I’d like to share a wonderful preparedness book with you. “It’s Time to Plan Not Panic,” by Barbara Salsbury is a small book packed with wonderful information on emergency evacuation preparedness and coping skills. This book will help you understand that after a disaster, you will most likely be dependent on yourself for several days. City and government officials will take awhile to get to you, so plan accordingly. I love how she explains the pros and cons of 72-hour kit containers. Should you use a large bucket, a backpack, or a garbage can? Read the book to find out. She suggests items to store, including prepared foods that store well. What type of blankets and clothing are best? Have you ever thought about needing a container to get water from a water truck? What kind of containers work best? You will also learn about camping out at an evacuation shelter and privacy issues. Sometimes we think we will be able to evacuate in our vehicles. But we also need to plan to evacuate on foot which in some cases is faster than a car. So, she suggests items like strollers, wagons, wheelbarrows and carts with wheels to carry belongings and emergency kits in. Throughout the book she suggests items to write on a “don’t forget” list since we may not think clearly if we have to leave in 5 minutes.
I just bought a few detailed county road maps today. I had previously assumed that in an evacuation, I could load up my car and use the GPS map it has. Perhaps I will need these maps if we are on foot, or in a car that doesn’t have a GPS. Maybe the road less traveled will be the best evacuation route. I’m also taping a piece of paper on the refrigerator and starting my “don’t forget” list. Don’t forget to add such things as a child’s favorite blankie or several pacifiers. Can you imagine being without these? This book is a keeper. I am going to get mine spiral bound so it can last a long time.
Her Preparedness Principles book covers many of the same ideas in section Five. I love that book too, but this is small for a quick read and just focuses on emergency evacuation preparedness and coping skills.
Here is a link to the Red Cross for more information on evacuation plans.
If you have only moments before leaving, the Red Cross suggests grabbing these things and going!
- Medical supplies: prescription medications and dentures.
- Disaster supplies: flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, bottled water
- Clothing and bedding: a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow for each household member
- Car keys and keys to the place you may be going (friend’s or relative’s home)
You may also want to read my post Coat Closet Becomes Emergency Evacuation Closet
I love that book too! I read it almost 2 years ago and that book as well as her newer book Preparedness Principles are like my Bible for emergency preparedness. I haven’t had a chance to totally study your documents… but I can see the amount of work you put into them is staggering!!!!
Barbara’s previous book, “Just Add Water” is a *classic* for dehydrated food recipes!You can read about it at http://www.internet-grocer.net/addwater.htm
You’re right, that is a great book. I read it last year and have marked a ton of pages for quick reference.
Thank you for this wonderful blog! You have some great information. I also love that you have links to other sites with more information. Thanks again, and keep it up!