs I’ve tried.
9. For just $40, you can buy a Sample Unit.

I know that the supply of these at FreezeDryGuy.com is limited.  Click on “Limited Stock” in the left sidebar to see what’s available.

© 2012, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

His speech is well worth watching, but one gem he casually mentioned was the website, Minimus.biz This website specializes in the sale of all things miniature that you might need, including pocket-size duct tape and a miniature packet of my best friend, Nutella!  You’ll find tiny packets of condiments, salad dressings, water purifier, body lotion, and first aid supplies.  I guarantee this is a one-stop shop for many of the items you want in any emergency kit.

© 2011, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

I suppose I could pitch in on a new iPad for his graduation gift, but the poor kid has The Survival Mom for an aunt!  He’s getting his own well-equipped survival kit, which is actually a pretty thoughtful gift for any graduate.

I started out with the Roll and Go Survival Kit on Wheels from Survival-Goods.com.  A pre-made survival kit is a good place to start, but I recommend customizing it for your own needs.  My nephew’s car isn’t always reliable, so I want to make sure his kit includes a high-quality tow rope, just in case.  In an emergency, he may not have money with him, so as a special treat, I’m including a wad of cash and a roll of quarters.  My motto, “Cash is King!”, is more true during a crisis than at any other time.  A kid stranded without the means to buy gas, a meal, or a night at a hotel could be in big trouble, fast.

Of course you can always make a survival kit from the ground up.  Take into consideration which type of container will suit your graduate best.  A rolling bag is a good choice, especially if it includes backpack straps.  For others, a backpack might be enough, and if the grad will be doing a lot of driving, a larger bin could hold the basic supplies along with a sleeping bag, a one-person tent, and a small campstove.

You can download lists of ideas for packing a survival kit here and here.

In a sense, this survival kit may become a replacement parent, ready with necessities and comfort items in an emergency.  You’ll feel a little better knowing your grad is equipped for survival.

© 2011, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

image by chidorian

The contest is now closed, but go on ahead and read about these great survival/preparedness products!

Today is my birthday, and we have some fun family plans, but I’m just as excited about giving away a massive number of great Radio Shack survival products!  Now, pay attention because in order to enter the giveaway and have a chance of winning is to let me know which product you want and why.

The Blackout Buddy

First, I have three Blackout Buddies to give away.  These are cute, white emergency LED flashlights that plug into any electrical socket which not only keeps the flashlight charged but at night, it serves as a nightlight.  When there’s a power failure or blackout, it automatically lights up.  These would be great placed in a hallway, a child’s room, or a master bedroom.  They would also be an excellent addition to the home of a senior citizen, providing a nightlight and an easy-to-find and always-charged flashlight.  A donation is made to American Red Cross with each purchase.

The ICON Flashlight Rogue 2

The next product is already popular in my house, and I have two to give away.  It’s the ICON Flashlight Rogue 2 .  This is a smaller size flashlight with an intense LED light and an “aerospace grade” aluminum case.  It offers hi and low lighting levels (100/10 lumens) and is very well designed.  An oversized rubber O-ring washer provides a water-resistant light.  Simply put, it’s just a very well designed flashlight that offers all the features recommended by survival experts.  I think it’s just the right size to keep in the car, an outside pocket of a backpack, or even your purse.

The Enercell Portable Power Bank

My very favorite product of the batch, I think, is the Enercell Portable Power Bank.  I’ve been using this for two weeks and so appreciate having a charge for my cell phone, even when I’m far away from a charger or electrical outlet.  Here is how the Enercell works.  I plug it into my laptop computer via its USB port, and when I see four green lights on the indicator, the power bank is fully charged.  Its lithium battery loses only about 5% of the original charge each month, so it’s ideal for keeping in a Bug Out Bag or 72 Hour Kit.  I’ve been keeping the charged Enercell in my computer bag so I always have a way to recharge my phone no matter where I am.

