https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 02 May 2026 03:03:04 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2775172 Sun, 24 Sep 2017 14:43:44 +0000 808love 2775172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think these two were mentioned yet: we have a flint and a portable water purifier. DH has a bunch of stuff for us and he wants to purchase even more but I don't want to release the budget. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2775151 Sun, 24 Sep 2017 13:02:01 +0000 lioneyes 2775151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Where we live, hurricanes and power outages from them are the biggest concern (as well as blizzards).</p> <p>I have 2 gallons of water in our basement fridge, plus peanut butter and canned soup. I bought a lantern flashlight as well as 3 smaller ones and a Red Cross crank flashlight with a charger. Not sure what else I need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2775112 Sun, 24 Sep 2017 05:02:18 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2775112@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've nominated myself to put together an emergency kit. I've slowly added onto it the last few weeks, but it's nowhere near complete. Where we live, there isn't many natural disasters, but winter is long and cold. To be honest, I'm preparing more for a nuclear fallout than anything else. I've read that the first 24-48 hours is crucial and so, I'd like to have some basic essentials. But right now, I only have medical supplies. </p> <p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nuke-blast-survival-gear-2017-7?r=US&#038;IR=T&#038;IR=T" rel="nofollow">http://www.businessinsider.com/nuke-blast-survival-gear-2017-7?r=US&#038;IR=T&#038;IR=T</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774698 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 11:25:09 +0000 alphagam84 2774698@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have what you listed along with extra clothes, supplies for our dog, a pot (you can boil water, cook soup, etc.), a large tarp (use if the ground is wet or make a makeshift tent if need be) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774674 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 09:43:14 +0000 periwinklebee 2774674@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I so need to be more on top of this. We also have the problem of a small condo, plus I've let things slide so I doubt the water gallons we have are still good, and that is about all I have. </p> <p>Does anybody else feel like it would be nice to have some emergency antibiotics on hand? I thought about this after going to a talk where an extremely senior U.S. security official was blasting the FDA for shutting down his plan to distribute an emergency antibiotic kit to households. Instead, the post office has all those kits, and the plan if an emergency scenario were to arise is to have the post office deliver them, which he thought was utterly useless since why is the postman going to show up to work and who's going to guard him in a scenario where they're needed. But I've never bothered to do anything about it, since you need a prescription to access. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774669 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 09:33:22 +0000 gingerbebe 2774669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This might be helpful</p> <p><a href="http://www.babywisemom.com/2017/09/how-to-prioritize-your-family-emergency.html?m=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.babywisemom.com/2017/09/how-to-prioritize-your-family-emergency.html?m=0</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774665 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 09:21:06 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2774665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mama Bird: Yes! We keep 2 large water coolers and several regular coolers that can all be filled up with water in prep for a storm. </p> <p>Another thing to consider is buying an extra empty propane tank. We have two that we rotate through. On a normal basis we dont always have both filled but its nice for storm prep. If we lost power, cooking on the grill would be our only source of meal prep. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774613 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 22:47:12 +0000 Mama Bird 2774613@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our most likely disaster is a hurricane with flooding and loss of power for several days. With our location, actually being underwater is a bit unlikely but being trapped for a few hours is possible. So I don't keep all my supplies in one place, but I do try to have everything we'd need for several days of being without power, food or water. </p> <p>We have bottled water, big containers to fill with tap water, matches and candles, several flashlights, D batteries for a radio, cookies, peanut butter, canned food, first aid stuff, and Advil/Tylenol. Would love to also have a bike, a small grill and a supply of coal, a solar still for making fresh water out of salt, and a solar phone charger, but this is stuff we'd never need outside of an emergency that lasts for days, so I don't know how I'd explain to DH why I'm keeping something so big and useless in the closet. His fear of a total disintegration of things that make a city tick doesn't run as deep as mine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774600 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 20:15:26 +0000 lamariniere 2774600@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: They are probably just being conservative. We can easily buy bottles in 6 liter containers (so about 2 gallons per bottle?). Since we can't drink tap water here, we would definitely use it in non-emergency situations to replenish/refresh our stock. I think we'll have a decent amount of storage, so I'll figure out quantities once we move. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774597 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 19:55:35 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2774597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: the shelf life of bottled water is much longer than six months. Ideally for a hurricane we would have a weeks supply of water but that's a bit too much for us to have on hand at any given time. Also the gallon per day is half for drinking and half for hygiene. So half of that could be water in a filled bathtub for example. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774595 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 19:51:00 +0000 lamariniere 2774595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: those straws a great idea! You can't drink the tap water here, so it would be smart to have some of those on hand, just in case. </p> <p>@BUNBUN: good plan having all the important documents ready to go in a safe. We'll definitely be getting a safe.