EASY BK DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Australia
EMERGENCY 'GO BAG' PLANNING: WHAT IS A GO BAG AND WHY DO I NEED ONE
The primary purpose of a GO BAG (bug-out bag) is to allow you to evacuate quickly, for a short period of time, if a disaster should strike. It is therefore prudent to gather into a single place all of the materials and supplies that might be required to do this, such as a bag or a few storage containers.
The recommendation that a bug-out bag contain enough supplies for 72 hours arises from advice from organizations responsible for disaster relief and management that it may take them up to 72 hours to reach people affected by a disaster and offer help.
The bag's contents may vary according to the region of the user, as someone evacuating from the path of a hurricane may have different supplies from someone who lives in an area prone to blizzards, earthquakes, or wildfires.
In addition to allowing one to survive a disaster evacuation, a bug-out bag may also be used when sheltering in place as a response to emergencies such as blackouts, house fires, cyclones, and other severe natural disasters.
You should keep your kit in a handy location, in a container or bag (water proof) that's big enough to add extra items when you're responding to a specific disaster. From JAN: It is a good idea to keep this hidden in your car, so that you can GO at any time.
Some survivalists also recommend keeping a get me home kit in the car and/or at work. This is a kit to enable a person to get back home from work in an emergency where all transport cars and public transport have broken down. It is designed around personal circumstances where, for example, a walk of 25 kilometres might be required from work to home.
The get me home kit can include, for example, enough water to get home, suitable walking shoes, a map (not electronic), enough food for 12 hours, clothing for adverse weather, etc.
Some basic items to include:
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Battery-powered or wind-up or solar-powered radio
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Waterproof torch, spare batteries for all devices or wind-up or solar-powered.
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First aid kit and guide book
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Toiletries including soap, handwash gels, alcohol wipes, toilet paper, tissues, toothpaste and sanitary items
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Cash (in small notes) and a phone card
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Woollen blankets, warm jacket and gloves.
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Candles with waterproof matches or glow sticks
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Drinking water - consider having minimum of 3 litres per person per day.
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Dried and long-life food to last 7 days, include a can opener and utensils
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Waterproof bags for valuable items and documents
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Copies of essential documents such as prescriptions, drivers license and insurance details or a USB stick with scanned copies. JAN: I keep a list of medications/medical records on a USB stick attached you my key ring and a spare copy in my hand bag (it has come in handy many times).
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Your written bushfire, cyclone, flood or emergency survival plan, including contact numbers of family or neighbours.Include family photos in case someone gets separated.
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Items of protective clothing suitable for likely emergencies in your area such as long-sleeved natural-fibre shirts for bushfire areas, protective footwear or rubber boots in flood areas.
If you need to relocate, include:
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Prescription medications and pain killers.
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Toiletries and a change of clothes
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Mobile phone charger – some wind-up or solar-powered torches.
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ATM cards and credit cards
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Important documents or valuables including passports, wills, photos, jewellery, insurance papers or mementoes (FROM JAN: make sure your GO bag is waterproof and good quality).
Don't forget people with special needs in your family:
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Mobility aids, Nappies and supplies for infants. Encourage children to pack their favourite toy, colouring books, pens and pencils, cards or board games. Items to keep your pets comfortable including a leash, basket, travelling cage and a familiar toy.
Stomach medications are essential – anti diarrhoea pills and constipation medications, these conditions be life threatening conditions. Gastro, and other stomach upsets are common during a disaster, have plenty.
Also, have a dental first aid kit.
Also, Super glue and liquid bandages. Garbage bags. Photos
of your loved ones in case you get separated. Cable ties come in handy. Protein – Whey protein packs. A head light/torch. Extra water storage - water in reusable bottles.
A knife sharpener.
NOTE: I’m currently researching DUST MASKS/RESPIRATORS to see which one is needed in case of an epidemic like swine flu or chemical warfare. I’ve been told Army Surplus Stores may be a good place or RSEA 132 100 or 3M 136 126.
AUSTRALIAN GO BAG WEBSITES: Purchase from a reputable website.
http://www.survivalsuppliesaustralia.com.au/prepackaged-emergency-kits.php
http://australianpreppers.com.au/whats-in-australian-preppers-bug-out-bag/
Youtube Video:
What is in my Bug Out (Go Bag)
- 72 hour BOB Bag
JAN - I also have a ‘Lifestraw’ It purifies water and has won awards.
See lifestraw.com for a full description and varieties available.
You can purchase ready made Bug
Out Bags (Go bags) but some do not have everything that you may need,
so do your own research. It may be
is cheaper to make your own.