I have two models to give away.  One is designed specifically for iPod and iPhones only, and the other adds some adapters so it can be used to charge mp3 players, a digital camera, and other phones that have either a mini USB or micro USB outlet.  This second model also comes with an Apple® cable.  If you want one of these Enercells, let me know if you want one that is iPod/iPhone only or the one that can charge multiple electronics.  THIS IS IMPORTANT because I’d really hate to send you one that only functions with iPod/IPhone if you don’t own those products.  These Enercells retail for either $29.99 (iPod/iPhone) or $49.99 for the one with the Apple cable and the additional adapters.  I have several of these to give away!

The Radio Shack Desktop Weather Radio with SAME Alerts

Finally, I’m giving away one RadioShack® Desktop Weather Radio with SAME Alerts.  SAME stands for Specific Area Message Encoding.  When you enter your zip code, you’ll receive weather-related warnings and announcements.  This could be a huge advantage during a severe weather situation, because this radio will deliver local warnings a few minutes earlier than TV and radio warnings, giving you more time to prepare.   It has an AM/FM radio and an alarm clock feature.  This radio retails for $79.99.

OK, I’m giving all these away on Monday, March 28 and will announce the winners on my Facebook page and email them individually.

Which product do you want to win and why?

Oh, and good luck!

© 2011, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

image by DoubleM2

Your 72 Hour Kit, Bug Out Bag, Get Home Bag, or whatever you want to call it might be as fully equipped as can be, but if you haven’t covered the Five S’s, it may fall short just when you need it most.

Sanitation

In a crisis, sanitation and general cleanliness may be the last thing on people’s minds, and that’s just what evil microbes love to hear!  Make sure every kit has hand sanitizer, a supply of toilet paper, a small bottle of cleaning solution, and the like.

Sustenance

Food, not-so-glorious food must be included in every kit, including one you have prepared for your pets.  It’s important to pack the food in such a way that it doesn’t attract vermin and provide a breeding ground for bacteria while it’s waiting to be eaten.  Check out this list for plenty of suggestions, and be aware of the storage temperature your food will experience.  Remember, colder is better.

Survival

Think water, shelter, warmth/fire, and first aid.  Add a signaling device or two for good measure and pack a good First Aid handbook.  You’ll need a source of light, headlamps are my own personal favorite, and extra batteries.  Other necessities are a good knife, walking shoes with socks, duct tape, and an emergency radio.  You can find a more extensive list here.

Security

Nothing beats a loaded firearm with an extra magazine or two, but that might not be your preference.  At the very least have on hand some pepper spray.  One of my best friends from high school used to keep a baseball bat near the front seat of her car, at her father’s insistence.  Whatever you choose, know exactly where it is at all times.  A list of emergency phone numbers and addresses is another good idea as well as copies of your identification, your Concealed Carry permit if you have one, and anything else you might need to prove your identity, such as an employee ID.

Sanity

If you are slowly being driven crazy by your set of circumstances, including your kids, sanity-saving items are a must.  These might include a journal and pencil, a Bible, a deck of cards, a battery powered fan, foam ear plugs, and a book or two.  Never underestimate the importance of a healthy state of mind!  That’s what will keep your decisions sound and your reactions within the range of normal.

© 2010, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

I have one of these, too.

My vehicle emergency kit is (excessively) well-stocked, but I’ve realized that some emergencies might require us to abandon the Tahoe and get to safety on foot.  In that case, we would have to leave nearly everything behind, including items that might be life-saving.  The two nylon bags I’ve stuffed in a corner of my kit can expand to hold an awful lot of stuff and take up only the tiniest bit of space.

It sure wouldn’t hurt to have one of these in each 72 Hour Kit or Bug Out Bag, just in case.

In the likelihood that we aren’t facing an emergency but a family vacation that has ended up in way too many take-home souvenirs, we’ll be ready for that, too!

(The Kiva Duffel Bag that is pictured here is just like the one my mom gave me as a stocking stuffer one year.  Little did she realize she was helping her paranoid daughter prepare for an emergency!)

