It is always best to prepare for when SHTF instead of expecting help to just come. Here are some helpful guidelines from NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) agency to help you prepare for disasters and emergencies. (h/t to BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com)
The NYCEM is a governmental preparedness agency responsible for educating the public and organizing citywide emergency planning and response for various emergencies. These tips should help you set up your survival stockpile and bug-out bags (BOBs) for the whole family.
Common items for prepping go bags
Each family member should be assigned their own go bag, which is similar to BOB that preppers are used to. These bags contain various things that you may need if you have to evacuate so you can survive for at least 72 hours until you reach a safe area, such as your bug-out location.
Go bags should be portable. Pack everything you may need in a high-quality backpack. Customize go bags to suit each family member's needs.
Here are some of the items that you should include in your go bag:
- Bottled water and nonperishable foods (e.g., beef jerky, emergency ration bars, freeze-dried meals, granola bars, meal replacement bars, or MREs)
- Water filter
- Contact information of your family or survival group
- Printed copies of important documents in a waterproof container (e.g., copies of credit and ATM cards, insurance cards, photo IDs, proof of address, marriage and birth certificates)
- First-aid kit
- List of any medication you're taking, why you take them, and dosages
- Back-up medical equipment (e.g., glasses) and chargers for your devices
- Portable cell phone chargers
- Emergency cash (in small bills)
- Flashlight
- Hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio
- Extra batteries
- Notepad and pen
- Toiletries
- Special items (e.g., child care or pet care items)
- Supplies for a service animal or pet (e.g., food, drinking water, bowls, leash, medications, cleaning items, vaccination records)
- Physical description of your pet/service animal (e.g., age, sex, species, breed, color, distinguishing traits, and important information about characteristics and behavior)
- Animal first aid kit with flea and tick treatment, along with other items recommended by a veterinarian
If you're bugging out with young children, include comfort items like games and their favorite toys in their go bags.
When bugging out with elderly family members, consider their special medical needs. Their go bags must have items such as instructions and extra batteries for devices that they use. They may also need back-up medical equipment or comfort items to help them deal with stressful situations.
Items for your survival stockpile
According to the NYCEM, you should stockpile enough supplies so you can survive in your own home or shelter for at least one week. Keep your survival supplies in a separate cupboard or room, and instruct family members that these items should only be used during emergencies.
Rotate your supplies to prevent spoilage and check the expiration dates of food. Update your kits when you change your clock during daylight saving times. (Related: Top 12 NECESSARY items for survival when SHTF.)
- A gallon of drinking water per person per day (this doesn't include water for bathing or washing)
- Water filter
- Nonperishable, ready-to-eat canned foods
- A manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Medications for certain health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
- Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns
- Battery-operated AM/FM radio
- Extra batteries
- Child care supplies
- Pet care items
You may also need items for weather-specific emergencies like winter storms and heat waves.
Winter supplies
- Extra clothes
- Extra hat, mittens, scarf, socks
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Rain gear
For emergencies that may occur during hot weather, you need supplies for meal preparation like disposable plates, cups, and utensils in case of a power outage. You also need an extra set of light, loose clothing and sunscreen.
Go bag for your bug-out vehicle
You should also prepare for disaster scenarios that may occur while you're on the road. Organize a go bag for your car, and include the following items:
- Spare tire
- Jack and lug wrench
- Windshield scraper and broom
- Small tools (e.g., pliers, screwdriver, and wrench)
- Booster cables
- Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
- Flares or reflective triangles
Always check if it's legal to carry weapons in your state before packing a weapon in your go bag.
The miscellaneous items in the list below aren't included in the NYCEM guidelines, but preppers know that these supplies have various survival uses:
- Duct tape
- A heavy-duty, 55-gallon trash bag
- High-quality multitool
- Paracord
- Pepper spray
- Tampons (e.g., for first aid, fire-starters, etc.)
- Whistle
Don't be caught off-guard when SHTF. Pack your go bags and stock up on emergency supplies to ensure your family's survival.
Sources include:
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