Watching the evening news is enough to convince anyone that the world has become unstable. Adding to that the realization that our own aging reality is also filled with unknowns, it becomes totally logical to prepare for … whatever.
Now we are not preaching gloom and doom. Nor are we declaring sickness or disaster. But the reality is that we have different needs now, different ways of dealing with stress, and new ways to feel safe and secure.
One of the major enemies for older folks is FEAR. Fear of the unknown. You know, its that “What-If” voice. And when it gets loud enough, it can become paralyzing. So we have learned to stand against it by being prepared … for anything.
Oscar and I live in different worlds. Rural vs. city life. But the basic needs are the same. Oscar has developed a two-part preparedness plan, the second one being more focused on survival. My plan is more citified, considering the infrastructure and utility needs. But with either scenario, our Bug-Out Bags give us great peace.
The Bug-Out Bag
Oscar
Note: The purpose of a pre-packed bag is to eliminate fear and panic in an emergency situation. Therefore choose one that can be zipped and left packed and stored near the front door.
- Dog
- Vet documentation for shots and health records in case she needs to be boarded or accepted into a motel.
- Leash (spare)
- Dog anxiety pills in original Rx bottle.
- Old Drivers license for ID in case you forget your wallet.
- Copy of Birth Certificate.
- Cell phone charging cord (the spare one)
- Underwear – 3 pair (the plan is to wash one pair every evening and give it a day to dry).
- Old jeans and 2 T-shirts.
- Mini bottles of Vodka to add to water for anxiety.
- Pills in Rx bottle – 3 days. Be sure your name is on the bottle. After that, a pharmacy can supply emergency doses.
- Bar of soap.
- Deoderant
- Toothbrush & toothpaste.
- Reader glasses (the spare)
- Cash
For Survival …
- Flashlight
- Extension cord
- Sleeping bag
- Swiss Army knife
- Lighter or matches
- Beef jerky
- Toilet Paper
- Pen & paper to a leave note, if needed.
Last minute supplies: Leave a tag attached to the bag as a reminder to grab the following:
- Cell phone
- keys
- Tablet
- Wallet
Note: Oscar also has on site a portable generator and gas … just in case.
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Gladiola
My scenario is different. In an emergency, I would probably shelter-in-place. My FL “Hurricane Closet” is already well stocked with a solar generator, solar lamps, flashlights and batteries, a portable air conditioner, dehydrated food, a hot plate, and 20 gallons of distilled water for drinking. Everything I need is already in the house.
For a hurricane or infrastructure disaster concerning water, I have a dedicated trash barrel that I would place in the shower and pre-fill with water for flushing and bathing.
So my Bug-Out Bag is dedicated to more of an evacuation emergency.
- Medical records & ID’s.
- Emergency contacts.
- Personal care products and toiletries.
- Cell phone charger.
- Tablet charger.
- Rx for 3 days.
- Change of clothes and underwear x 3
- Cash
- And … for stress … a few mini-bottles of wine!
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May we never need any of this!
In the meantime, it does quiet the voice of fear. You know … that “What-if” voice.
So … ALL IS WELL!