subject: Things You Must Take Along During An Emergency Evacuation [print this page] Even without reading a survival guide, you may have been hearing a great deal about emergency kits and bug out kits lately. In fact, the more news of accidents and disasters happening all over the world, the more people are learning about these emergency bags. Emergency bags are meant for hectic situations, or in scenarios wherein there is no time to think and even less time to gather all the things you need to move to a safer place. Some people like to keep these bags near the exit or inside the car so that they're prepared to evacuate at any time.
Tips for Creating Your Emergency Kit
1. Light and Heat Sources
You must always take for granted that you will not have a steady supply of electrical energy if you evacuate your home because of a natural disaster. With this in mind, you can come up with various tactics to provide yourself with lighting and heating equipment. Get battery-operated lamps, watertight matches and flint. Store the batteries and matches in rainproof plastic containers.
2. Ponchos, Jackets and a Change of Clothing
Clothing that protect you from the elements are great to pack in your survival bags. These pieces of clothing should be able to protect you from the cold and from precipitation, and can double as pillows when the climate is warm. You must never forget to include a change of clothing, particularly socks and underwear. Wrap your clothes in watertight plastic to keep them dry.
Wear neon colored clothing like those that bikers have on to be more visible to motorists. If you're evacuating on foot, these are essential for your protection.
3. Food and Water
It is suggested to include an unopened container of mineral water inside the kit for individual use. But if you are evacuating with your family, the one who can carry more should haul a gallon or two of mineral water for the whole family to consume. Energy drinks are not recommended as they are diuretics.
Trail mix and power bars are excellent as survival provisions. Anything that will keep well without refrigeration and small enough to fit in the kit can be utilized.
4. Temporary shelter
Whether it is a small umbrella or a tarp for two people, ensure that you have something that will defend you from rain and cold just in case you have to sleep out in the open. Watertight tents are excellent for this function. You can spray your sheet with silicon to provide more lasting power and resilience. Small raincoats can be added into the bags meant for small kids, while bigger tarpaulins can be carried by older kids.
5. Knife for Cutting
A knife is essential for cutting rope, opening canned foodstuff and for self-defense. It is also needed for creating fire when you are using flint instead of matches. Grown-ups should be the ones to carry knives in their bags.
6. First Aid Bag
The basic first aid kit includes medication for head aches, stomach aches and for treating wounds. You should also stock up on bandages and cotton balls. Have a splint prepared just in case a person slips and breaks a bone. Your first aid kit should also have anti-allergy tablets if one person in your family is allergic to dust or other pollutants. Medicines for high blood pressure should be added into your first aid kit if a person is suffering from hypertension in your family. The same goes for other conditions that need maintenance medicines.
