EMERGENCY SUPPLY STORAGE TOP TEN TIPS 

Do you lie awake nights wondering if you have enough supplies for those unforeseen occurrences Mother Nature brings our way? By morning your feet hit the ground running with the daily demands of your life, the needs of your family, those late night demons fade in the light of day. 

Spring is the time for new beginnings. The dangers of winter have passed and we find ourselves lulled into a Disney-esque frame of mind with birds and butterflies in the air. Time to open the windows, shake out the rugs, and dust off the folding chairs for concerts in the park! We never expect danger when the sun is shining.  

Once again it’s easy to forget about your goals to get prepared. Many people are frozen with indecision, they don’t know what to prepare for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, winter storms, power outs. Will you be at home? Will your home survive? Where should you store your supplies? Don’t let these distractions keep you from taking action. As the air chills and pumpkin spice is all the rage, it's time to reivew your readiness. 

#1 DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET. 

Most homes have enough food supplies to last a few days. You will still need to have water, 1 gallon per day per person. I recommend a 5 gallon bucket with a lid for an emergency toilet and black hefty sacks, sawdust or kitty litter in case of sewer problems. Have bleach, peroxide and first aid items on hand. A camp stove with sterno comes in handy if your stove is electric. Never let RX medications get below a ten day supply. Wet wipes in both hand and body sizes are extremely helpful. For longer emergencies our family has storage with enough supplies to last a family of five 6 weeks. Any weather proof storage area will do, a closet in your home, garage, a rented space or a tornado cellar. Have a few different cache sites stocked. 

#2 TAKE A CLASS 

REI STORES and usually your local City Hall both offer classes. 

#3 CHECK ONLINE WEBSITES FOR LISTS OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES. 

REI http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/emergency-preparedness-basics.html
The Prepper Journal http://www.theprepperjournal.com/2014/02/26/preppers-list-of-supplies/ ready.Gov http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/checklist_1.pdf 

#4 MAKE A FAMLY PLAN 

Arranage a family meeting place. Have walkie talkies to communicate in case cell towers aren’t working. Have “Go” bags packed at all times, include one for the family pets. A laminated list of supplies to grab from home is helpful with phone numbers on the back. If you don’t live near family, partner with someone who will meet or call you after an emergency so you can check on each other. 

DON’T FORGET TO GIVE CHILDREN A CODE WORD TO USE IN CASE YOU SEND SOMEONE TO PICK THEM UP FROM SCHOOL. 

#5 CAR SUPPLIES 

I keep a back pack that will sustain 4 people for 3 days with food and water, "Life Straw" water purifiers are small enough to fit in a glove box. These items are for sale ready made or you can assemble them yourself. Of course a good blanket and pillow is important for the car if stranded, a red kerchief & a whistle to attract help if needed. 

#6 BUY BEFORE THE EMERGENCY 

Late summer when firewood, pellets & ice deterrent first appear on store shelves buy enough to last through storms or a power outage. Don’t forget lighters and batteries. That same week have your tires checked, put snow cables in the car and repair home door weather stripping. Buy and test your generators. Have fresh gasoline stored in airtight containers. Locate your power strips and extension cords to reach your refrigerator and charge electronics. Solar lights are wonderful. I use inflatable “Luci lights”. A large tarp, assorted size bungee cords and duct tape are high on the must have list. 

#7 DO SOMETHING TO PREPARE 

We can never be certain we will have what we need for every possible emergency but every step you take in preparation will increase your comfort in times of need. Don’t let not being able to do it all, stop you from doing anything.

#8 EXPIRATION DATES 

Buy food with the furthest out expiration dates possible. Check dates twice a year. New Years and July or your birthday and half birthday. If about to expire, bring it into the house to use and shop to replace it. 

#9 DON’T FORGET FUN! 

When you’re hibernating through a storm or waiting for help to arrive have books, cards, mad-libs packed in with your supplies to keep your mind occupied and family members in good spirits. A few (hundred) chocolate bars couldn’t hurt. 

#10 HIRE HELP 

In greater Portland Oregon, EscapeYourChaos.com sets up emergency supply storage. Perhaps you can’t afford to do this all at once but you could do it over time, one session with our Organizers every month for a year. Virtual consults also available by calling 503-805-5880. 

You will sleep better knowing you have done what you can to Escape Your Chaos!