Natural disasters become more and more common. Forest fires destroy quarters, flood waters erode roads, and hurricane winds from hurricanes tear off roofs from houses and enterprises. To be prepared for natural disaster may be a difference between a safe hit in a safe place and panic, trying to find what you need at the last minute. From important documents and drugs to a clean change of clothing – preparing a road bag is more important than ever.
I live on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, in a city that was badly damaged by hurricanes in the past. With the beginning of the new season of hurricanes, which will begin on June 1, I have a guard more than ever. Hurricances are not news for me – I grew up by the water in North Carolina, where my parents still live – but, nevertheless, the news about the impending storm causes me an alarm. Therefore, I always have a bag with the most necessary.
I created my reliable bag for emergency cases on the basis of hard experience won, including during last year's hurricanes Helen and Milton. (And this bag is intended not only to prepare for a hurricane – my sister lives in Oklahoma and collected her own bag, based on my recommendations in case of a tornado.) Believe me: the presence of a finished bag can make a chaotic, frightening moment a little more controlled.
Read also: Tornado, floods, forest fires, attackers: 4 ways in which your phone can help in an emergency
What is a road bag and why do you definitely need it
The hiking bag (also called a bag for emergency cases) is a backpack or a small road bag, which collects everything you need that you, your family and your family animals can be needed in hours or days after the natural disaster forces you to leave the house. Emergency officials, especially in areas subject to hurricanes or fires, are urged in each house to have at least one person in standby mode.
Ideally, each family member should have his own. Thus, you do not have to carry one huge bag with you or make a heartbreaking choice regarding what will remain.
Why should you assemble a road bag right now
Many disasters give us some warning, while others attack without mercy or without attention. Even if there is a forecast, an order to evacuate may come suddenly. You need to be ready to leave at any time if you live in areas that regularly face:
- Hurricanes or tropical storms
- Sudden floods
- landslides
- Tornado
- Earthquakes
- Forest fires
- Ice storms
- Tsunami
What to put in an emergency bag
Here is a control list of things that should be included in the hiking bag:
Important things in the camp bag:
- Water filter
- Flashlight (sunny or trigger)
- Nonsporting foods (MRA or calorie sublimated dishes)
- Personal hygiene items (soap, toilet paper, toothbrush, etc. In waterproof packages)
- First aid of first aid (bandages, antiseptic, medicine)
- Charger for phone and portable power supply (for any iPhones or Androids)
- Spare batteries
- Working gloves
- Medicines and copies of recipes
- Important documents (identity certificates, insurance, passports, birth certificates in a waterproof bag)
- Home and car keys
- Map and compass (do not rely on GPS)
- Cash (small bills and coins)
Additions to the GO bag:
- Paracord (durable, compact and universal)
- Carabiners (for mounting equipment)
- Whistle (help signal)
- Fire inciting tools (lighters, waterproof matches)
- Dust mask
- Blanket (in vacuum packaging to save space)
- Change of clothing and poncho
- Sunscreen cream
- Family photo (for personality certificates, in a waterproof bag)
- USB drive with digital copies of family photos
- Paper, handles and adhesive tape (to leave messages)
Other important considerations in the case of an emergency
Now that you know what vital things should be taken with you in an emergency, here are a few additional things that should be taken into account.
Refuse a liter of water and instead take a water filter with you.
Most first -aid kits recommend that you store water supply for three days at home. But carrying so much water during evacuation can be unrealistic, especially if you walk.
Instead, take a bottle of water cleaning, for example Lifestraw GO bottle or Grail Geopress. They filter bacteria and pollution from ponds, ditches and even puddles, turning unpeeled water into a reserve source of drinking water. Both bottles can be attached to the bag outside to save space. Be sure to read the instructions, since many filters before use must be washed with clean water.
Choose a solar flashlight.
Turning off electricity Almost guaranteed during a strong storm. Instead of taking batteries with you that can be discharged or wet, select a flashlight on a sunny battery or with a groovy meal, for example Thorfire LED flashlight. Bonus points, if it works as AM/FM radio to obtain weather updates.
Do not forget your pets
In the chaos of evacuation, it is easy not to notice the needs of their pets, but they rely on you just like children. Regardless of whether you are evacuated for several hours or for several days, packaging of an emergency kit for your animals is necessary for their health, comfort and safety.
Here's what should be included in the road bag of your pet:
- At least three days of feed for pets (stored in hermetic containers or packets with a zipper)
- Folding bowls for food and water.
- Treats (they also need comfort)
- Tags for identifying pets with current phone numbers
- Information about the microchip in case your pet is separated from you.
- Vaccinations and confirmation of ownership (they may be required in hotels)
- Reliable leash
- Box or carrying with your name and contact information.
- Blanket or a small bed with a familiar aroma
- Toys or chewing sweets to facilitate anxiety while traveling.
- Dog garbage bags
- Toilet tray and filler for cats (a small disposable tray is also suitable)
- Medicines and dosage instructions
- Safe for pets napkins or towel for quick cleaning.
How to choose a road bag right
The best road bag is the one that you can really carry with you. Do not take a huge sports bag with you if you are not sure that you can transport it over long distances. A solid hiking backpack of waterproof canvas with soft straps and a breast belt is ideal. Look for an option with a large number of departments and, if possible, with a built -in water tank, also known as a moisturizing package or Camelbak.
We recommend a great option: Sandpipiper of California backpackDurable, roomy and designed for quick evacuation.
Additional resources
Climate change makes hurricanes, forest fires and other natural disasters stronger and more frequent. Preparation is no longer optional – it is necessary. Having spent several hours on assembly and safe storage of a road bag, you can save your life, reduce stress and slightly facilitate evacuation.
Although the destructive consequences of these events can be terrifying, you can take many steps to protect yourself, your house and your loved ones from a natural disaster. Here are some additional resources:
I hope you will never need your road bag. But if the day comes when you do this, let him be ready, reliable and will be where you need.
