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It’s been a while since we’ve talked about emergency preparedness.
With all the bad weather across the country, it’s time to make a car bag. This is different from a bug out bag, because those are stored in your house–which you can’t get to if something happens and you’re at work, for example.
Imagine a situation like this: you’re at work and there’s an unexpected disaster. Here in California it might be an earthquake. Maybe the main freeway is closed because of a gas leak. Or a water main break prevents you from driving on a major street by your house.
For whatever reason, the cell network is down too. You need to be able to walk to your house or a safe place and you can’t phone anyone for help.
What to Put in Your Car Bag
Start with a sturdy, nondescript backpack. Check the back-to-school sales or thriftstores. Don’t get anything flashy, or it might be stolen out of your car!
Then add these items:
- Emergency blanket
- Walking shoes and socks
- Comfortable clothes that fit your weather situation
- Energy bars (like Clif or Millennium)
- Water
- Small first aid kit
- Flashlight or headlamp and batteries
- Paper map
- Matches or lighter
Increase quantities if you work or travel far from civilization. Most people can walk 3 miles in an hour, but everyone’s going to need to rest, drink, and eat. Don’t expect to be able to walk for 10 hours straight!
As I was writing this article, Hubby said that he kept many of these items in his car when he was in high school and college. His first car was liable to break down at any time, and since there were no cell phones back then you had to be ready for anything.
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