</p> <p>We have just moved to a city that can flood, and it also has occasional political unrest. We are still in our temporary apartment, but once we move to our more permanent place, I'll be putting together a kit. We will be living in a high rise, so our apartment itself is not a flood risk, but being able to get out and buy things may be problematic. This is the list recommended by the security team from my DH's office.</p> <p>-A supply of water (4 liters/person/day). Store<br /> water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify<br /> the storage date and replace every six months<br /> -Cash<br /> -A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food<br /> and non-electric can opener at least a 3 day supply<br /> -Torch with fresh batteries, and spare batteries<br /> -Candles, lighter, waterproof matches<br /> -Soap, antiseptic, alcohol hand sanitizers, plastic<br /> gloves and face masks (if possible)<br /> -Spare clothing and footwear<br /> -Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, Food, Carrier, Bowl)<br /> -Medical kits: bandages, topical antibiotics and<br /> antiseptics, sticking plasters, essential medicines for<br /> any existing medical condition, common medicines<br /> for pain relief/fever, diarrhea (electrolyte powder<br /> packets) *if you have existing medical condition,<br /> write this down clearly, keep this with you, and<br /> inform those you are with about your medical needs<br /> -Insect repellant, mosquito nets, wet wipes, sanitary<br /> goods, toiletries as necessary<br /> -Plastic buckets or additional plastic bottles for<br /> transporting clean drinking and washing water<br /> -Your list of emergency contact numbers, family<br /> telephone numbers, contact points, email addresses<br /> etc<br /> -Important documents, passports, insurance details,<br /> house deeds, banking details, medical prescriptions,<br /> certificates (keep in separate water proof bags)<br /> -Spare waterproof plastic bags<br /> -Multi-purpose tool<br /> -Incidentals masking tape, safety pins, pegs, scissors,<br /> pens, mobile phones, chargers, children’s toys and<br /> comfort items (as appropriate) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774594 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 19:49:57 +0000 justjules 2774594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are sooo unprepared. We live in Houston and after Harvey, people were tapped in our apartment complex without running water for over a week. Thankfully we happened to be out of town for it, but it has left me with some serious anxiety about if it happens again. The problem is, we live a small apartment with a small fridge/freezer and minimal storage space. When we returned to Houston, I bought a package of water and we have some canned food but that's pretty much it. I'm making notes off this thread! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774586 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 19:09:41 +0000 looch 2774586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are woefully unprepared. We have a generator and gas in a lockbox, but that's it. </p> <p>We would likely shelter in place, as we have electric cars and I am not sure we'd have charging options on the road and I don't know where we would even go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774585 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 19:05:23 +0000 honeybear 2774585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Thanks! I didn't even know those existed. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774570 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 17:41:11 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2774570@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: yes. They turn on and off. The prior ones we had were just on off. These also have a blink/strobe setting. They are cheap enough and definitely better than the chemical glow sticks. </p> <p>Life Gear Blue Glow Stick &amp; Flashlight with Whistle &amp; Lanyard <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D33ONK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ZiMqSDdTLZMw2" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004D33ONK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_ZiMqSDdTLZMw2</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774569 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 17:28:04 +0000 Tanjowen 2774569@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the occasional bad storm and lose power so we keep candles, matches and flashlights handy. I have a stash of clif bars and bottled water in the basement for just in case. </p> <p>Our biggest thing I prep for here in the South is for the car for the winter. We get icy roads and a few years back people were trapped overnight on the interstate. I keep a small box in the trunk with diapers, wipes, snacks, small bottles of water and a lightweight blanket. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774568 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 17:16:28 +0000 honeybear 2774568@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Where do you buy your LED glow sticks? Do they turn on and off so they're not one-time use?</p> <p>ETA: (Unrelated to glow sticks...) I would not store batteries in a garage unless it's a temperature and humidity controlled space. I'm pretty sure that humidity corrodes them quickly and heat can't be good for them, either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774541 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:38:36 +0000 gingerbebe 2774541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: My garage in waterproof totes. I would prioritize one to be a "Go Box" and throw it in our car if we needed to get out immediately. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774540 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:38:35 +0000 youboots 2774540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got a food supply kit from Costco that's good for 20 years. It's for one person for 30 days. I also go those special think life I think straws that are good for a year. One in each car and one at home. Also seatbelt cutters and glass breakers for the cars. DH has a backpack with 3 days of supplies in his car. We also have 2 15 gallon water tanks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774536 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:30:59 +0000 mrsrain 2774536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I live in Connecticut. We have a hurricane weather kit and a winter weather kit. The winter weather kit includes survival packs for both cars. We also have an evacuation box with clothes and stuff in case we had to suddenly be evacuated. We have reusable 5 gallon water jugs plus a water bob. We keep most everything on the list of recommendations put out by the government. We don't have much by way of tarps and outdoor securing supplies, unfortunately. