#Emergency preparedness

[pumpsoul-oct123]

The Importance of Preparedness: 10 Essential Items for Your Survival Kit

1. Water and Water Filtration

What to Include:

Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.

Water Filtration System: Portable water filters or purification tablets to ensure you can make any water source potable.

2. Non-Perishable Food

What to Include:

Canned Goods: Fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals.

Dry Goods: Rice, pasta, cereals, and protein bars.

Specialty Items: Baby formula, pet food, and items for dietary restrictions.

3. First Aid Kit

What to Include:

Basic Supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, and scissors.

Medications: Pain relievers, antihistamines, and any prescription medications.

Specialized Tools: Tweezers, a digital thermometer, and a CPR mask.

4. Emergency Lighting and Power

What to Include:

Flashlights and Batteries: LED flashlights with extra batteries.

Solar-Powered Lights: Solar lanterns and portable solar chargers for electronic devices.

Hand-Crank Radio: A multi-function radio that can receive weather updates and charge your phone.

5. Shelter and Warmth

What to Include:

Emergency Blankets: Thermal blankets or sleeping bags.

Tarp and Duct Tape: For creating makeshift shelters.

Warm Clothing: Hats, gloves, and extra layers of clothing.

6. Personal Hygiene Items

What to Include:

Sanitation Supplies: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable soap.

Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.

Waste Bags: Plastic bags for disposing of waste safely.

7. Important Documents

What to Include:

Identification: Copies of passports, driver’s licenses, and Social Security cards.

Medical Information: Health insurance cards, medical records, and prescriptions.

Financial Information: Bank account details, credit card information, and insurance policies.

8. Tools and Supplies

Why It’s Essential: Having the right tools can make a significant difference in an emergency, allowing you to perform necessary repairs, signal for help, or navigate your surroundings.

What to Include:

Multi-Tool: A versatile tool that includes pliers, a knife, and screwdrivers.

Whistle: For signaling for help.

Maps and Compass: Local maps and a compass for navigation if GPS is unavailable.

9. Communication Devices

What to Include:

Cell Phone and Charger: An extra charger or power bank.

Two-Way Radios: Battery-powered radios for communication if cell service is down.

Emergency Contact List: A written list of important phone numbers.

10. Personal Protection Equipment

What to Include:

Face Masks: N95 respirators or other protective masks.

Gloves: Durable work gloves for handling debris.

Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against exposure.

[suzilight]

[physalian]

Having a bug-out bag came in use yesterday so I thought I’d recirculate the benefits of having one. It’s a pre-packed backpack or travel bag that is ready to go in emergencies.

I first made mine after a different narcissistic roommate made me too afraid to go home after I insulted his ego, to the point where I had my friend guard the house in the front yard so I could run in, grab what I needed to stay overnight somewhere, and leave.

I resolved to never be unprepared again, and am relived to say that while the bag hasn’t been useful for its intended purpose, having it in my car has saved me on beach trips, hurricane evacuations, and other overnight trips where I otherwise forgot something at home.

It sits in the trunk of my car and does take up a fair bit of space, but I’m never lacking for space in my car anyway.

Inside:

Cash

Pens/stationery

Multitool

Separate switchblade

First aid kit

Batteries

Multiple chargers

Flashlight

3 outfits, 2 warm, 1 cold (Florida)

Assorted underclothes

Sweatshirt

Bathing suit

Toiletries

Bath towel

1 closed and 1 open-toed pair of shoes

Hat

Sunscreen

Sandwich/grocery bags

Hair ties/brush/clips

I do have to toss some things every now and then as they degrade in the Florida heat, but most of the toiletries were picked up in the travel aisle for cheap. I keep mine in my car but you don’t have to.

If I could safely keep pet food for my cats with it, I would, but again, the heat.

Stay safe out there!

[themelanindigitalwave]

🚨 Stay Alert—The Time to Prepare is Now! 🚨

Every day, the world feels more uncertain. From political tensions to racial divisions, from the migrant crisis to mass shootings, and even rising inflation—these distractions can easily cloud our vision. But now, more than ever, we cannot afford to drop our guard. The time to prepare is NOW.

