In Case of Emergency
Organising a "Grab-and-Go" bag is one way to be prepared. Remember it has to be carried, perhaps for quite a while, so it doesn't need to be huge. A waterproofed sports bag with a shoulder strap is handy, even better would be a small backpack. It will contain the basic essentials for immediate survival and safety:
- A compact first aid kit with band-aids, ointment, sterile pads, cotton and stretch bandages, plus a selection of pain-killers suitable for the entire family. Prescription medication is a must, enough for up to a week - at the onset of a major disaster, medical emergency teams will have their work cut out and it may be some time before drugs of any kind are available. These and everything else in the kit need checking frequently to ensure use-by dates don't expire.
- Bottled water - especially during floods, water will be contaminated and fresh supplies scarce.
- A space-blanket or two. They are light and don't take up much room, but they can keep a person warm and dry until suitable shelter can be found.
- A small flashlight, preferably the LED kind which is more efficient than the old type and the batteries last longer.
- A spare set of keys for both car and the property. Never let the fuel tank drop below a quarter - gas pumps need power to operate, and there might be none. If there is time, lock up before leaving to deter looters.
- A small pocket knife - Swiss Army is good.
- A bottle of combined sun-block and insect repellent lotion or cream.
The next item on the agenda should be warm clothing. This will be bulky and might have to be stowed in a separate bag. I know it sounds like overkill, but having to evacuate in the middle of the night dressed only in pyjamas isn't appealing. Don't forget hats for everyone - wide-rimmed floppies that fold up small; even baseball caps with a decent peak are better than nothing.
Now we come to the important documents. To minimise the bulk and weight, data from the originals can be transferred to a few sheets of paper kept in a plastic bag. Computer discs are fine for later, but they won't be any use without power. Items to consider recording are:
- Insurance policy numbers and the company's contact number.
- Bank account details, including credit-cards.
- Phone numbers and addresses. At the top of the list will be any emergency services that might be needed. Then there's everyone else's details - friends and family. You are unlikely to remember them all, and anyone who has lost an address book knows how inconvenient this can be.
Original documents can go in the same packet:
- Personal ID such as passports, birth and marriage certificates - they are a hassle to replace anytime, believe me.
Click here to download a convenient one-page printable PDF Grab 'N' Go Checklist.
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