© 2010, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

image by Beth Rankin

While doing some research for a future blog post, I came across a document produced by the Ohio State University Extension office.  An awful lot of people have been experiencing power outages due to storms and flooding, and suddenly find themselves wondering, “What are we going to eat now that the power is out?”

This pdf document, “Eating nutritiously when the lights are out“, provides three daily menus and a list of kitchen tools to have on hand.  What I like best is that these same food ideas can be used to stock emergency kits, 72 Hour Bags, and the like.  The work of figuring out interesting meals has already been done for you.  The menu pages are definitely worth printing out and filing away in your Survival Mom binder.  Bon appetit!

© 2010, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

image by emrank

that makes water purification easier than ever.

The SteriPEN uses ultraviolet (UV) rays to kill waterborne microbes in seconds by simply stirring a liter of water with its’ wand.  Hospitals have used this technology for years, but this handy tools puts the same effective process in our hands.  I tried the SteriPEN Adventurer and was impressed by its’ compact size.  It’s pretty amazing that something that weighs less than four ounces can be so powerful.  For campers, hikers, and travelers, it’s hard to beat something that can purify water from streams, a lake, or even the hotel water in a third-world country!  The price isn’t bad, either.  The basic unit costs a little over $60.

What a great find for purifying a baby bottle of water or stashing in a Bug Out Bag or 72 Hout Kit!  It sure beats trying to plan multiple ways to boil water or remembering how many drops of bleach will purify a gallon of water.  Those are both good back-up plans, as are larger filters such as the Berkey, but for something portable, affordable, and efficient, the SteriPEN is a great choice.

© 2010, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

image by Alan Vernon

Soccer moms, football moms, cheerleading moms, whatever they call us, “chauffeur” better describes what we, Survival Moms, do every day.  In my world, it’s not unusual to have a kid’s dentist appointment, a field trip, and a swim meet all on the same day, transported by our trusty Tahoe.  Now, if that Tahoe ever broke down or for some reason we couldn’t get home as planned, what would we do?

My answer is the Vehicle 72 Hour Kit.   If you were well and truly stuck somewhere, this Kit could see you and your family through at least 72 hours.  That’s three days.  It wouldn’t be luxurious living, that’s for sure, but it would be survival, and that’s what we’re talking about here.

I consider the Vehicle 72 Hour Kit to be an essential part of being prepared for emergencies.

To get started on your own Vehicle 72 Hour Kit, you’ll need some type of container that will fit in the back of your  minivan or SUV or in the trunk of your car.  I chose a Rubbermaid clear plastic bin, the type that is designed to fit under beds.  It’s the perfect width for our vehicle, and I like the fact that I can see what’s inside.  It also holds a lot.

The typical 72 Hour Kit, sometimes called a Bug-Out Bag, is stored at home and ready to grab as you run out the door in case of an evacuation.  Since we’re building a Kit for your vehicle, we want it filled with items we’ll need if stranded somewhere.

You can find numerous lists online of what should be in a 72 Hour Kit, but since I’m a mom, and I pretty much always have the kids with me, my own list is a little different.  Here’s what I’ve packed.  A lot of these items are available through The Ready Store, and I’ve included links.

Sanitation (With kids, you just have to start here.)

• A 4-pack of toilet paper, flattened   (Take the center cardboard tube out to make it as flat as possible.  Can hardly imagine civilized life without toilet paper.)
• Baby wipes
• Small box of Kleenex
• Hand sanitizer
• Bar of soap
• Clorox wipes (Germs never take a vacation.)
• A few plastic grocery bags stuffed into another grocery bag
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Tampons/feminine protection (With my luck…   :::sigh:::)
• paper towels

Sustenance (Kids will quickly panic if they think you’re out of food, but whatever you pack, make sure it’s something your kids will eat.)

• Beef jerky or something similar
• Trail mix
• Shelled sunflower seeds
• Small cans of food, such as fruit, ravioli, tuna
• Protein bars and granola bars
• High calorie energy bars  (Handle these with care.  High energy may be the last thing your kids need!)
• Hard candies (Offer a prize for whoever can make their Lifesaver last the longest!)
• Packets for flavoring water
• Can opener, unless all your cans have a pop-top
• Plastic forks, spoons and knives, one set per person.  (Check out this handy set at PamperedChef.)

