(This is a very comprehensive list. It includes a lot of things you personally may not need. Print the list and circle what you believe you really should have for your personal safety. At the bottom is a 'must have' for tucking under each and every bed in your home and a brief explanation of why.)
A 9.0 magnitude earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) and the resulting tsunami is the most complex disaster scenario that emergency management and public safety officials in the Pacific Northwest could face. Cascadia Rising was an exercise to address that disaster.
June 7-10, 2016 Emergency Operations and Coordination Centers (EOC/ECCs) at all levels of government and the private sector activated to conduct a simulated field response operation within their jurisdictions and with neighboring communities, state EOCs, FEMA, and major military commands. I personally was activated as a RACES member. (See RACES info link on main WEB page).
Conducting successful life-saving and life-sustaining response operations in the aftermath of a Cascadia Subduction Zone disaster hinged on the effective coordination and integration of governments at all levels – cities, counties, state agencies, federal officials, the military, tribal nations – as well as non-government organizations and the private sector. One of the primary goals of Cascadia Rising was to train and test this whole community approach to complex disaster operations together as a joint team.
Recent subduction zone earthquakes around the world underscore the catastrophic impacts we will face when the next CSZ earthquake and tsunami occurs in our region:
Indonesia (2004): M9.1 --- 228,000 fatalities
Chile (2010): M8.8 --- 500 fatalities
Japan (2011): M9.0 --- 18,000 fatalities
There are food shortages. There are shortages of life-saving medications. There are concerns about the power grid. And if the electric grid goes down, clean water may not flow from the tap. In an economic collapse, debit cards may not work; cash will be king. Once awareness of the situation sets in, rioting, looting and violent crime will be the new norm.
If Europe collapses, the United States is sure to follow. This makes me nervous. And when I get nervous, I make lists. This is my best shot at formulating a comprehensive supply list for prepping. Sure, there are other lists on the Internet that claim to be comprehensive. And I have learned much from the lists that I have read. But I wanted to come up with my own list and present it to the Pack. And now for the 50 million dollar question: what have I missed?
If your debit card stopped working tomorrow, would you be ready? Let’s put our minds together and see if we can come up with a comprehensive list of items needed for survival. (I will discuss at the bottom the fact that you might be bugging out. So a short discussion on BOB is at the end.) Assuming you are staying put, what items would you definitely want on hand? Remember the motto: plan today because tomorrow your debit card may not work.
Please note that the order in which the following items are listed is not indicative of their perceived importance—i.e., I did not place cleaning supplies ahead of weaponry and hunting because I felt the former was more important than the latter. Each category is important, hence its inclusion on this list. In addition many people don't own or carry firearms, so that would be a non-issue for you. Emergency management often recommends a Fire Extinguisher for personal protection if you don't own a firearm. Often that is discussed as an item you should have beside your bed - both for fire suppression as well as nothing stops a burglar faster then a face full from an extinguisher. However it could also be consider as an addition to this list.
Comprehensive Supply List
1. Water Purification
- Canteen/Camelback
- Bottled Water
- Rain Barrel
- Water Bottle with Filter
- Water Purification Tablets
- Pool Shock/Bleach
- Kettle w/ Lid for Boiling Water
- Propane Stove
- Matches/Fire Starter
- Charcoal and Sand
- Mosquito Netting
- Coffee Filters
2. Shelf Stable Foods
- Rice
- Wheat
- Pasta
- Beans
- Dry Milk
- Honey
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Lemon Juice
- Cooking Oil
- Coffee/Tea
- Canned Goods
- Spices
- Condiments
- Water Enhancers
- Baking Essentials (Yeast, Salt, etc.)