The Urban Survival Playbook is your ultimate guide to navigating these troubling times. This isn’t just another product—it’s a lifeline for you and your family. As the Black community, we’ve always faced challenges with strength, but being prepared is the next step in protecting our future.

💡 Why You Need This:

• Learn how to safeguard your family in an emergency.

• Gain strategies to handle food shortages, economic crisis, and unrest.

• Build mental resilience in the face of uncertainty.

Don’t let distractions put your family’s safety at risk. Visit our website today to get the Urban Survival Playbook and start preparing for the future. Waiting too long could cost you everything.

🛡️ Be prepared. Be empowered. Be ready.

[marcustumblerius]

[etakeh]

Hey so PGE is having lots of outages in the PDX + area.

Charge your phones, find your flashlight/candles/jar of glow in the dark plastic marbles, consolidate your blankets and pillows into a central location, all that good stuff.

[czedwardsblog]

Summer Reminder: M44s

From a 2021 twitter thread Summer reminder, since many are heading out into the national parks and federal lands: Be VERY careful with anything that looks like a sprinkler head or trash in the ground – it could easily be an M44 cyanide device. It can kill humans and dogs.Our tax dollars pay for this poison. An M44 device in the ground. It looks like a pink marshmallow on top of a sprinkler…

[treetreader]

would anyone be able to recommend bushcraft/wilderness survival/off grid type stuff that ISN'T from gross ass right-wing conspiracy theorists? much of what im finding online is that crap and i dont wanna support that

anything would be much appreciated bc im trying to compile resources to have on hand in case of emergency and also trying to be more sustainable in my life choices

some goals i have rn (not all at once obvi)

starting a kitchen garden and learning to can the produce i grow (in the works)

water storage and use for gardening

planting a native grass lawn (in the works)

Native wildflower garden for pollinators (in the works)

upping my cooking skills

mending the clothes i have (doing good here)

spinning yarn

[muzzleroor-1st2ndamendmentinfo]

Good morning everyone!! If you still have not decided, here is Paul Harrell's top 5 choices for shtf self defense weapons you should own! Hope this helps! Have a great day!!

[pumpsoul-oct123]

Why You Don’t Have to Be a “Doomsday Prepper” to Be Prepared

When people think of prepping, the image that often comes to mind is someone stockpiling canned goods, building bunkers, and preparing for a catastrophic event. This stereotype of the "doomsday prepper" has made many dismiss the idea of preparedness altogether, thinking it’s only for the overly cautious or conspiracy theorists. However, being prepared isn’t about fearing the end of the world; it’s about taking practical steps to ensure you and your family can handle everyday emergencies. Here’s why you don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to be prepared.

1. Everyday Emergencies Are More Common Than Disasters

While large-scale disasters like earthquakes or hurricanes make headlines, everyday emergencies are far more common and can be just as disruptive. Think about the last time you experienced a power outage, a severe storm, or even a car breakdown. These situations can happen to anyone, anywhere, and having a plan in place can make all the difference. Preparedness is about being ready for the things that are most likely to happen, not just the worst-case scenarios.

2. Preparedness Is About Practicality, Not Paranoia

The idea of prepping often gets a bad reputation because it’s associated with extreme scenarios. However, practical preparedness is about taking sensible steps to protect your home and family. This could mean having a first-aid kit readily available, keeping a flashlight and extra batteries in the house, or knowing how to shut off your home’s gas supply in an emergency. These are everyday actions that can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

3. Basic Preparedness Is Easy and Affordable

One of the misconceptions about preparedness is that it requires a significant investment of time and money. While some people may choose to invest heavily in supplies and equipment, basic preparedness is something anyone can achieve with minimal effort. Start small by putting together an emergency kit with essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Over time, you can build on this foundation, but even a small amount of preparation can make a big difference in an emergency.