Entertainment (After everyone has eaten and gone to the bathroom, then what??)

• A read-aloud book  ( Should be something entertaining for the whole family with plenty of chapters.  I packed Journey to the Center of the Earth and Charlotte’s Web.)
• Small Bible  (This is more for my own sanity than that of the kids!)
• Paper and pens/pencils
• Deck of cards.  (Think “War”, “Go Fish” and math flashcards.  If you’re stranded for very long, your kids will invent their own games!)
• Single-use digital camera   (Not only good for entertainment, but it might come in handy to document your emergency situation.)
• Small binoculars
• Sharpie   (Drawing fake mustaches on each other should keep the kids busy for a couple of minutes, and you’ll be grateful for this if you have to leave a note on your vehicle.)
• Glo-sticks  (Great value:  entertainment and emergency light in one!)
• Ibuprofen  (For me.)
• Ear plugs  (Again, for me.)

Hard-Core Survival

• Emergency blankets 
• Fleece blankets  (Cheapest way to get these?  Buy two yards of any fleece print at a fabric store.  Instant blanket.  Bulky, but can be stowed beneath a seat.)
• Light sources  (Headlamps are worth their weight in gold, but also have a traditional flashlight or two.  These can be stored in a glove compartment or other niche in your vehicle.)
• Rain ponchos
• Duct tape 
• Hand and foot warmers  (Small, stashable)
• Rope  (Check out brand name Paracord for top quality.)
• Knife  (A cheapie pocket knife is better than nothing, but you’ll be grateful if you pack something sturdier.)
• Battery/solar-powered emergency radio
• Ground cover (I packed two large heavy-duty plastic tablecloths.)
• Work gloves
• Extra batteries for anything battery powered in your Kit
• Umbrella
• Waterproof matches
• Whistle
• Water purification tablets
• Small portable water filter
• Mirror for signaling
• Small, sturdy shovel  (Check out a collapsible shovel if space is tight.)
• Two heavy duty black trash bags
• An emergency radio  (If your car battery is dead, you’ll have no way of keeping up with weather reports or road updates.)

Medical Emergencies (With kids, need I say more?)

• Basic First Aid Kit from Wal-Mart, price $9
• Children’s pain relief medication and dispenser
• Adult pain relief medication
• QuickClot (This product quickly stops bleeding in the case of a serious wound.)
• Benadryl
• Aspirin
• Small bottle of bleach
• Thermometer
• Sunblock
• Medical gloves and face masks
• Tweezers
• First Aid reference book
• Super Glue

Miscellaneous

• Ziploc-style bags  (Just store some of your items in different sized bags so you’ll have them already packed.)
• Rubber bands
• A bungee cord or two
• A cell phone charger.  Unless you know that you know there’s one elsewhere in the car.
• Comb/hairbrush
• Small scissors
• Sewing kit
• Cloth sheet
• A couple of compact nylon bags and a nylon backpack  (If we have to leave our vehicle, we’ll need something for carrying our supplies.)
• Money in small bills, along with plenty of change  (If nothing else, this will help greatly with bribing your children to be nice to each other!)

In addition to storing things in the plastic bin, I took a long, hard look at the Tahoe to find other nooks and crannies where I could put additional supplies.  A large city map book, along with maps of neighboring states, is in a back seat pocket, and there are two Gymboree baby blankets rolled up and stored beneath the back seat.

I also have several 2-liter bottles filled with water stashed beneath the back seat.  I’m not so sure the water/plastic bottle/heat is a good combination, so when we leave the house, I always make sure we have a handful of fresh water bottles with us.  However, if the stored water was all we had, we’d drink it until we could get fresh water.  Even if we don’t drink the stored water, it can be used for washing grubby hands and faces.