- Sprouting Seeds
- Non-hybrid Garden Seeds
3. Hygiene Supplies
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Soap
- Dental Floss
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Shaving Supplies
- Baby Wipes
- Toilet paper
- Insect Spray
- Sunblock
- Lotion/Lip Balm
- Manicure Set (Nail Clippers, Nail Brush, File)
4. First-Aid
- Extra Band-Aids
- First-Aid Kit
- Dental Kit
- Wound Care
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Listerine Mouth Rinse
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Snake Bite Kit
- Respirator Masks
- Latex Gloves
- Scissors
5. Medications
- Birth Control
- Prescription Medication
- Foot Care Products
- Pain Reliever (Tylenol, Aleve, Aspirin, etc.)
- Cold Medicine
- Diarrhea/Constipation Medications
- Antacid
- Antibiotics
- Allergy Medication
- Vitamins/Supplements
- EmergenC
6. Cleaning Supplies
- Comet
- Bleach/Pool Shock
- Baking Soda
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Bar Soap (Fels Naptha)
- Vinegar
- Mop and Bucket
- Broom and Dust Pan
- Scrub Brushes
- Dish Pan
- Trash Bags
- Trash Cans
- Burn Barrel
7. Cooking and Food Preservation
- Camping Stove
- Solar Oven
- Barbeque Grill
- Grain Grinder
- Meat Grinder
- Solar Dehydrator
- Cast Iron Cookware
- Cooking Utensils
- Non Electric Can Opener
- Non Electric Coffee Maker
- Water Bath Canner
- Pressure Canner
- Jars and Lids
- Extra 5 Gallon Buckets
- Plastic Plates & Bowls
8. Lighting
- Extra Wicks & Mantles
- Oil Lantern
- Matches/Lighters
- Solar Lights
- Light Sticks
- Candles
- Flashlights
- Head Lamp
9. Weaponry & Hunting
- Machete
- Knives
- Shotgun
- Rifle
- Handgun
- Ammo
- Compound Bow
- Extra Arrows
- Sling Shot
- Snare Wire
10. Clothing
- Underwear
- T-shirts
- Bras
- Socks
- Thermals
- Jeans
- Belt
- Work Shirts
- Boots
- Extra Laces
- Flip Flops/Crocks
- Tennis Shoes
- Fleece
- Jacket
- Raingear
- Work Gloves
- Bandana
- Wide-Brimmed Hat
- Mosquito Head Gear
- Extra Prescription Glasses
- Eye Glass Repair Kit
- Sun Glasses
11. Household Items
- Bath Towels
- Sheets/Blankets
- Solar Shower
- Kitchen Towels
- Clothesline
- Clothespins
- Sewing Kit
- Washboard and Buckets
- Aluminum Foil
- Ziplock Bags
- Portable Toilet
- Lime
- Lye
- Pest and Insect Control (Mouse Traps, Diatomaceous Earth)
- Extra Keys (Home, Shop and Vehicles)
12. Alternative Energy Source
- Extension Cords
- Generator
- Solar Panels
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Solar Recharger
- Charcoal
- Propane
- Gasoline
- Fuel Stabilizer
- Lamp Oil
- Seasoned Fire Wood
13. Tools and Gear
- Fishing Gear (Poles, Tackle, Nets)
- Gardening Tools (Shovel, Axe, Rake)
- Shut Off Wrench for Gas/Water
- Multi-tool
- Binoculars
- Basic Construction Tools
- Hardware (Nails, Screws)
- Lumber
- Tarps
- Tie Down/Rope/Para-cord/Bungee Cord
- Duct Tape
- Siphon/Funnel
- Extra Gas Cans
- Sharpening Stone/Honing Oil
- Gun Cleaning Kit & Supplies
- Wire and Wire Cutters
- Window Screen Repair Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
- Plastic Garbage Containers w/ Lid
- Crowbar
- Chain and Padlocks
- Weather Instruments
14. Communications
- Weather Radio
- Two-way Radio
- Ham Radio
- Mirror
- Whistle
- Flares
15. Money
- Gold/Silver
- Cash
- Tradable Skills
16. Barter Goods
- Coffee
- Candy
- Sugar
- Ammo
- Batteries
- Matches/Lighter
- Toilet Paper
- Soap
17. Maps and Guides
- Survival Guide
- Detailed Map of Local Area
- Field Guide/Eatable Plant Guide
- First Aid Manual
18. Identification and Documentation
- Birth Certificate
- Photo ID/Passport
- Social Security Card
- Medical Records
- Banking Documents
- Insurance Documents
- Marriage License
- Contact Information
19. Entertainment/Sanity
- Games
- Cards
- Dice
- Musical Instruments
- Paper, Pens, Sketchbook
- Bible
- Books
20. Pets and Children
- Water
- Food
- Proof of Vaccination
- Medications/OintmentsType your paragraph here.
