September 30th, 2008 - Feeling a little more secure
I’ve long wish we’d had even a modest collection of emergency supplies. We don’t even have a first aid kit (not that we don’t have first aid items, but they are in various cabinets and drawers and not in one container, much less in a place we can grab and go). That I read a lot of post-apocalypse novels is, yes, part of that wish. What’s happening to the economy is another part. That we live in tornado and flood country another.
So we’re doing something about it. This weekend, I bought:
- a 170-item first aid kit
- magnesium fire starters (these are just so cool I can’t wait to try one out!)
- mylar blankets
- emergency candles
- dry sack (waterproof bag)
- waterproof matches
- a few other things I can’t recall
We also put Eric’s old pair of glasses in with this stuff, a package of baby wipes, a Gerber utility knife (like a Swiss Army knife only a different brand that Eric swears by), and a few toiletries. Over the next few months, we’ll gather at least a 3-day supply of daily medications. I’d also like to get a few more solar-powered items, especially another flashlight or a lantern. And water (although my canned juices should count for some of that). Should also have some extra clothes–but since we have so few (compared to the typical American) that one’s tougher. We literally wear all of our clothes every week (except Maggie–she has plenty of extras since I buy so far in advance). Although, with our weight loss, I might set aside a few things we’ve grown out of just to have something there (once we get to that point, that is).
I feel just a little more safe and secure with these few items. I spent only about $100 for the items we didn’t already have. It’s worth it!