Emergency Essentials

Always keep a few gallons of vodka on hand. So many uses.

It's easy. It's pretty much all the same stuff you'd take on a lengthy camping trip.

We're recommended to have at least seven days of supplies and medicines on hand here in Alaska. In case of evacuation to a shelter, I have a "Go Bag" for both myself and for my cat!

Eric, if your three day supply of food includes six jars of peanut but you may want to save money and buy bigger jars. Some of the stuff you listed is nice to have if you have the room for it but water is essential to life so three days supply is NOT enough. If you go overboard on anything, let it be drinking water.

The moment you use up your essentials for a moderate emergency, you can bet your bottom dollar worse trouible is coming your way immediately.

Don't forget a gun...I was directly and indirectly impacted by 4 hurricanes in se texas between 2005 and 2010 and you most definitely need one of these...During disasters, the predators come out of the wood work and people who are not prepared become desperate and will do "anything" to get water and food...Be prepared to protect and defend yourself and loved ones...

Steel wool and nine-volt batteries to easily start a fire.

My list would include: a pot and pan, utensils-cooking and eating, washable dishes, bleach wipes, manual can opener, firestarters/kindling, matches/lighter, flashlight/batteries, radio/crank or batteries, coffee pot, grill for over a fire, lantern-candle or fuel/mantels, axe/hammer/saw/knife, first aid kit, toilet paper, shovel, canned goods, coffee/powdered creamer/sugar, pail for water, soap-bar/antibacterial/dishwashing, sponge. pot holder/gloves, bleach, aluminum foil, water, rope, bug spray, sun screen, sleeping bags, tent/tarp, portable shower, deck of cards, clothespins, toothpaste/toothbrush/floss (because dental hygiene is important ;o), water purification tablets, whistle, mirror, towels, ponchos.

Um... If you are stocking canned food, you should stock a can opener too (manual not electric). Are you having this in a box, ready to grab-and-go in case of evacuation?

Agree with Stanleyhoneybear. I saw how the criminaly minded turned to animalistic behavior and had the freedom to victimize the innocent that were unarmed during Katrina. Apart from the water, shelter and food, whether you're a gun owner or not, you must protect your family from these desperate criminal elements. Until Law Enforcement or Military can arrive, Pick a firearm that you can function and store at least 500 rounds of ammunition. For those with multiple weapons that can arm other family members, 500 rounds per each handgun and a holster for each, 1,000 rounds of rifle or semi-auto ammo with ability to sling that weapon. A good survival knife and a multi-tool is always good to carry on the hip. Bless those souls who were not able to protect thier family and themselves until help arrived too late.