Thinking about bugging in? Sheltering in place.

Some times the emergency you have prepared for is not some thing you can run from. Some times the best plan is to shelter in place.

This past week at the Boston marathon there were 2 bombings.  Three people died and many more were seriously injured.

As the identity of the bombers was made known a man hunt began. During the efforts to find the bombers the people of Boston were advised to shelter in place. It was said to be for their safety. With two men driving around Bean Town tossing grenades at police I can see the point of taking cover and sheltering in place.

There are many more reasons to shelter in place. Radioactive fall out, severe weather, social unrest, an epidemic or chemical contamination. Also if you were unable to evacuate for what ever reason you may be forced to shelter in place.

Having your 72 hour kit is a good start for sheltering in place. It can meet your basic needs for the short term.

Unfortunately it may take a lot longer than 72 hours to get help.  People who were hit by recent hurricanes found that it may be several days or even weeks before there is any sign of help.

It is a cold hard fact that if there is an event near you there is not going to be enough emergency personnel to meet the needs of the disaster.

So get more supplies for your home. If you have been living providently you will already have a supply of food that can last several weeks, months or even years. If you do not have a food supply for your home you should start one. You can start by picking up a few extra food items every time you shop or you can go out and buy a lot of supplies at one time if you have the money to do so.

If you have room store at least 50 gallons of water for each person in your home. If you are short of space make sure your water supply is your first priority.

Other things you will want for your home.

Large rolls of heavy plastic black and clear. This can be used to cover broken windows or create a waterproof shelter.
Some tarps, the blue kind you find at the home center. They can be placed on the roof if shingles are lost.
Large trash bags. There will be a lot of trash you may not be able to take out side.
Be sure you have plenty of toilet paper and paper towels.
A tent for shelter if your home is damaged.
Heat source.

Have some hand tools you know how to use. The claw hammer is a wonderful tool. it can be used to build, tear apart and dig. An axe, saw, shovel, nails, screws, screw driver crow bar, chain saw, duct tape, staple gun, generator, gasoline and good quality knife are very helpful in an emergency.

Next it is good to plan for what could happen.

Know what your most dangerous threat is, When it last happened and how ofter it has happened? Earthquake, hurricanes, floods and active volcano's represent natural disasters.

Industrial accidents, dirty bombs, biological attacks and other terrorist activities can also create a need to shelter in place.

Plan your supplies for what your disaster is most likely to be.

You may need to shelter in place for several hours to weeks. Having food, water, shelter and heat will make it a lot easier.