In the last week the US of A has experienced a wide range of natural catastrophes. From wildfires in Colorado, to a 'land hurricane' and subsequent power outage in the mid-Atlantic, to rain and flooding in the SE from Tropical Storm Debbie. I guarantee that most of the folks affected by these events were not prepared. But what does 'prepared' mean in these scenarios?
First, I don't think any of them were case studies of the need for a Go Bag, at least in the 'grab and go' sense. Call it a 72 hour bag and you're right on target. Take the wildfires for instance. Those can change direction in a heartbeat, or flare up, or jump fire lines. You could easily get the word to 'Get out now!'. 'Now' would not then be the time to pack, to look for critical documents, or to figure out a plan. If you had a 72 hour bag and Critical Document Binder*, you'd be set. I say a 72 hour bag, because I think this is the more likely scenario for most people. In this case you are Getting Out of Dodge, but plan to return. So the 72 hour kit isn't for 72 hours in the woods, but 72 hours in the hotel. The basics are the same for each (change of clothing, basic toiletries, food and water). While some outdoor survival items may not be needed in this case (fire starters, knives and axes, shelter material, etc), you never know, right? What I'm saying is a well planned Go Bag should cover you in the 72 hour bag Bug Out and Return scenario as well.
The Critical Document Binder is a grab and go addendum to the 72 hour bag. This one binder will have all your critical documents, contact info, and proof of identity/residence items for your return, or for disaster management, as the case dictates. Just think if you bugged out and your house burned down. Insurance phone numbers, policy numbers? Banking and investment info? All that data of 21st century living we take for granted: if you didn't have them at your fingertips, it could be a challenge to get back on your feet. If not a challenge, at least a frustrating few days as you piece it all back together.
The power outage is probably a Bug In situation for most folks. Test your plans in the scenario of a power outage for 7-plus days in 100 degree heat. Food spoilage rate is probably pretty high. Water requirements are higher than 'normal' or average. How susceptible to the heat are you? I know I have gotten pretty used to the AC over the years.
Rain and flooding can be either a slow onset event (like it was here in NE Florida) or fast if you are in an area prone to flash flooding. Like a wildfire, you might have to bug out rather quickly, so planning and preparation will be tested.
So while the Zombie Apocalypse is a low probability event in my calculus, the recent natural 'disasters' are my Most Likely events: that is what I am preparing for first (given my budget and other factors). It makes more sense for me to spend my money and time on Bug In and Bug Out/Return events than arming to the teeth to defend the homestead. Doesn't mean I'm not, it's just a way to prioritize on a limited budget. Be realistic, and be prepared.
*I've edited this post by removing the link to emergencybinder.org. This site had a free download of 4 Word documents that provided an extensive template for the information to put in a critical documents binder. It went so far as passwords for online accounts, security info, etc. Wow. I don't think of myself as the paranoid type, but I'm not about to type that kind of info into a word document I've downloaded off the net. Plus I wouldn't want that floating around in a hardcopy binder either. My idea for a critical document binder is the stuff you already have in hardcopy (marriage license, SS cards, etc). You still have to guard it closely. Critical digital information can be stored on a password protected/encrypted USB drive. For that matter, most hardcopy documents you can scan to PDF and put on the thumb drive. Much more secure.
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