Do You Keep an Emergency Bag? (1 Viewer)

[Chadstroma]

Well, with my daughter being born I have turned much more paranoid in my old age. So, I am preparing to put together an emergency bag (or more). I know you can buy these kits but I figure I could put together one cheaper and more individually tailored to my families needs.

My initial thought is to make one for my wife's car and the house. (having one in my truck is somewhat impractical)

What do you have- Where do you stash it? What items do you have? Your thinking on putting yours together, etc.

 

[Hastur]

Emergency bag for what? Running from the law? Nuclear war? Environmental challenge? Quick vacation? Leaving your significant other?

Answer: Duct tape.

 

[bentley]

I have a young son and another on the way very soon. I keep an emergency flask of whiskey around the house, but it keeps emptying itself. HTH.

 

[TheWalkmen]

I've got an underground bunker, filled with canned goods, bottled water, a chain saw, first-aid kit, flares, whistles, lighters, etc. But not a bag.

 

[[icon]]

3 Cases of MRE's. 6 Blankets. 30 Gallons of water. Radio. Flashlights. Lots of batteries. Lighters. Ammo. Rolls of plastic. Medic Trauma Bag. Duct Tape. $500 in cash. some other stuff.... but yeah. I've got a "Trunk" in the corner of a storage room.

 

[matuski]

3 Cases of MRE's. 6 Blankets. 30 Gallons of water. Radio. Flashlights. Lots of batteries. Lighters. Ammo. Rolls of plastic. Medic Trauma Bag. Duct Tape. $500 in cash. some other stuff.... but yeah. I've got a "Trunk" in the corner of a storage room.

 

[PIK95]

I have an emergency bag of cbips on hand. uff: uff:

 

[[icon]]

3 Cases of MRE's. 6 Blankets. 30 Gallons of water. Radio. Flashlights. Lots of batteries. Lighters. Ammo. Rolls of plastic. Medic Trauma Bag. Duct Tape. $500 in cash. some other stuff.... but yeah. I've got a "Trunk" in the corner of a storage room.

Military "Meals Ready to Eat"Essentially a full 1500ish calories day's worth of food. Each case has 12 packs. Every pack a different meal. They include everything from the entree/sides to snacks (peanut butter / crackers... M&M's...etc)... to silverware, napkins, heating element for cooking....even breath mints.

Each case will feed 2 people (GF and I) for at least a week at a very healthy level and far longer in an emergency scenario. There are 24 different options so only 12 of the means would be redundant. The food itself is actually quite good all things considered too..... I've tested them while camping (4th case).... make for a pretty solid day's eating.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Water, knife, compass, matches, porn.

I'm set.

 

[tommyGunZ]

 

[mr roboto]

You don't need one. The government will take care of you.

 

[[icon]]

Water, knife, compass, matches, porn.

I'm set.

Spankbank down?

 

[Chadstroma]

3 Cases of MRE's. 6 Blankets. 30 Gallons of water. Radio. Flashlights. Lots of batteries. Lighters. Ammo. Rolls of plastic. Medic Trauma Bag. Duct Tape. $500 in cash. some other stuff.... but yeah. I've got a "Trunk" in the corner of a storage room.

Military "Meals Ready to Eat"Essentially a full 1500ish calories day's worth of food. Each case has 12 packs. Every pack a different meal. They include everything from the entree/sides to snacks (peanut butter / crackers... M&M's...etc)... to silverware, napkins, heating element for cooking....even breath mints.

Each case will feed 2 people (GF and I) for at least a week at a very healthy level and far longer in an emergency scenario. There are 24 different options so only 12 of the means would be redundant. The food itself is actually quite good all things considered too..... I've tested them while camping (4th case).... make for a pretty solid day's eating.

What is the shelf life on a MRE?

 

[Chadstroma]

You don't have anything in case of an earthquake? I hope you have something. Admittedly I never over prepared when living in Cali but I always made it a point to have a couple jugs of water and a healthy amount of canned foods on hand.

 

[[icon]]

3 Cases of MRE's. 6 Blankets. 30 Gallons of water. Radio. Flashlights. Lots of batteries. Lighters. Ammo. Rolls of plastic. Medic Trauma Bag. Duct Tape. $500 in cash. some other stuff.... but yeah. I've got a "Trunk" in the corner of a storage room.

Military "Meals Ready to Eat"Essentially a full 1500ish calories day's worth of food. Each case has 12 packs. Every pack a different meal. They include everything from the entree/sides to snacks (peanut butter / crackers... M&M's...etc)... to silverware, napkins, heating element for cooking....even breath mints.