Now for a BOB kit. In emergency management you will often hear the term BOB kit. This refers to a Bug Out Bag. It is a pre-configured bag with many emergency items from the list above, but is supposed to be in one location and easily grabbed. There are any number of site online - including Amazon - in which you can purchase pre-configured BOB kits. There are kits from as few as 15 very essential items up to kits with greater then 75 items, cost of course reflects contents.
Here I decided to give a sample kit with a sort of middle of the road number of items that you can gather on your own and make your own BOB. There are 50 listed items, some you may not need to carry, and some other items - like medications or first aid needs - that are specific to your own needs that you may wish to add. Hopefully this list helps foster your own creative way fo making a BOB.
1. Antibiotics – These could save your life. To fight 90% of infections, be sure to pack some cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole.
2. Baby Wipes – A very easy and convenient way to keep clean.
3. Backpack Rain Cover – Keep your bug out bag and its contents dry even if it’s pouring down rain.
4. Bandanas – You wouldn’t think so, but bandanas have dozens of uses.
5. Benadryl – If you’re outdoors and on foot, allergies could become a major problem.
6. Can Opener – If you have any canned food in your bag, then for God’s sake don’t forget to bring a can opener.
7. Celox Blood Clotting Powder – This stuff is great. It will stop small, penetrating wounds from bleeding.
8. Chap Stick – Use it to moisten chapped skin, stop small cuts from bleeding, prevent blisters, start fires, and much more.
9. Clothesline and Pins – Even if you take a lot of clothes with you, you’ll still have to wash and dry them at some point.
10. Collapsible Bowl – A sturdy bowl that takes up very little space.
11. Compact Survival Fishing Kit – If you pass any lakes or rivers, try to catch some fish so you don’t go through your packed food as quickly.
12. Dental First Aid Kit – Tooth pain can be excruciating, but a temporary filling can help relieve the pain until you can get to a dentist.
13. Duct Tape – There’s a reason MacGyver liked duct tape. It has all sorts of surprising uses.
14. Ear Muffs – Frostbite on your ears will make you miserable. Don’t let that happen.
15. EpiPen – These are used in emergencies to treat severe allergic reactions. Ask your doctor to prescribe one.
16. Faraday shield – This will protect your electronics in case of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse).
17. Flash Drive – Scan all your important documents, forms of identification, pictures, books, etc. on this key chain flash drive.
18. Hoyle’s Rules of Games – If you pack a deck of cards, make sure you also pack this book.
19. Glow Sticks – You can use these to mark things in and around your camp so you’re not fumbling in the dark.
20. Goggles – Useful if you have to swim, and they’ll also protect your eyes from sand and debris in a storm.
21. Gum – I always have a pack of gum on me. And if you also have an AA battery, you can use that and the gum wrapper to start a fire.
22. Instant Coffee – If you’re a caffeine addict, be sure to pack this so you can avoid caffeine headaches.
23. Kindle Paperwhite 3G – Get one of these and load it with free ebooks so you can look up important information in the sunlight or in the dark. The battery lasts for weeks.
24. LifeStraw – Drink water directly from the source. This awesome invention filters up to 260 gallons of water.
25. Liquid Bandage – An invisible, flexible, waterproof, antiseptic bandage to prevent infections.
26. N95 Masks – Filter out dust, smoke, ash, and other small particles.
27. Moleskin – Protect calluses, blisters, and sore spots from painful friction.
28. Pantyhose – Has all sorts of surprising uses, from building shelters to hunting animals and more.
29. Paper Clips – Here are a couple dozen survival uses for paper clips.
30. Pen or Pencil and Pad of Paper – I recommend this space pen which works in all weather conditions and these waterproof notebooks.