It’s recommended to have a gallon of water on hand per person, per day.  It would be pretty difficult to keep that much water stored in your vehicle.   One option, in addition to the 2-liter bottles, is a 5-gallon collapsible water bottle or two.

What about a change of clothing for each person?  It depends on how much space you have in your Kit and in your vehicle, but a clean shirt, pants, underwear and socks shouldn’t take up too much space.  If you have Space Bags, or something similar, clothing and items like the fleece blankets will take up even less room and can be stored beneath the back seat.

For warmth in extreme cold condition, check out this homemade heater demonstrated by Erich over at Tactical Intelligence.  If you use this, be sure to roll down a window for ventilation.

Finally, not to be a fear-monger, but there’s always the chance you’ll be stranded far from any bathroom facilities.  A 5 or 6 gallon bucket, equipped with a portable potty lid is a big improvement over squatting by the side of the road.  Be sure to include toilet bags and there are even chemicals to have on hand that keep the odors down.

You’ll be surprised by how quickly your own Kit comes together once you get started.  I was able to finish mine in just a day or two.  I actually had most everything on hand already.  You may never need this Vehicle 72 Hour Kit, but I’ll bet it will bring you and your family peace of mind just knowing it’s there.

© 2010, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.

72 Hour Kits, or Bug Out Bags, are those handy-dandy, all-in-one grab bags that, theoretically, could keep you and your family in good shape during a three day emergency.  How well they do their job depends on how well-equipped they are for your family’s particular needs. 

Think of your 72 Hour System as three layers that include kits for each individual, a kit of general items, and a vehicle kit.  With these in place, you’ll be prepared for those first critical hours whenever and wherever they might occur.

Layer 1:  Individual Kits

The first layer of this emergency system is the Individual Kit.  These kits contain clothing, a change of shoes, toiletries, and anything else required by a specific person.  The contents can be packed in any type of bag, preferably something you already have on hand or can pick up at a garage sale.  Some people prefer medium sized duffle bags, and one gal has hers’ packed in a plastic bin.  A variety of containers is probably a good idea to give you more flexibility on your journey.

Think of layers, too, when planning the clothing for each Individual Kit and try to select items that aren’t bulky.  In a nutshell, here is a list of clothing items that would be suitable for most people and situations.

• two short-sleeved cotton knit t-shirts
• one long-sleeved, light-colored cotton knit shirt
• two pairs light-weight pants
• one pair shorts – useful for swimming and as pajamas
• 3 pairs underwear
• an extra bra or two
• 3 pairs socks
• a waterproof, light weight jacket
• shoes – comfortable, practical

I suppose you could worry about color coordinated outfits and accessories if you really want the added stress, but comfort and packability are far more important factors!  Also, since there really is a lot involved with this whole “preparedness” thing, save money by using clothing you already have or can purchase very inexpensively.  Second hand stores are your friend!  Save the cutest, newest things to wear right now!

By the way, Individual Kits for children should be a size and weight they can handle on their own.  Even a preschooler can wear a backpack for a good long while if it’s the right size and isn’t too heavy.  Heck, you could even pack a kit for your dogs with some sort of carrier harness!  In a dire situation, no one gets a free ride!

Speaking of kids, include a few items to provide comfort and entertainment, such as a favorite toy or a lovie of some sort.  Other than taking into consideration the size and weight of an item, I would suggest giving your child plenty of leeway when they make their choice of their comfort item.   A puzzle book, pad of paper, and colored pencils can help keep older kids occupied, and a small bag of hard candy can provide a much-needed treat in a stressful situation.  Audiobooks, along with a portable CD player or iPod take up very little room for the hours of entertainment they provide.  For a few more tips, check out this site.

Speaking of comfort items, what activities do you turn to when you’re stressed out?  Is there something you could pack in your own kit that would help you become centered?  Knitting usually does the trick for me.  When I focus on those tiny stitches, I forget, for a time, everything else around me.  Perhaps your comfort item might be a well-loved book, the Bible, or a journal.  Remember, we have to take care of ourselves in order to help lead our families in good times and bad.

