Emergency Kit

So why would someone write about a blizzard when they are to write about frugal living? That's the point. Frugal living encompasses all aspects of living, including the weather and what impact it has on our little frugal life. Well let me tell you, this little frugal life has learned a few things in the past half century, one of them is to be prepared for the worst. In fact it behooves us to make an emergency kit.

Everyone in Colorado remembers the last big one, when was it exactly, 2003? We had five feet of snow at our place and had to dig out by hand. Did you get stuck for days without groceries? What about diapers and medication? Water, heat, electricity?

It makes sense to do as they did in the old days, and have a pantry full of food. At least food and water. So where do you start preparing for a disaster? Someone sent me an email about the ice storms that hit Kentucky, and I have to say, the news did no justice to the impact that storm had on the folks out there. I had no idea until I received pictures from friends showing how bad it actually was. After reviewing that information, I realized, I need to gather specific things together for an emergency kit.

These were taken just now, 11:15 a.m. Thursday, March 26th, 2009. If it is only 11:15 in the morning, what will we have by tonight? I have three foot snow drifts out there already. So I am grateful that I have food in my pantry, because I am not going to the store today nor tomorrow.

For a list of items to have in an emergency kit please see the list below:

This can be used in any emergency situation, in Colorado winter weather you would include winter clothing, as opposed to just clothing, and as we all know, you should dress in layers.

Following a disaster, one must often wait two or three days for help. So it is recommended that families living in earthquake zones always keep on hand a three-day supply of water and food. (Canned or dried food is recommended.) If it is necessary for you to evacuate your home, authorities recommend taking along a ‘survival kit’ consisting of the following:

1. A three-day supply of water.
2. A first-aid kit.
3. A flashlight.
4. A transistor radio, in order to receive accurate information and instructions.
5. Clothing, strong shoes, blankets, underclothing, towel, and tissues.

In addition to the above, make sure you have your medication if you are taking any.
(This was taken from the December 22, 1987 Awake! magazine, "Earthquakes—How You Can Prepare for Survival!"

For a complete guide click on the link below to be taken to Ready Colorado for more emergency kit information.

For more info: www.readycolorado.com/packakit.php