Report after report comes in about how many people couldn't or didn't escape the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. More reports come in about the disorganized relief effort, the communications problems they're having and the difficulty in getting survivors to safety even when they are reachable by rescue personnel.
Hopefully, few of us will ever be caught in such a widespread and devastating disaster as Hurricane Katrina. But should a natural or man-made disaster threaten your family or force an evacuation, having a fully-stocked and easily-reached emergency "bug-out" bag could help save your life during the first stages, and help make rescue, recovery and a return to normalcy easier and more successful.
A bug-out bag is basically a duffle bag or other easy to carry luggage piece stocked with the following items:
The bag should be checked and the edibles or expirables rotated at least every 6 months or as needed (schedule a regular check during daylight savings changeovers, when you also check your smoke alarm batteries and do other seasonal activities). Although this will cover most survival situations, you should customize it to fit your needs (toiletries, special gear, food additives, small paperback books, etc). Just keep in mind the weight and size of the final kit and that in an emergency situation you may have to carry it for a long time over rough terrain while tired, hungry or even injured.
Your bug-out kit should be placed near the main entrance and exit, or in an easy-to-reach central location. Every member of the family should know where it is and to make sure it is part of any emergency evacuation. (It is important to stress, however, that no one ever go after any item, even the emergency bag, in the case of a house fire. In that case, focus only on getting out as soon as you can.) Smaller versions of this bag can also be kept in offices and vehicles.
Although having a bug-out kit cannot guarantee your safety, it goes a long way toward ensuring that you and your family have the best chance possible of making it through any unforeseen emergency as healthy and safe as possible.
About the author
Soni Pitts is a professional freelance writer who provides copywriting, editing and related services in addition to her regular freelance work. She also covers the Networking beat as an associate writer for Wordbrains. Need copy? Email Soni at writer@sonipitts.com for more information.
Home security is more important today than ever. You may... Read More
When one considers the historical nature of security applications and... Read More
One area of home security that is often overlooked, and... Read More
Millions of people everyday rely on fire extinguishers to put... Read More
Home invasion formerly known as burglary is the type of... Read More
Life insurance is typically taken out to offer valuable financial... Read More
With all of the emphasis in the past few years... Read More
The best way to turn your home into a fortress... Read More
Part 1 of this article described some of the characteristics... Read More
Isn't technology a wonderful thing? I thought this as I... Read More
Alarm System Window Screens- Window screens are the ultimate perimeter... Read More
You need to know how to protect yourself, since your... Read More
Emergency is a situation that poses an instant threat to... Read More
In this article I am going to talk about those... Read More
Did you know that fire is the third leading cause... Read More
The first step is to determine who or where you... Read More
Are you aware of the need for security?Your awareness of... Read More
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"... Read More
Alarm Sirens- There is both inside and outside sirens. Many... Read More
What is going on with these people who feel they... Read More
IntroductionAt some time in our lives, many of us will... Read More
What do alarm systems and automobile tires have in common?... Read More
Location location location, central heating, air conditioning, double glazing, good... Read More
Passive Infrared Motion Detectors- These detectors are also known as... Read More
Have you ever been to a local trade show or... Read More
The keypad is the device you and your loved ones... Read More
For many years, novels and films have given us apocalyptic... Read More
Why do I need a "safe room? I really don't... Read More
If you are about to get hit by a Hurricane... Read More
Every year, thousands of senior citizens fall prey to the... Read More
The alarm control is the brain of your security system.... Read More
Most people who are killed in structure fires die from... Read More
As the devastation and death toll from deadly Hurricane Katrina... Read More
Are you aware of the need for security?Your awareness of... Read More
This years fire season has already started and so far... Read More
Home security is more important today than ever. You may... Read More
Security and convenience are usually delicately balanced. If something is... Read More
Smoke & Heat Detectors- Smoke detectors are available that will... Read More
Generally when it rains the water runs off the house... Read More
Have you found yourself disgusted with the crime lately. You... Read More
It's one of those things we don't give a second... Read More
One area of home security that is often overlooked, and... Read More
Web cameras are really inexpensive these days. With no technical... Read More
Millions of people everyday rely on fire extinguishers to put... Read More
A wide variety of participants are needed to launch a... Read More
As the devastation and death toll from deadly Hurricane Katrina... Read More
The first step is to determine who or where you... Read More
Alarm Contacts- Contact switches are magnetic switches used to protect... Read More
When one considers the historical nature of security applications and... Read More
Life insurance is typically taken out to offer valuable financial... Read More
The best way to turn your home into a fortress... Read More
Location location location, central heating, air conditioning, double glazing, good... Read More
Why do I need a "safe room? I really don't... Read More
The keypad is the device you and your loved ones... Read More
Surreptious opening of most envelopes sent through the mail takes... Read More
Report after report comes in about how many people couldn't... Read More
Protect your family from solar flares. Solar flares emit dangerous... Read More
You may not believe it but most burglars do not... Read More
After an Earthquake you need to do an immediate damage... Read More
Alarm Sirens- There is both inside and outside sirens. Many... Read More
For many years, novels and films have given us apocalyptic... Read More
With all of the emphasis in the past few years... Read More
Alarm System Glass-break detectors- Glass-break detectors are also known as... Read More
If you are about to get hit by a Hurricane... Read More
Passive Infrared Motion Detectors- These detectors are also known as... Read More
In this article I am going to talk about those... Read More
Home Security |