"Most people do not have a go-bag or 72-hour kit for one or more of the following reasons.
1) They do not understand what they need to do.
2) They lack discipline.
3) They cannot afford it.
I guarantee this exercise will eliminate all three of the obstacles in 30 minutes or less."
-- Copyright 2006 Rod Ellis from his then-website, www.flightinwinter.com
(not currently found online)
(not currently found online)
Before beginning his 1/2 hour exercise in preparedness, the author proceeds to explain the differences between a 72-Hour Kit (recommended short-term supplies), a Go-Bag (supplies packaged in such a way as to grab it and relocate immediately), and a Survival Kit (more comprehensive supplies geared for adverse conditions over an extended period of time).
His methodology is truly inspirational for demonstrating
what it means to "just do it"!
what it means to "just do it"!
To quote,
"As we go through this exercise, it is important to maintain the focus of our goal...
Feel free to add or upgrade items only after you have completed this exercise."
"As we go through this exercise, it is important to maintain the focus of our goal...
Feel free to add or upgrade items only after you have completed this exercise."
Following Mr. Ellis' advice,
an Abraham Backpack starter kit (with very few items) is even simpler to create,
but will give you a pattern to follow making further preparations.
Once you get the starter kit built,
add more items to your heart's content.
Ready?
Before you set the timer,
1) Designate and clear a large space on table, bed, or floor as your 'staging area'.
(Mr. Ellis advised his readers, "Do that now before continuing. I'll wait. All done? Good. Let's start...")
2) Read through your chosen supply checklist.
(Think about where each item may be located in your current space so you can grab it quickly.)
3) Print off or write down items on the list.
(You may use the Abraham Backpack "simple starter kit" list HERE for your first run-through.)
Set?
1) Keep the supply list handy.
(Indicate items you already know you do not currently have.)
2) Mark off items on the list as you place them in your staging area.
3) Set a timer for 30 minutes.
(Mr. Ellis wisely counsels, "Remember,you are working against the clock. As precious seconds tick away, you need to be running from one room to another, gathering the items on the list... Don't take time to think about the value and use of the items you are collecting. Just gather them for now... If you have a partner, work as a team.")
Go!!!
Move through your chosen lists, according to priority of items most likely to be needed in a quick-evacuation scenario. If you get through those lists within the 30 minutes allotted, then move on to the more long-term supplies.
Stop when the timer goes off.
Now,
1) Evaluate what you have collected. Make an updated shopping list of items still needed.
2) Group items together according to function. Package up the items and arrange them in a Go-Bag.
(If you do not already have a backpack, grab a pillowcase to put the items into.)
3) Put your Go-Bag in a place where you can easily get to it in event evacuation is called for.
Oh yes, and one last thing...
According to Mr. Ellis' instructions,
"Note: Before we continue, you should know that the items you have... (collected) are now dedicated to your go-bag. You cannot use them for anything else unless you replace them first... For example, if you have laid your favorite pocket knife on the table, it stays in the kit until you replace it (with a similarly high-quality item). We have overcome the knowledge and affordability obstacles already. This is where you overcome your problem with discipline. You will not fail at this. Compromise is not an option from here on. You didn't think I was going to tell you this right up front, did you?"
Quite the liberating exercise, yeah?
Time to go shopping!
:^D