Each case will feed 2 people (GF and I) for at least a week at a very healthy level and far longer in an emergency scenario. There are 24 different options so only 12 of the means would be redundant. The food itself is actually quite good all things considered too..... I've tested them while camping (4th case).... make for a pretty solid day's eating.

What is the shelf life on a MRE?

When kept around 70 degrees (ie in a house) they're good for about 40 months.. We rotate them out for camping and other use as needed.That said... those numbers are very conservative and are based around the worst elements in the pack.

Practical Life of MREs

Practically, the darn things last a long, long, time. As long as the individual MRE components aren't damaged, punctured, (or SWELLING!!), they should still be edible. Some people (on usenet) say that an MRE may lose its flavor or turn an unappetizing color but will still retain all the nutritional value. But other people will say the nutritional value decays over time. Take your pick of opinions. If you want to really be safe, don't base your nutritional health on 10-year old MREs. But for occasional eating/camping/etc you're probably ok.

But how do they really taste? I've eaten everything from one month old MREs to 11 year old MREs. While I haven't been brave enough to try the 10 year old Omlette with Ham, I have tried the 11 year old corned beef hash and the 11 year old ham slice/potatoes au gratin. They were both perfectly yummy (if you like those kinds of foods). The ham slice was nice and tender - more like Hormel's Tender Chunk Ham. The corned beef hash was like any can of corned beef hash I've ever eaten. All the other MRE entrees I've tried - from 1994, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002 have all been good - no sort of off-flavors or bad tastes.

 

[Fennis]

duct tape

 

[the moops]

You people sure are paranoid

 

[Jewell]

You people sure are prepared.

 

[tommyGunZ]

You don't have anything in case of an earthquake? I hope you have something. Admittedly I never over prepared when living in Cali but I always made it a point to have a couple jugs of water and a healthy amount of canned foods on hand.

Nope. Not a damn thing. The black helicopters don't fly over my house. I live in an area of the US full of wealth white people - if anything ever happened the Feds would be here in an instant in overwhelming force.

 

[[icon]]

Nope. Not a damn thing. The black helicopters don't fly over my house. I live in an area of the US full of wealth white people - if anything ever happened the Feds would be here in an instant in overwhelming force.

 

[David Dodds]

Earthquake Kit I have: Canned goods, beef jerky, cashews, can opener, 48 bottles of bottled water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, first aid kit, duct tape, rope, lighters, toilet paper, backpacks, lanterns, cash, duct tape, heavy duty garbage bags, knives, silverware, propane stove/propane, few pots/pans, critical phone numbers

 

[tommyGunZ]

You people sure are paranoid

 

[tommyGunZ]

Nope. Not a damn thing. The black helicopters don't fly over my house. I live in an area of the US full of wealth white people - if anything ever happened the Feds would be here in an instant in overwhelming force.

10 yrs from now in icon's house:"Daddy, what's that box over in the corner covered in dust and spider webs?" "uh.....nothing.....don't go over there."

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Earthquake Kit I have: Canned goods, beef jerky, cashews, can opener, 48 bottles of bottled water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, first aid kit, duct tape, rope, lighters, toilet paper, backpacks, lanterns, cash, duct tape, heavy duty garbage bags, knives, silverware, propane stove/propane, few pots/pans, critical phone numbers

YepPlus I have battery operated fans and a radio and about 10 frozen milkjugs in the deep freezer. People called me paranoid too but when we lost power for a full week a few years back, I was the one that didn't lose any food and still had ice for my whiskey.

 

[David Dodds]

Earthquake Kit I have: Canned goods, beef jerky, cashews, can opener, 48 bottles of bottled water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, first aid kit, duct tape, rope, lighters, toilet paper, backpacks, lanterns, cash, duct tape, heavy duty garbage bags, knives, silverware, propane stove/propane, few pots/pans, critical phone numbers

YepPlus I have battery operated fans and a radio and about 10 frozen milkjugs in the deep freezer. People called me paranoid too but when we lost power for a full week a few years back, I was the one that didn't lose any food and still had ice for my whiskey.

We constantly lose power in the foothills. I have just found that I feel better knowing this kit exists. Could be an earthquake, a big forest fire, etc. I just know if I grab this stuff quickly, My daughter and I will be ok for awhile.

 

[Chadstroma]

You don't have anything in case of an earthquake? I hope you have something. Admittedly I never over prepared when living in Cali but I always made it a point to have a couple jugs of water and a healthy amount of canned foods on hand.