4. Knowledge Is Power

One of the most important aspects of being prepared is having the knowledge to respond to different situations. This doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in survival skills, but learning basic safety measures can go a long way. For example, knowing how to perform CPR, how to use a fire extinguisher, or how to purify water in an emergency can be invaluable. These are skills that anyone can learn and don’t require a doomsday mindset.

5. Preparedness Is About Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most compelling reason to embrace preparedness is the peace of mind it brings. Life is unpredictable, and while we can’t control everything, we can take steps to mitigate risks. Knowing that you have a plan in place for emergencies can reduce anxiety and help you feel more in control. It’s not about living in fear of what might happen, but about being ready for whatever comes your way.

How to Start Your Preparedness Journey

If you’re new to the idea of preparedness, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are a few simple steps to help you begin your journey:

Assess Your Risks: Consider the most likely emergencies you might face based on your location and lifestyle. For example, if you live in an area prone to power outages, focus on preparing for that scenario first.

Build an Emergency Kit: Start with the basics—water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, and a flashlight. You can expand your kit over time as you identify additional needs.

Create a Family Plan: Talk to your family about what to do in different types of emergencies. Make sure everyone knows where to go, how to communicate, and what to do if they’re separated.

Learn Basic Skills: Take the time to learn a few essential skills like CPR, first aid, and fire safety. These skills are useful in everyday life, not just in emergencies.

Stay Informed: Keep up with news and weather reports so you’re aware of potential threats. Having information early can help you act quickly and effectively.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to be prepared. Preparedness is about practical, everyday actions that can protect you and your loved ones in a variety of situations. By taking a few simple steps, you can gain peace of mind and be ready for whatever life throws your way. Remember, it’s not about fearing the worst—it’s about being ready for the unexpected.

[lianabrooks]

Let's talk about how to prep for hurricanes...

This is a very basic checklist for a simple 72-Hour Kit (sometimes called a Bug Out Bag). It has supplies to last your for three days, which is the estimated time needed for relief organizations to arrive in your area and start handing out food and water after a major disaster.

(more below the cut)

VITAL RECORDS – ID, proof that your children are yours, proof of medical insurance, vaccine records, marriage records, and insurance records for your house and car. If possible, make copies of records for everyone in your household so that there are multiple copies. It’s also worth keeping photos of things like birth certificates either in the cloud (there’s a debate here) or with friends or family who live in another area.

FOR THE KIT:

– Protein/granola bars

– Can opener (not electric)

– Trail mix/dried fruit

– Dishes/utensils

– Crackers/cereals (for munching)

– Shovel

– Canned tuna, beans, meat, Vienna sausages, etc. (“pop-top” cans might leak/explode)

– Radio (with batteries)

– Pen and paper

– Axe

– Canned juice

– Pocket knife

– Candy/gum (jolly ranchers or chocolate can melt and mint gum might “flavor” other items so be careful what you pick)

– Rope

– Duct tape

– Water (1 gallon per person/day)

– First Aid Supplies

– Change of clothing (short & long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, jackets, ect)

– Toiletries

– Roll of toilet paper

– Undergarments (water- proofed in a zip lock bag)

– Rain coat/poncho (lg black trash bags work well for this also)

– Feminine hygiene/deodorant

– Soaps – hand/dish

– Blankets & emergency heat blankets

– Shampoo/hand sanitizer

– Cloth sheet

– Immunization card

– Plastic sheet

– OTC medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, TUMS)

– Prescription medications (enough for 3 days)

– Battery lighting (flashlight, lamp)

– Extra batteries (BE CAREFUL NOT TO MIX THESE ITEMS WITH FOOD ITEMS)

– Flares

– Candles (or crayons – a crayon can be lit and used as a candle for up to 15 minutes)

– Lighter

– Water-proof matches

– Infant needs (if applicable)

– Birth/marriage certificates (also a copy of your insurance with numbers, pictures of your house and valuables, your car info, ect)

– Pet needs (if applicable)

– Insurance policies

– Comfort items (stuffed animals, pictures)

– Cash

– Credit card

FOR KIDS:

– picture album with pictures of family and contact information

– a couple small toys (even new ones)

– extra clothes

– a small surprise that you know they’ll like (this makes the emergency so much easier)

FOR PETS:

– food

– travel food and watering bowls

– pet pads if applicable

– pictures of the pets and contact info so you can share if separated

– medicine

– medical records

(PLACE THESE ITEMS IN A WATER-PROOF CONTAINER!)

