As
most of you may have heard, there have been horrendous fires in
California the past week. Since we live in the area, the disaster has
been all too real. More than one thousand homes have been lost.
We
have spent the week preparing items to deliver to the families in the
stricken areas. What do they need? To a large part they need what
would have been in their 120-hour kits had they been available.
You
may not be able to save your food storage during a natural disaster,
but you can grab your 120(72)-hour kits and be so much better
prepared to deal with the stresses that are to come.
These
are things that should be in your 120-hour kits. Not all of them
will apply to your family, but you may have needs that are not on
this list. Make thoughtful adaptations as appropriate, without going
overboard. Remember: You need items that will fit in your backpack.
If you can’t carry it, it is no good to you.
Boredom
busters. Boredom leads to restlessness, depression and at times,
an increase in frustration and verbal or physical confrontations. Be
prepared by including games, cards, puzzle books, reading books,
coloring books and crayons, and other small toys in your families’
kits. Remember the adults need a release from the tension too.
Infant’s
Needs. Don’t forget the baby. Include a few soft toys,
clothing, over-the-counter medications as well as any prescription
medications, formula and other age-appropriate food, bottles, small
spoon, small plastic bowl, pacifier, diapers, wipes and diaper
cream. I recommend you store diapers and clothing a size too large,
as children grow quickly. It is easier to deal with items that are
too large rather than those that are too small.
Pet’s
Needs. Many shelters do not accept pets. You should plan to have
your pet stay in your car if you are lucky enough to have your car
with you. Always keep pet vaccinations up to date, as shelters will
definitely not accept pets whose vaccinations have expired. Remember
that in close quarters, normally congenial pets may need to be
separated. Have a plan for caging animals in your car. You may want
to consider a separate 120-hour kit for your pets. This should
include food, food and water dish, medications, leash, a small toy,
and medical records.
Small
Note Pad and Pencil. You will want to leave a note at your home
telling family and friends where you have gone. If you need to
abandon your vehicle you will want to leave a note there also. As
announcements are made by government and relief agencies you will
want to record this information.
Scriptures.
At this time you will need the comfort of your faith. Be sure to
include religious materials that will bring that reassurance and
comfort.
Safety
Pins. These have at least a thousand uses including downsizing
clothing in kits that are too large. Another reminder to store
clothing for children, and maybe yourself that is a size or two too
large.
Duct
Tape. More than a thousand uses!
Work
Gloves. You can even purchase small sizes for children. Keeping
the little ones busy helping will alleviate their frustration and
consequently yours.
Over-the-Counter
Medications. Pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, eye wash, allergy,
etc.
Prescription
Medications. Talk to your doctor about getting an extra month’s
supply.
Prescription
glasses or magnifiers.
Contact
lenses and solution.
Sunglasses.
Small
Sewing Kit. Individual use sizes such as those available at
hotels take up little room.
Sun
Screen. Individual packets are expensive but easy to slip into a
kit.
Boy
Scout Field Book. No better source for useful, practical, and
easy-to-understand survival information.
1-Pair
of Long Pants. Long pants should always be included even in hot
weather areas, as they will better protect you from injury as you
clean up after a disaster. Although they may be hot to wear they
will also protect you from insects, rodents, snakes and sunburn.
Choose pants that are practical, loose fitting, and sturdy enough
for working.
3-Pairs
of Socks. Wet socks should be changed as soon as possible. Socks
can also be layered for sleeping and to keep warm in cold weather. A
disposable body warmer can be inserted between two pair of socks to
prevent frostbite. Body warmers should never be placed directly
against the skin.
2-T-Shirts.
T-shirts are great because they take up little room in a pack and
can be layered for additional warmth. Nothing feels better when
cleaning up after a disaster than clean clothes.
1-Long
Sleeve Shirt. A long sleeve shirt will protect you not only from
debris during clean up but also from insects and sunburn, just as
long pants will. In cold weather areas a flannel shirt is
recommended as it will also provide added warmth.
5-Changes
of Underwear. Going without clean underewear is the equivalent
of torture. Need we say more.
Hat.
Hats are great in the sun, rain and snow, providing protection and
warmth. A distinctive or brightly colored hat can also make it
easier to spot family members in a crowd.
Toothbrush
and Toothpaste.
Deodorant.*
Shampoo.*
Soap.*
Comb
and/or Brush.
Hair
Band or Clips.
Feminine
Hygiene Supplies. Maxi pads can also be used as compresses for
injuries.
Shaving
Cream.*
Razor.
Toilet
Paper.
Hand
Towel. These are large enough to dry off after a shower or to
dry your hair but take up far less room in your kit than a full-size
towel. They can also be cut into strips as bandages.
Medical
Gloves.
Tissues.
I
have a friend who wanted to know where the makeup was on the list. If
makeup is what you need to feel safe and to remain sane during a
disaster, then add it to your kit. This is your survival and sanity
kit, so if you need a crossword puzzle, hairspray, or a copy of
“Plane and Pilot” magazine then add it.
This
week add more items to the kits we began two weeks ago. If you have
not started, begin now. If you have begun, finish as quickly as
possible. Today determine a finish date and work toward it.
Those
1000-plus families who lost homes this week never expected to be
homeless and in need of simple things like a toothbrush when they
woke up the morning the fires began. What do you think they would
advise now that they are surviving in shelters? Don’t be caught
wanting and knowing you could have prepared but chose not to.
*Hotel
or travel sizes are enough for 5 days.
Join
Carolyn’s facebook page, Totally Ready, today and spread the
word to friends and family helping them become prepared. https.//www.facebook.com/TotallyReady
Carolyn Nicolaysen grew up in New Jersey and joined the Church while attending Central
College in Pella, Iowa. With a degree in Home Economics, she later worked as a high school
teacher, and served as an elected trustee of her local school board. Carolyn has taught personal
and family preparedness to all who will listen. Having lived in areas that were threatened by
winter storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, and now living in an earthquake prone area, she has
developed a passion for preparedness. Carolyn started her own business, TotallyReady, when she
saw the need for higher quality emergency information that could truly sustain families in a
disaster.
Carolyn is FEMA trained and is an Amateur Radio first responder. She serves as Relief Society
president of her California ward.
Carolyn is the author of three ebooks, Mother Hubbard, What She's Doing Now (food storage
for the 21st century), Prep Not Panic (preparing for a pandemic of medical emergency) and That
Won't Happen to Me (a discussion of disaster preparations). She has also authored a glove box
book, Totally Ready for the Road and writes a monthly newsletter and the Totally Ready
facebook page.