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774532 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:14:46 +0000 rattles 2774532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We live in Houston and keep a hurricane stash each season. We currently have:<br /> - a generator<br /> - a Water Bob<br /> - 3 cases of water<br /> - 2 boxes of almond milk, 1 pack of juice boxes<br /> - 15lbs each of dried beans and dried rice<br /> - canned meals (three days worth)<br /> - canned fruit<br /> - several jars of peanut butter and jelly (I grab a few loaves of bread if there's a storm warning)<br /> - a radio<br /> - 2 lanterns<br /> - batteries<br /> - cash<br /> - gloves<br /> - masks<br /> - tarps<br /> I keep them (minus the generator) in 2 storage tubs in the guest room closet. We also have a fire-proof box of vital documents and insurance policies. I keep a frozen cup of water with a quarter on top in each freezer to tell if we lose power. In the car, I just have stuff for a roadside emergency and a first aid kit. And a travel potty :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774520 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:43:14 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2774520@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: Where do you plan to store this? </p> <p>I guess my concern is we dont have a basement, so its either in a closet inside or in the garage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774512 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 14:26:05 +0000 BUNBUN 2774512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a safe in our house that is fireproof, and all of our "grab in case of emergency" files and paperwork is in an accordion folder inside. I keep a huge sports duffel on top of the safe so that we never have to search for a bag in an emergency.</p> <p>I also have a locked excel spreadsheet saved in my email with important info, phone numbers, login passwords for insurance, utilities, etc.</p> <p>We live in TX, and after seeing the fire ant "rafts" floating in flood waters, I added tall rubber boots to my emergency list.</p> <p>If you do live in an area prone to flooding or hurricanes, stocking up on the things you might need *after* a disaster is a good idea:<br /> bleach<br /> contractor bags<br /> damprid<br /> bucket<br /> mold mask<br /> rubber gloves<br /> crowbar<br /> sheet rock knives </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774505 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:53:36 +0000 gingerbebe 2774505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have one yet, but I have been working on a list.</p> <p>Baby wipes/Diapers<br /> Lysol wipes<br /> Sanitizer<br /> Freezer ziploc bags<br /> Basic first aid kit including bug spray/cortisone/sunscreen<br /> Basic toiletry kit with my last pair of glasses before my Rx changed (so not perfect, but serviceable) and toothbrushes/toothpaste for everyone<br /> Bottled water<br /> LED flashlights<br /> Batteries<br /> A multitool with a knife/can opener on it<br /> Blankets<br /> Peanut butter crackers and pouches<br /> Carnation Instant Breakfast packets<br /> Stable candy, like lollipops or fruit snacks<br /> Chewable vitamins<br /> Lighter<br /> Empty stainless screwtop water bottle<br /> Take n Toss cups for the kids<br /> Old beater shoes for everyone<br /> A few light but reuseable utensils/plates/bowls<br /> A set of dry clothes for everyone, for both cold and hot weather<br /> A sweater/coat/jacket for each person<br /> Umbrellas<br /> An empty backpack/shopping bag/duffel<br /> Important ID info all in one place where DH and I know<br /> Permanent markers<br /> Duct Tape<br /> Masking Tape<br /> Gasoline </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774501 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:42:25 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2774501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: We dont have a bug out plan, but we have talked to our kids about a fire meeting point. We have a neighbor (they know how to get there) and we say we will all meet at the neighbors steps by their front door. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774499 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:40:32 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2774499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: Yes, if you were trapped, a way to signal to others. Its actually a marine boat whistle and its CRAZY loud. </p> <p>@LulaBee: Yes! Cash is super key. Although we just try to have stash in the house and grab when needed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774492 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:34:10 +0000 LulaBee 2774492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: I would like to add some bottles of water, snacks, and cash. I don't think it would last us a long time but just be a supplement to what we already have stashed? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774488 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:29:58 +0000 Mrs D 2774488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: whistle...is this for the obvious reason of alerting someone you are there? Or some other reason I am unaware of...</p> <p>@LulaBee: Bug Out bag...this is definitely what has been on my mind lately. What do you plan to keep in it?</p> <p>DH had recently made fun of a comment I made while watching TWD...he had remarked "crazy to think of how you would ever find people if cell service went down"...I replied without even thinking "well we'd just meet at my cottage". I guess I naturally remember after 9/11 happened that my dads first direction to me was "fill up your tank...if anything else happens head to ER" (ER being the name of the town where our cottage is).</p> <p>In the 16 years since then...its been burned into my brain. If the world goes south...I'm heading there. 300 miles from the nearest metropolitan area, on a fresh water lake...2 miles down a very off the beaten path road. The other at my moms (who in the last 16 years has divorced my dad - my dad retained ownership of the cottage) I said..."so have you ever thought of what you'd do if you had to get out...like get out of dodge"...she replied that she'd too head to the cottage. We had a good chuckle about the idea that not only would our family but also likely family friends who have regularly visited our cottage would take refuge there. That night I texted my sisters...informing them of the official bug out plan (along with my dad)...they all replied "duh"...</p> <p>Anyone else have a similar "rendezvous" plan? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774480 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:16:18 +0000 LulaBee 2774480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the south but we get a fair amount of tornados. I'm going to the store tonight and stocking up on extra water for the basement. I also have the beginnings of a "bug out" bag that has a first aid kit and extra Epi-pens. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-in-your-emergency-kit#post-2774475 Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:03:01 +0000 LuLu Mom 2774475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The only natural disaster we have to prepare for in the Midwest is tornados, so in our kit during those times of year we keep snacks, flashlight, small radio, bottled water, tennis shoes for each person. We also have blankets and pillows already in the basement to use if needed. </p>