Cheap 72-hour kit menu:

DAY ONE

Breakfast – oatmeal, hot cocoa

Lunch – ramen noodles, granola bar, gum

Supper – granola bar, 1 jerky, hot cocoa

Snack – raisins, 10 tootsie rolls

DAY TWO

Breakfast – oatmeal, hot cocoa

Lunch – peanut butter crackers, raisins, juice

Supper – ramen noodles, granola bar, gum

Snack – 1 jerky, 10 tootsie rolls

DAY THREE

Breakfast – oatmeal, hot cocoa

Lunch – trail mix, fruit snack, juice

Supper – granola bar, 1 jerky, hot cocoa

Snack – 10 tootsie rolls, gum

[weratebeanz]

Living along the Gulf Coast, my kids and I know firsthand how unpredictable and dangerous hurricane season can be. With forecasts predicting an especially active season this year, being prepared is more important than ever.

While many families take steps to protect themselves, pets are often left behind during emergencies, forced to endure the terror of massive storms because their owners weren’t prepared to evacuate with them or because local resources couldn’t accommodate them.

Preparing in advance is crucial for keeping your family—including your pets—together and reducing the risk of abandoning them during an emergency.

Here is our simple guide to creating a Hurricane Preparedness Kit for your cats and dogs and tips on training your pets to be ready to go immediately.

This post contains affiliate links, and we only recommend products we have either used, are using, or would use and share with our family and friends. Click here to read our Affiliate Disclaimer.

Hurricane Preparedness Kit for Cats and Dogs

A well-stocked Hurricane Preparedness Kit is essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of your pets during a storm. Here’s what to include:

Emergency Contact Information

ID Tags Ensure collars have up-to-date ID tags with contact details and any medical information.

Emergency Contact List Keep phone numbers for your vet, local animal shelters, and emergency contacts.

Basic Supplies

Food & Water Pack 3-7 days' worth of food and bottled water for each pet. A portable water filter is also helpful for extended emergencies.

Portable Bowls Collapsible or travel bowls for easy feeding and watering.

Can Opener Include a manual can opener for canned food.

Medications & Health Supplies

Medication Please ensure you have a minimum 7-14 day supply of prescribed medications.

First Aid Kit Your pet first aid kit should include antiseptic wipes, gauze, bandages, tweezers, and a thermometer suitable for cats and dogs.

Flea & Tick Prevention Have prevention supplies on hand. (We carry flea-killing medication and dewormer as well.)

Comfort Items

Favorite Toys or Treats Familiar items provide comfort during stressful situations. Invest in a second version of your dog's favorite squeaky duck or tennis ball (with single toss manual or automatic launcher). Don't forget the catnip and catnip toys for cats!

Blanket or Bed A portable, waterproof blanket or foldable pet bed.

Safety Gear

Leash & Harness Pack a sturdy leash and harness for your dogs and cats and ensure they’re accustomed to them.

Collar Ensure collars are well-fitted with ID tags. Consider a GPS tracking device to help keep track of your pet, just in case.

Cleaning Supplies

Litter & Litter Box Pack enough litter for at least a week and a portable or collapsible litter box for cats.

Waste Bags For cleaning up after dogs.

Puppy Pads Useful for indoor bathroom needs.

Travel Gear

Carrier or Crate A sturdy, well-ventilated carrier or crate for safe transport.

Seat Cover Keep your vehicle clean with a seat cover during travel.

