So I spent my first day of unemployment looking for jobs and browsing the web. Got me to thinking if I could create a decent evac bag out of plain household items. I had been pondering an idea promulgated by some preparedness folks that you don't need specialized equipment. Being a gear/gadget head myself, I have always felt that people could do well with what they had, given the proper mindset. I set about the house grabbing things and laying them on the table, ignoring my more specific and specialized gear. I did pretty well, and most of this stuff people would have anyway. List
2 3 inch paring knives
1 7 inch chef's knife
1 spool of twine
1 Box of Diamond Matches
1 Bic Lighter
1 Bag of Tea Lights
1 Roll of Duct Tape
1 Cheap Flashlight
4 AA Batteries
Home First Aid Kit w/ Ibuprophen, Tylenol, and Benadryl (the kit is lacking, but adequate.
1 bottle of Vodka (antiseptic purposes)
1 Steel Coffee Mug
1 Water Bottle
1 Roll of Duct Tape
1 Hammer
1 Flat Head Screwdriver
Sheets and Blankets
Shoulder Tote Bag
Now, not included food this seems ok on its face. It took me about 15 mins to get this stuff out of various cabinets and drawers and throw it all onto the bed with the bag. Now, is it perfect, no, but in a pinch we could do a lot with that. What does it mean? It comes down to knowing what you need and how to use it, not necessarily that we concentrate on specialized gear for specific situations. I think the easiest way to reach people about preparedness, is to focus them on what they have a their fingertips, and how to use it.
2 3 inch paring knives
1 7 inch chef's knife
1 spool of twine
1 Box of Diamond Matches
1 Bic Lighter
1 Bag of Tea Lights
1 Roll of Duct Tape
1 Cheap Flashlight
4 AA Batteries
Home First Aid Kit w/ Ibuprophen, Tylenol, and Benadryl (the kit is lacking, but adequate.
1 bottle of Vodka (antiseptic purposes)
1 Steel Coffee Mug
1 Water Bottle
1 Roll of Duct Tape
1 Hammer
1 Flat Head Screwdriver
Sheets and Blankets
Shoulder Tote Bag
Now, not included food this seems ok on its face. It took me about 15 mins to get this stuff out of various cabinets and drawers and throw it all onto the bed with the bag. Now, is it perfect, no, but in a pinch we could do a lot with that. What does it mean? It comes down to knowing what you need and how to use it, not necessarily that we concentrate on specialized gear for specific situations. I think the easiest way to reach people about preparedness, is to focus them on what they have a their fingertips, and how to use it.