31. Penny Can Stove and Denatured Alcohol – A small, lightweight stove that gets very hot and is very efficient.
32. Pictures of Family and Friends – This is important in case you get separated. People you encounter might be able to help you find your family and friends again.
33. Pocket Chain Saw – This takes up very little space but can cut through thick branches.
34. Poncho Liner Blanket – A weather-resistant blanket that can also be used for building a shelter.
35. Potassium Permanganate – Useful for starting fire, cleaning wounds, purifying water, and more.
36. Power Inverter – Even if you’re bugging out on foot, maybe you’ll come across an abandoned vehicle and be able to use this. It turns a cigarette lighter into an outlet and USB charger.
37. Ranger Bands – Secure belts, cables, cords, hoses, lines, straps, etc.
38. Seasoning Kit – Great thing to have if you’re hunting and foraging. Also bring some cayenne pepper as it has several health benefits and can keep pests away.
39. Sewing Kit – If it’s the end of the world as we know it and you’ve bugged out to a remote location far away from any stores, you’ll have to mend damaged clothes.
40. Sillcock Key – Great urban survival tool. This allows you to take water from buildings with outside spigots.
41. Siphon – Refuel your vehicle with gas from abandoned vehicles.
42. Sling Shot – Hunt birds and small game without wasting ammo.
43. Solar Charging Kit – Charge your devices and batteries whenever the sun is out. You can attach this to the outside of your bug out bag so it works even while you’re walking.
44. Spare Glasses and/or Eyeglass Repair Kit – The last thing you want is to be half blind in a survival scenario.
45. Stanley Wonderbar – Not just for prying open doors. This is a very versatile tool.
46. Trail Marking Tape – Find your way back in case you get lost or help others find you.
47. Trash Bags – There are dozens of reasons to pack trash bags.
48. Trick Candles – Since these refuse to go out, they’re great for building a fire in windy conditions.
49. Umbrella – Pretty self-explanatory. Being wet isn’t very fun, especially if it’s cold and you’re walking.
50. Zip Ties – Yet another small item with multiple uses. Even just a few of them could be useful.
All homes should have a basic ‘kit’ under each bed in the home. In any earth quake event, not just the majoe event presented on this WEB site, the most important thing to remember is – Glass Breaks’. Not only from falling objects in the home but the windows in the home will ‘burst’ and can throw glass a surprising distance. Past disasters all over the US show the number one injury reported is cuts to the hands and feet. Your first response in a disaster is to run to your children. The first response from the children is to seek you out. In both cases you need to be prepared for glass shards all over the place. Children need to be taught not only the fundamental seek shelter under beds, desks etc, but if at night while sleeping do not just jump up and look for mom and dad. Parents need to be prepsred to help their children ONLY after grabbing the ‘under bed’ items. So here it is, realizing it is meant to have these items for EACH person in the bed.
A pair of shoes
A pair of gloves
A flashlight
A hard hat (very inexpensive at just about any hardware store)
And adults should have at least one battery powered radio, preferably with weather
channel as well as emergency band if financially possible.
A little amusing fact brought up by our presenter in the CERT class was that kids always seem to go grab the flashlight under the bed just to play. Maybe even the radio. So make sure you have spare batteries or make sure they can’t get to them. Nothing worse then having this emergency to find out that either the flashlight is dead – or completely missing from the container.
(A PDF of the Map Your Neighborhood 9 step manual can be found at this link. Hopefully it will generate enough interest that you will seek out a local MYN presentation. Or ask your neighborhood 'Emergency Management focal' how to set up a presentation in your own neighborhood. https://rtcil.drupal.ku.edu/sites/rtcil.drupal.ku.edu/files/images/galleries/MapYourNeighborhood.pdf )
Meadow Creek Park Emergency Planning and Information