Seatbelt Clip Ensure your pet's safety even if you opt not to use a carrier, crate, or backpack. Humans wear seat belts for our protection in case of an accident, your pet should too.

Dog Runner/Tie Out System Let your dogs or cats stretch their legs and get some energy out in a safe, controlled way. We use carabiners or bull snaps to change the length of the line and there are tree protectors.

Medical Records

Vaccination Records Keep copies of vaccination records and other necessary medical documents for each pet. Even if your vet is part of a more extensive network like Banfield or is great about sharing their records when needed, having copies on hand can save time during a medical emergency. They can also help when local authorities or pet-friendly accommodations need access to specific health and vaccination information.

Vet’s Contact Information Have your vet’s contact info readily accessible.

Identification

Microchip Info Ensure your pets are microchipped and the registration is up-to-date.

Recent Photo A current photo of each pet in case you need to post lost pet notices.

Backup Power

Portable Charger Keep a charger handy for essential electronics like phones or GPS trackers.

Hydration & Food Accessories

Portable Water Filter Useful for extended emergencies.

Freeze-Dried Food Lightweight, long-lasting food option.

Additional Items

Carrier Cover Helps to calm pets during transport. You can buy a custom cover or use a towel. [Please ensure your pet can still breathe fresh air.]

Calming Products Pheromone diffusers and calming treats to reduce stress are available for dogs and cats. Our multi-cat household has had great success with Feliway diffuser plugins.

Pet Raincoat Keep dogs dry during heavy rain. Smaller dog raincoats can be used for cats.

Cooling Bandana, Vest, and/or Mat Helps manage body heat in hot, humid conditions. In a pinch, you can use ice packs stuffed into spare pillowcases.

Rechargeable USB Fan To ensure your pet gets access to continuous air flow, consider investing in a rechargeable USB fan. We prefer the clip-on kind like our mini Gaiatop because they fit almost anywhere and are easily charged with a standard USB C but they come in larger sizes and with different bases. The 8" Koonie is used by several vanlife YouTubers. You can also choose a fan that uses a battery pack that is interchangeable with your cordless tools and lawn gear.

Packaging Tips

Waterproof Bag or Container Store all items in a waterproof bag or container (dry bag) and place it inside or on top of one of the carriers. In an emergency, this will make everything grab and go. For pets with special needs, consider using a carabiner to attach a smaller dry bag with pet-specific items to their carrier or backpack. This also works well for multi-pet households if more than one family member will be helping with pet evacuation as each dry bag can contain all the pet related items for the pets each family member will be responsible for.

Easy Access Keep the kit in a readily accessible place for quick grab-and-go and make sure every family member knows where these items are, how to access them, and how to use them.

Training Your Pets for Emergency Situations

Being prepared isn’t just about having the right supplies—it’s also about training your pets to stay calm and respond to commands during an emergency. This is true for both dogs and cats.

Here’s how:

Practice Evacuation Drills Regularly practice quickly getting your pets into their carriers or crates. Reward them with treats and praise to create positive associations.

Go Bag Familiarity You can get your pets used to their emergency kits by slowly introducing them to the items. Let them sniff and explore the carriers, leashes, and other gear.

Command Training Teach basic commands like “come,” “stay,” and “shh” to help maintain control in a chaotic situation. Practice these commands calmly so your pets are more likely to respond during an emergency.

Stay Calm Pets often mirror our emotions. Take a few deep breaths, remember you've been preparing, and consider your circumstances. What do you know? What do you have? What can you do? If you can stay calm during an evacuation, your pets are likelier to remain calm, too. Your confidence will help them feel safer and encourage them to self-regulate, just like you did.

No family member left behind.

Preparing for hurricane season is about more than just securing your home—it’s about ensuring the safety and comfort of every family member, including your pets.

By creating a Hurricane Preparedness Kit and training your pets for emergencies, you can keep your family together and reduce the stress and chaos of a storm.

Stay safe, be prepared, and protect the ones you love.

