So how do I get started?
OK, so you’ve decided to start prepping. You’re going to change your mind set and agree that in the event of a natural disaster, the government and local agencies will not always be able to cope with everyone’s problems at the same time. You have decided that YOU will take care of you, and your family.
Good stuff, let’s get started!
It is simple. You need to have food, water, shelter, warmth and security.
Below is the standard list from all the websites.
There are some valid suggestions here, and a good start to get going,
Do check the page here on the items the people of Christchurch suggest. They know what they are talking about! The stuff they have learned, and have shared is the nitty gritty, this is where the rubber meets the road! THEY know what YOU need!
Emergency Survival Kit
If you prefer to keep your Emergency Survival Kit items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them when an emergency occurs. Your Kit should contain:
Food and Water – Enough for 3 Days
Canned or dried food
A can opener
A primus or BBQ to cook on
Bottled water (3 litres per person per day)
Check and renew the food and water every 12 months
Emergency Items
First Aid kit and essential medicines
Spare toilet paper and plastic rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
Pet supplies
Waterproof torches and spare batteries
Radio and spare batteries
Check the batteries every three months
Emergency Clothing
Wind proof and rain proof
Sun hats
Blankets or sleeping bags
Strong shoes for outdoors
Supplies for Babies and Small Children
Food and drink
Change of clothing
Favourite toy or activity
Special Supplies for those with Disabilities
Hearing aids
Mobility aids
Glasses
Now, just having this stuff around isn’t enough! It needs to be looked after, checked, date’s recorded, updated and rechecked. Don’t just buy it and stash it.
I replace my water every 12 months. I use the end of daylight savings to remind me. A small amount, a few drops, of janola, plain, not scented, will keep the water good for at least that long. I have 8 20lt
containers, and I change it every year. Tinned food? Well, I started doing this 10 years ago at least, I have left baked beans for 4 years, and it tastes just the same, you do need to stir it up after that long, but it seems to keep pretty well, conduct your own experiments, but canned food is good for years.
Only you know what’s important to you, get started, ad to it slowly, it will build up. I have 2 bags, ready to go. We also have a plan. My wife will grab the bags, and 1 water container and leave the house if
necessary, I know where she will go. I don’t believe there will come a time or situation where I won’t be able to get back in to get other things when and if we need them. It may be difficult, or unsafe, but I’ll deal with that if need be.
Don’t make your survival kit/bag, so heavy and immobile that it’s too hard to move, the reason we have two bags, so my wife can lift them! It’s a struggle, but she can lift a 20lt of water too, and yes, she has done it. We had a tsunami warning 2 years ago, she put the kids in the car, grabbed the essentials and bugged out.
I don’t think anyone can prepare for everything, no one would have ever predicted what would happen in Christchurch, but I think, having some sort of ready supplies and a plan is just like insurance. Most of us won’t ever need it, but it sure makes it easier to sleep, just knowing its there.
Go!
OK, so you’ve decided to start prepping. You’re going to change your mind set and agree that in the event of a natural disaster, the government and local agencies will not always be able to cope with everyone’s problems at the same time. You have decided that YOU will take care of you, and your family.
Good stuff, let’s get started!
It is simple. You need to have food, water, shelter, warmth and security.
Below is the standard list from all the websites.
There are some valid suggestions here, and a good start to get going,
Do check the page here on the items the people of Christchurch suggest. They know what they are talking about! The stuff they have learned, and have shared is the nitty gritty, this is where the rubber meets the road! THEY know what YOU need!
Emergency Survival Kit
If you prefer to keep your Emergency Survival Kit items in the house for everyday use, make sure you know where to find them when an emergency occurs. Your Kit should contain:
Food and Water – Enough for 3 Days
Canned or dried food
A can opener
A primus or BBQ to cook on
Bottled water (3 litres per person per day)
Check and renew the food and water every 12 months
Emergency Items
First Aid kit and essential medicines
Spare toilet paper and plastic rubbish bags for your emergency toilet
Pet supplies
Waterproof torches and spare batteries
Radio and spare batteries
Check the batteries every three months
Emergency Clothing
Wind proof and rain proof
Sun hats
Blankets or sleeping bags
Strong shoes for outdoors
Supplies for Babies and Small Children
Food and drink
Change of clothing
Favourite toy or activity
Special Supplies for those with Disabilities
Hearing aids
Mobility aids
Glasses
Now, just having this stuff around isn’t enough! It needs to be looked after, checked, date’s recorded, updated and rechecked. Don’t just buy it and stash it.
I replace my water every 12 months. I use the end of daylight savings to remind me. A small amount, a few drops, of janola, plain, not scented, will keep the water good for at least that long. I have 8 20lt
containers, and I change it every year. Tinned food? Well, I started doing this 10 years ago at least, I have left baked beans for 4 years, and it tastes just the same, you do need to stir it up after that long, but it seems to keep pretty well, conduct your own experiments, but canned food is good for years.
Only you know what’s important to you, get started, ad to it slowly, it will build up. I have 2 bags, ready to go. We also have a plan. My wife will grab the bags, and 1 water container and leave the house if
necessary, I know where she will go. I don’t believe there will come a time or situation where I won’t be able to get back in to get other things when and if we need them. It may be difficult, or unsafe, but I’ll deal with that if need be.
Don’t make your survival kit/bag, so heavy and immobile that it’s too hard to move, the reason we have two bags, so my wife can lift them! It’s a struggle, but she can lift a 20lt of water too, and yes, she has done it. We had a tsunami warning 2 years ago, she put the kids in the car, grabbed the essentials and bugged out.
I don’t think anyone can prepare for everything, no one would have ever predicted what would happen in Christchurch, but I think, having some sort of ready supplies and a plan is just like insurance. Most of us won’t ever need it, but it sure makes it easier to sleep, just knowing its there.
Go!