Wednesday, November 14, 2012

My First Aid Kit

I am very particular what I have in my own personal first aid kits, that I carry with me.  I used that when I made the first aid kits to go into all of my other kits.
 
 
In each first aid kit there is a triangle bandage (the ones you can use for broken arms,) two gauze sponges, latex gloves, bandaids, tweezers, bug repellant wipe, sunscreen wipe, burn gel, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, hydrocortisone cream, triple antibiotic ointment, antacid, q-tips, and antibacterial wipes.  With this simple first aid kit, most of your medical needs will be met!!!  They are included in all of the Full 72 Hour Kits and in all of the Car Kits.  You can also purchase them separately for $7.

Monday, November 12, 2012

The GUTS!!!

I have a lot of people ask me what goes in to my kits.  Food and water is easy to explain, even the first aid kit explains itself, but the emergency supplies is what leaves people to wonder.  I decided to share the "guts" of my emergency supplies since my true purpose for doing this is to help people be prepared and not make money.
 

I have researched a lot of kits and a lot of emergency sites recommendations and came up with my kit.  I search the internet and the stores for the cheapest options for the best items and these are what I have come up with.  The picture shows at least a part of every item in the emergency supplies.
 
Most items don't need an explanation as to why it is in the kit.  Toilet paper, comb, kleenex, hand sanitizer, scissors, they all have obvious purposes.  Others do to, but why I added that specific kind may need a little explanation. 
 
A plastic whistle....have you ever seen the Christmas Story when he sticks his tongue to the frozen flag pole?  Enough said,that is why the whistle is PLASTIC!  And why a whistle at all?  A whistles sound carries further than a voice.  Remember on Titanic, Rose had to use the whistle to get the boats attention to save her.
 
A squeeze flashlight so that you don't have to have batteries making you have to keep extra batteries and making sure they are good.  Three separate candles for three separate nights, each candle burning at least six hours.  And in case your flashlight fails and your candles burn out you have a 12 hour lightstick to give you light. 
 
I use darker colored washclothes in case they need to be used for cleaning blood, trust me it helps with the shock of seeing how much blood has been lost.  A mask to keep a disease from spreading from you or to you.  Coffee filters to use in case you need to strain water.
 
When it is all together it looks so simple, but each item is there for a basic need.  I love to answer questions so if you have any just ask.  Soon to come....my first aid kit's "guts."

The "guts" are included in all Full 72 Hour Kits and with some variation in all Car Kits.  You can also purchase the "guts" or Emergency Supply Kit for $30.


Friday, November 2, 2012

Q & A about 72 Hour Kits


 
WHY Have a Kit?  *It takes time for emergency relief to be set up and sent out, even up to 72 hours.  You may also need to evacuate your area quickly and won’t have time to put anything together.

IN WHAT?           *A portable container is the best to have your kit stored in so you can grab it on the go.  Store it where it is easily accessible.

WHO?                *Each member in your family should have a kit and in them have all things necessary to sustain life.  In the chance that you are separated from your children, you want them to be able to stay warm, eat and drink.

CLOTHES?           *Always pack an extra set of clothes in each individual kit including underwear (bra) and socks.  A light jacket and knit gloves are also good to have.  The extra clothes should be stored in a plastic bag to keep them dry in case your kit gets wet. Always pack bigger sized clothes than smaller sized ones, you can always roll or cut off the access length.

PROTECTION?      *Keep all food and emergency supplies in separate plastic bags to keep them protected from water or smoke damage.

OTHER TIPS?       *Keep a light source at the top of your kit or in an easy reach spot.  Your first aid kit and plastic whistle are also good things to have accessible.  Whistles are heard over talking so they are good to have in case you are trying to find someone or be found.

*Each kit should have identification on it, in case of separation or death.  Each card should have the person’s name, birthdate, home city and state, emergency phone number, parents’ names and phone numbers, any medical conditions and any other important information.

*The head of the household should have photo copies of all the important legal documents for the family.  Examples are birth certificates, social security cards, titles, deeds and etc.

*Each family should have an Emergency Disaster Plan in place for different circumstances that may happen.  Each member of the family should have one of these plans in their kits.

*Money should be included in each kit, especially in the head of household’s kit.  Use small bills so in the case that there is no change you won’t be out a large sum of money.  If there is a power outage your debit and credit cards will hold no value.

* Medications are very important to have in your kits.  Make sure that in each kit you verify that the medication is not expired.

Full 72 Hour Kit

I have researched and put together a 72 hour kit that I love.  It isn't just one that I recommend it is one that I have for each member of my family. 

Each kit comes with basic survival items such as a plastic whisle (a whistles sound cares further than a voice and because if it is winter you would not want to use a metal one,) squeeze flashlight (no batteries needed,) poncho, emergency blanket, scissors, hand warmers, candle with matches, lightstick, sewing kit, utility knife, wet wipes, mask and several more important items.

Also in each kit is a first aid kit that I have put together myself.  I am a firm believer in having all things you "might" need.  In my first aid kits there are bandaids of all varieties, triangle bandage, tweezers, triple ointment, pain medications, antacids, sunscreen wipes, bug repellant wipes, burn gel and more items that are beneficial to survival.  It is important to have all the supplies you would need to stay comfortable.

Each kit has water and food for 72 hours.  The food includes three breakfasts, three lunches, three snacks, and three dinners each meal with a drink separate from your 72 hours worth of water.

All items are in plastic sealed bags to keep them safe from water and smoke damage.  All the items are in a sturdy backpack so you can grab and go.  Each member in your family should have their own full kit in case you are ever separated.  Remember, I would rather be prepared years early than a minute to late.


Full 72 Hour Kit $60

Car Kits

Big or little emergencies happen ALL the time and we need to be prepared no matter where we are.  I spend a lot of time in my car and I am sure I am not the only one.  I have put together car kits that will help you with little accidents like scrapes and slivers up to a bigger emergency like being stranded overnight in your car. 
The kits are broken down into FOUR different kits.  Each kit has basic items for everyone to share and then items that are added for each extra person.  For example a car kit for 3-5 people will have emergency blankets, handwarmers, food and water for FIVE people.  There will also be the basic items that everyone can use together including items such as a flashlight, candle, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, a first aid kit and more.  The food and water in the kit is only meant for 24 hours plus some, it is not a full 72 hour supply.  All kits are in a single backpack so it is easy to place in your vehicle and easy to grab and go in case you need to leave your vehicle behind.

The prices are as follows:
$40 Car Kit for 1-2
$50 Car Kit for 3-5
$60 Car Kit for 5-7
$65 Car Kit for 8