[themelanindigitalwave]

🌍 The World is Changing: Are You Ready? 🌍

Right now, we are living in unprecedented times. Political tensions are rising, racial divisions are deepening, the migrant crisis is overwhelming our cities, and violence seems to be at every corner. Inflation is making it harder to get by, the Israel/Palestine conflict continues to escalate, and homelessness is becoming a growing crisis. As Black people, we have always been resilient, but now is the time to prepare and protect what matters most—our families.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!

The Urban Survival Playbook is the single most important digital product you can purchase right now to navigate these uncertain times. This isn’t just another guide; it’s a blueprint for survival, crafted with our community in mind. Whether it’s mass shootings, economic collapse, or civil unrest, being prepared can mean the difference between chaos and control.

🛡️ Why You Need This NOW:

• Stay ahead of the curve—learn how to protect your family before disaster strikes.

• Get practical, no-nonsense strategies to keep your home safe.

• Plan for emergencies like food shortages, natural disasters, and power outages.

• Build mental resilience to handle the stress of an unpredictable world.

💡 Take Action Today!

Don’t wait until a crisis catches you off guard. Your family’s safety depends on your preparedness. Visit our website and get the Urban Survival Playbook now. It’s time to start planning for the unexpected. Waiting could cost you dearly, but being ready will give you peace of mind.

[liminalweirdo]

actually useful new years resolutions

If you never make New Years Resolutions, or are thinking about what you can do that’s actually going to be worthwhile:

Learn CPR and first aid. Depending on where you live and what season it is, ambulances are taking too long to reach emergencies because of pandemic-related staffing shortages. In some cases, this means several hours. NHS data released last week showed ambulance crews could not respond to almost one in four emergency calls because so many ambulances were waiting to hand patients over. Also, it looks good on a resume, if you care about that.

Start a garden (yes, even indoors). This should be self-explanatory considering inflation and the cost of food these days, but even one or two swiss chard or napa cabbage plants can go a long way in providing you with greens for the season. Microgreens are also a great way to go, because they’re ready to eat in just 1-2 weeks. If you have a balcony (or south-facing windows) tomatoes and bush-variety beans are a great vegetable to plant as well that should produce a pretty good harvest. Also, it’s good for you and the bees! If you want to try a garden but don’t have an outdoor space, microgreens will grow beside the window. Green onions, living lettuce, herbs, and celery are also possible to grow from cuttings. (Just be careful to keep toxic plants away from your pets, including tomatoes, green onions/chives.) If you need any advice on growing your own food, please feel free to send me an ask, I’d love to help you out.

Stock up on emergency supplies and learn basic emergency preparedness. Stuff like this should be normalized. I’m not telling you to start digging a bunker, I mean having things like enough bottled water, candles or a battery-powered lantern, dried goods (rice, granola bars, instant noodles, rice, pasta, tinned soup, canned veggies, canned fruits in your house (and a manual can opener, not an electric one). This will be useful for power outages and bad weather, both of which are increasing. Stock up on medication like Tylenol/Advil/Pedialyte or Dioralyte etc. for colds, flu, and general illness. I know it’s hard sometimes, but please try to keep your prescribed meds up to date. If bad weather is coming, see if you can get more. 

This doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Put $5-$15 towards emergency supplies each grocery run and that should be enough to have a good amount of emergency supplies within a month or two. The best time to start is now. Having a supply of bottled water is great for power outages. Filling your bathtub or a bucket to flush your toilet in power outages is a great idea. If your water expires you can use it for cleaning household surfaces and flushing the toilet in a power outage. (Please be careful of small pets and small children if you have buckets/bathtubs filled with water uncovered/attended)

BUY A FIRST AID KIT. Buy two if you can. Keep one in your house and one in your car and replenish it as you use it.

Please feel free to add to this list. Feel free to send me an ask if you want/need any advice on how to prepare for emergencies. I can’t promise I’ll have all the answers, but I will try to help.

Stay safe out there i love you all