Emergency Preparedness: The Basics

Though Hollywood is quick to sell the idea of some sort of disaster that creates a Mad Max-esque situation, basic emergency preparedness deals with things that would be considered mundane when compared to being chased by gangs of post-apocalyptic mutants across the Outback. Oftentimes, the most needed items when disaster strikes are the basics: clothes, medicines, food, and clean water. Recalling recent natural disasters in the Carolinas and Southern California, the above items were extremely limited in supply, and as an extension, highly valued, especially in the first 24-72 hours.

To that end, Brittany and I have put together go-bags for ourselves, and our kiddos. They are kept packed, and easily accessible. While we may not have time to grab them in an emergent situation, like a house fire, we can have them, and be out of the house quickly- knowing that we have our basic needs met, for the short term.

To that end, below is a list of items that you can use to start putting together your own go-bag, should you be inclined. Any bag will do; though military-style packs with MOLLE webbing and lots of pockets work best. They allow easy organizing, and their modular aspect makes it simple to add or take away items as needed. Consider this a starting point; make it yours by adding or subtracting items as you see fit- it’s up to you if you want to add a leather jacket, so you look cool as you are evading the aforementioned mutants.

Emergency Go Bag

   *Emergency medical kit- see below for a detailed list.

   *Important Rx medications for each individual

   *Non-perishable ready to eat food for 3 days (Pet-food if you have pets!). Bowel and utensils

   *Water bottle (filled) and filter (two for a group is fine- at minimum, purification tabs for 2L/day/person)

   *Small pack blanket or emergency rescue blanket (for body heat retention)

   *Waterproof jacket w hood (can get cheap small pack emergency ponchos)

   *Set of clothing that would be suitable all-weather conditions if need to be outdoors or unheated spaces.

   *Wool hat & socks (warm even when wet)

   *Underwear x2 pairs

   *Closed toe sturdy shoes that are comfortable and suitable for heavier walking

   *Eyewear: extra set of glasses and back-up contact lenses if you wear these!

   *Hygiene items: soap, wet wipe pack, deodorant, toothbrush & toothpaste, small shampoo, razer, feminine pads.

   *Flashlight (w extra batteries), and consider headlamp.

   *Pocket-Knife and Multi-tool (tweezers, scissors, etc.)

   *Lighter AND matches in water-proof container or other fire-starter (flint + steel) w tinder (ex: cotton balls in Vaseline)

   *Toilet paper (in zip lock bag) & small bottle hand-sanitizer

   *Rubber bands, safety pins, small duct tape, zip-ties, rope, plastic garbage bags

   *Whistle

   *Work gloves (allows manual labor/clearing while protecting from injury)

   *Dust Mask and bandana/neck warmer that can be pulled up face over nose

   *Cell phone and charger +/- back-up battery-kit

   *Battery powered radio for emergency broadcasts

   *Pen and note-pad (store paper products and documents in zip lock bags or water-proof pouch)

   *Personal Identification (copies of license, passport, insurance cards, medical information)

   *Important documents (such as wills, property deeds, and contact lists)

   *Local paper maps of your area

   *Set of playing cards, book, or other small games to pass time

   *Money/Cash with small denominations

Medical Supply

Below is not an exhaustive list, but gives insight to what a family physician prioritizes when putting together a medical kit. Adjust as desired to your needs.

OTC Medications: You can get mini zip-lock bags to store a small number of pills & label w/ sharpie-pen.

[ ] Benadryl 25 mg (use 1-2 tabs for onset of allergic reaction such as bee sting or other exposure)

[ ] Tylenol (Arthritis Strength) 500 mg (can use 1-2 tabs every 6 hrs for pain or fever)

[ ] Aleve 220 mg (can use 1-2 tabs every 12 hrs for pain, headaches)

[ ] Hydrocortisone cream (for itchy bug-bites, poison ivy, or allergic skin rashes….apply 2x/day as needed)

[ ] Antibiotic ointment <Bacitracin or Neosporin, etc> (to apply after cleaning a dirty wound)

[ ] Antacids (for indigestion & heart burn symptoms)

 Individualized Medications: These should be oriented to individual risks

[ ] Albuterol inhaler—for asthma/COPD rescue

[ ] Afrin nasal spray (this is handy for nose bleeds: 1-2 spray in affected nostril & pinch nose!)

[ ] Glucose tabs/gel + protein bar—for diabetics

[ ] Epi-Pen—for those with known severe allergic reactions (food, bees, etc)

[ ] Antidiarrheal

[ ] Nitroglycerin tabs—for those with coronary artery disease,

[ ] Aspirin 81 mg (can be life-saving if concerns for heart-attack--use 3 tabs! Avoid in trauma, as can increase bleeding)

[ ] Any crucial Rx Medications that might place you at risk if you miss dosing due to unforeseen delays

 Other tools: Consider if traveling to areas where healthcare access is limited or not nearby

[ ] Thermometer (measure temperature)

[ ] Finger pulse oximeter (measures pulse and Oxygen level)

 Wound Care Supplies:

[ ] Variety of bandaid sizes

[ ] Steri-strips (to close gaping cuts until can be sutured) & small super-glue

[ ] Larger non-stick wound pads-2

[ ] Pack of gauze (to dry wounds after irrigated/rinsed with water)

[ ] Hibiclense cleaning wipes (to clean dirty wounds after flushing with clean water)

[ ] Paper tape

[ ] Small Coband wrap roll

[ ] Small scissors (to cut bandaging)

[ ] Small Tweezers (for slivers, etc)

[ ] Pair of sterile gloves

[ ] Small bottle hand sanitizer

 Orthopedic Supplies:

[ ] ACE bandage <medium>

[ ] Fabric lightweight sling or “triangle cloth” that packs small

[ ] Safety pins (secure fabric for splinting/wraping if becomes needed)

[ ] Small roll of duct tape (to assist in making splint if becomes needed)

[ ] Rubber torniquet (in case need to use on extremity to slow traumatic bleeding injury)

[ ] Plastic bag

[ ] Small chemical activated ice-pack