Emergency Preparedness Kits Challenge

[ejchase]

Part of the reason I got inspired to do this is because a friend of mine wrote this article about emergency supplies:

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/emergency-preparedness/

It's so thorough it's overwhelming. But this weekend, I ordered a few basics from Amazon: a container to store water, some Cliff bars, face masks, the recommended first-aid kit, the recommended radio.

It was expensive, but I figured these are supplies I need to have in my home, and I can "stock up" a little at a time.

Hoping to do some organizing of my kits (outside, inside, car) this weekend.

[bae]

Emergency radio...

I do this in a bit of an overkill fashion. Down in the Batcave, I have a duplicate of our County's emergency communications facility. We have a County installation at the main Emergency Management site, the major fire station on each island, and the Sheriff's Dispatch Center. And on my island, because of the geology, several of the expected Bad Events will partition the island, so I have a copy (and then some) on my half of the island, and another fellow has a copy on the other side.

I also have setups so I can pack out and establish communications in the field. Which we've used several times already in real world emergencies.

[Alan]

Ha, the telegraph key is a nice touch.

[bae]

Ha, the telegraph key is a nice touch.

Sometimes it's handier than a charged smartphone.

[catherine]

Hmm.. I picture a false bookcase behind which is your secret Island Communications Control Central.

But seriously, since I'm considering moving to an island myself (Lake Champlain islands are on our short list), are there specific emergency preparations I should be aware of? Where we're considering a move, a trip to a hospital would be about 30 minutes away. If we are considering moving there, are there questions I should ask our realtor that are specific to potential emergency situations?

[Greg44]

We have in our garage, several backpacks - all ready for a quick departure - a dam breaks, earthquake, chemical spill on the freeway, etc. grab and go!

Now we probably haven't looked in those backpacks for 30 years. I am sure at least one has diapers in it - youngest is 21yrs! I should take pictures when we open them up! Hmmm maybe we should open them up and update them...!

[lmerullo]

Greg, hold on to the diapers! Might need them...

I live in Florida, land of the hurricane. Emergency prep is a way of life for me. Just coming out the other side of Irma. We lost power and lots of fence blew down. I am very aware of how fortunate we are!

BAE, my son has an area that looks much like your room...however, a majority of his emergency communication this weekend took place via smartphone but he did bring it all along to our house when he bugged out in case.