Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsoon65
I didn't see these in this thread, but came across them a few days ago.
I was doing a search for the Gamma seals that Walton Feed sells, and I found that the Gamma Plastics makes these:
http://www.gammaplastics.com/new/vittles_vault.html
I found them at PetSmart today. They are food grade plastic, easy spin off lids, come in a bunch of different sizes and are suppose to keep pests out. They might be a pretty good deal for storing dry goods like oats or rice. |
I recently purchased a bunch of the Gamma Seal lids and have been very happy with them so far. They really make the 5 gallon buckets great for storage, as long as you use the Mylar bags for the contents.
This would be an excellent time to review your kit and make sure of the quantity and condition/shelf life of your gear.
As a minimum, I would want to have the following in a tuff box, storage container, bag or bags for quick grab and go situations.
The first thing to have is a plan, and a well-known one that every member is aware of. If the levee breaks, the power goes out, or the hurricane shifts at the last moment, everyone needs to know what to do, where to go, how you are getting out, what the destination is, contact info, etc.
Toss the contents of your wallet onto your local copier and burn a few sheets with the front and back of all ID, credit cards, passports, birth certificates, etc. Keep this in a secure, but quickly accessible place. I would keep several hundred dollars in small bills locked up as well. $1,000 would be better, if you can swing it.
Spare meds (see your Doc and tell him it is for travel). Make sure that your shots (and your families) are up to date as well.
First aid kit, covering trauma, illness, etc. Basically a broad selection. Make sure you know how tro use what you have. Get training if necessary.
At least one defensive weapon. If you have not fired it lately, get some ammo (scary prices) and burn a box or two, along with the nasty carry ammo you have had in the mag for the past year. Do not be surprised if it misfires, just do your clearing drill and drive on. I would have plenty of non-lethal options as well. Bring spare mags and ammo.
Sleeping bags, woobies, sheets, etc.
Tents, tarps, ponchos, or just sheet vinyl, and a bunch of 550 cord, a hammer stapler, and some duct tape.
An axe, machete, etc. Leatherman or SAK. Shovel, or E-tool. Chainsaw with fuel and oil, or a bow saw. Rope, straps, come-along, etc. Hand tools for carpentry and mechanical repair.
Fuel (I would keep a couple of cans at home). Use Sta-Bil, and rotate the stock periodically. If you leave, take at least a couple of gallong in an approved container. A couple of quarts of oil and a gallon of anti-freeze as well.
Depending on the size of your party, a Coleman stove (with fuel), Sterno, a multi-fuel stove, candles, a lantern, Chemlites, Microlights, and several flashlights (with spare bulbs and batteries).
Several collapsible water containers, Camelbacks, Nalgenes, canteens, cans, etc., and at least one gallon of fresh water per person, per day, stored at home.
Water purification, either mechanical or chemical.
Toilet paper and wet wipes. A folding chemical toilet at home, or the ability to make one.
Camp type cookware, flatware, etc.
Food (MREs, freeze dried, canned, etc.) adequate for at least one cold and one hot meal per day, per person. A couple of weeks worth, if you can. Food prices have gone wild as well lately. Probably not coming down anytime soon. Look for long shelf life. At least two weeks supply of non-perishables on hand at home. Don't forget the spices.
Plenty of soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, and detergent. Towels.
Bug juice and sunscreen. Lots.
Cell phones, FRS/GMRS radios, laptop, ham gear, etc., with batteries. Have a commo plan and a RV/link-up plan with family members.
GPS, a home state gazetteer, and maps or an atlas with at least the surrounding states.
Spare batteries, chargers (120v. and 12 v.), etc. A solar charging panel is a nice to have item, as is an inverter.
Spare clothing, to include seasonably appropriate under and outerwear.
Make sure that your vehicle is well maintained, recently serviced, good all-season tires, reliable battery, and keep the fuel above 1/2 tank.
If you have a bike rack, or a way to carry one (or two), that is not a bad idea. Murphy is out there.
If you have pets, and plan to bring them, have them tattooed or chipped, shots up to date, and keep a close watch on them. Then bring plenty of food and extra water.
Game Boys, video player, personal audio devices, cards, a board game or two, if you wind up in a shelter, or waiting out an evacuation, you may need the diversion. Plus it is a touch of home for the kids.
Probably left some stuff off there, hope that helps everyone at least think about their preparations.
TR