And for your husband?  I know mine would vote for a 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke and a large Butterfinger candy bar for his comfort items, but you just pack whatever will keep your husband in his happy place!

Each person should have either their own canteen or a couple of small water bottles in their kits.  Hopefully, you’ve equipped your vehicle with larger water containers and have those as part of your Family Evacuation Plan, but the small bottles will insure that everyone gets a drink as soon as they’re thirsty, and you, the mom, won’t have to be in charge of handing out drinks.  On a warm day, that could become a part-time job!

The last item for the Individual Kits is a small toiletry bag.  Consider which items are necessary to keep everyone healthy and fresh smelling, and pack those.  Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a hairbrush or comb, and hand sanitizer would provide the basics for most people.  Again, consider personal needs such as contact lens solution and case, a spare pair of glasses, or an inhaler.  The rule of thumb is to pack things most often used by that individual.

Got pets?  Pack a small bag for them as well.  I have complete details here.

Layer 2:  a Family Kit

When I packed my first 72 Hour Kit, I put everything in one large Rubbermaid tub and then had second thoughts when I had to dig through multiple shirts, socks, and cans of beef stew just to reach a bottle of shampoo. 

A separate Family Kit will contain everything else needed by the family as a whole.  Feel free to divide this kit into more than one container.  In fact, one gal uses a plastic garbage can as part of her 72 hour system, and another friend packs blankets and inflatable pillows in a 5-gallon bucket that can double as an emergency toilet.

The Family Kit will contain the majority of your food.  You know what your family will eat and any food allergies, so plan accordingly.  If you pack food that must be warmed up, make sure you include a way to do that.  I purchased a couple of Nu-Wick candles and a folding stove.  I figured that a warm meal is far more satisfying and comforting than eating cold ravioli three days in a row.  A few food items I’ve packed are:

• energy bars
• cans of fruit
• beef jerky
• peanut butter/cracker sandwiches
• cans of beef stew and ravioli
• cookies
• packages of freeze dried meals

You’ll find extensive lists for 72 Hour Kits on the web.  I like the ones here, here and here.  Be sure to not over-pack.  There’s no need for everyone in the family to have a hatchet, for example, unless you’re a family of fire-fighters! 

One family I know of keeps a tent, sleeping bags and a camp stove all packed together and ready to go at a moment’s notice.  They are ready to camp anywhere and, if they ever have to evacuate to a shelter, the tent provides privacy and security for their belongings.

You can buy ready-made kits, but I think making your own is a useful process.  It forces you to take into consideration your family’s unique needs rather than trying to fit your family to a prepackaged product.  Also, by making selections yourself, you’ll be intimately familiar with every item and where it’s located.

Layer 3: Vehicle Kits

With my luck, the worst disaster to hit my city will happen when I’m 30 miles from home on the hottest day of the year!  Some of us busy SurvivalMoms practically live in our vehicles!  It only makes sense to have a few extra supplies in the trunk of our car, just in case.

Check out my articles on Vehicle 72 Hour Kits for details.  I’ve even included separate instructions for a kit to store in your husband’s vehicle.  Remember to make a plan for storing a few gallons of water, either by using 2-liter soda bottles that have been cleaned and refilled with water, collapsible water containers, or something similar.  Regardless of the season, if you’re stranded somewhere in your car, water will be an issue.

Putting all the layers together

One of the final pieces of your preparedness plan is to write out an evacuation plan.  You can find information and examples here.  This step is important because it puts the 72 Hour Kits in motion, literally. 

Your personalized plan will designate who loads the Kits, who will be in charge of pets, and steps for preparing your home for an extended absence.  It’s vital to put this plan in writing, post copies around the house, include a copy in your Survival Mom Binder, and then rehearse your plan.  Only then will you know if everything will fit in your minivan!

It’s a good feeling to know you’re ready for whatever comes.  Chances are, you may never need these 72 Hour Kits, but the problem with emergencies is that they never arrive announced, and that is what makes preparedness a worthy goal.

© 2010, thesurvivalmom. All rights reserved.