Nope. Not a damn thing. The black helicopters don't fly over my house. I live in an area of the US full of wealth white people - if anything ever happened the Feds would be here in an instant in overwhelming force.

Northridge is a pretty white wealthy neighborhood. Luckily damage was not that bad and between our house, family and friends we had plenty to take care of ourselves. Even so, we had to scrounge for a bit after. That rather 'minor' emergency sure did teach me alot. I guess some people don't learn until it is too late. But whatever, keep talking about your 'black helicopters' and crap. Hopefully you will never be in a position that you think sheepishly about your comments here. Simply put, disasters overwhelm the capacity of government to take care of the needs of the people. I rather have spent a little bit of time and money in preparing for emergencies that never happen than being the idiot without the ability to provide for my family in the middle of one.

 

[Hoart Petterson]

Just my piece and a couple boxes of Magnums.

 

[Chadstroma]

3 Cases of MRE's. 6 Blankets. 30 Gallons of water. Radio. Flashlights. Lots of batteries. Lighters. Ammo. Rolls of plastic. Medic Trauma Bag. Duct Tape. $500 in cash. some other stuff.... but yeah. I've got a "Trunk" in the corner of a storage room.

Military "Meals Ready to Eat"Essentially a full 1500ish calories day's worth of food. Each case has 12 packs. Every pack a different meal. They include everything from the entree/sides to snacks (peanut butter / crackers... M&M's...etc)... to silverware, napkins, heating element for cooking....even breath mints.

Each case will feed 2 people (GF and I) for at least a week at a very healthy level and far longer in an emergency scenario. There are 24 different options so only 12 of the means would be redundant. The food itself is actually quite good all things considered too..... I've tested them while camping (4th case).... make for a pretty solid day's eating.

What is the shelf life on a MRE?

When kept around 70 degrees (ie in a house) they're good for about 40 months.. We rotate them out for camping and other use as needed.That said... those numbers are very conservative and are based around the worst elements in the pack.

Practical Life of MREs

Practically, the darn things last a long, long, time. As long as the individual MRE components aren't damaged, punctured, (or SWELLING!!), they should still be edible. Some people (on usenet) say that an MRE may lose its flavor or turn an unappetizing color but will still retain all the nutritional value. But other people will say the nutritional value decays over time. Take your pick of opinions. If you want to really be safe, don't base your nutritional health on 10-year old MREs. But for occasional eating/camping/etc you're probably ok.

But how do they really taste? I've eaten everything from one month old MREs to 11 year old MREs. While I haven't been brave enough to try the 10 year old Omlette with Ham, I have tried the 11 year old corned beef hash and the 11 year old ham slice/potatoes au gratin. They were both perfectly yummy (if you like those kinds of foods). The ham slice was nice and tender - more like Hormel's Tender Chunk Ham. The corned beef hash was like any can of corned beef hash I've ever eaten. All the other MRE entrees I've tried - from 1994, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002 have all been good - no sort of off-flavors or bad tastes.

So, it seems like the shelf life span on them is more of a 'best by date' than an 'expiration date'. Are they individually dated? Is the date the production time or the 'expiration' time?

 

[ScottyFargo]

http://72hours.org/build_kit.html

I haven't done this yet, but I love Zombie movies (and post-apocalyptic "The Road" or Aliens Attack stuff like Falling Skies) so I am half convinced the world is going to end and I will not be prepared for it. So I hope the world doesn't end before I get around to being ready for it.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Earthquake Kit I have: Canned goods, beef jerky, cashews, can opener, 48 bottles of bottled water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, first aid kit, duct tape, rope, lighters, toilet paper, backpacks, lanterns, cash, duct tape, heavy duty garbage bags, knives, silverware, propane stove/propane, few pots/pans, critical phone numbers

YepPlus I have battery operated fans and a radio and about 10 frozen milkjugs in the deep freezer. People called me paranoid too but when we lost power for a full week a few years back, I was the one that didn't lose any food and still had ice for my whiskey.

We constantly lose power in the foothills. I have just found that I feel better knowing this kit exists. Could be an earthquake, a big forest fire, etc. I just know if I grab this stuff quickly, My daughter and I will be ok for awhile.

Have you thought about buying a natural gas back up generator?

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Nope. Not a damn thing. The black helicopters don't fly over my house. I live in an area of the US full of wealth white people - if anything ever happened the Feds would be here in an instant in overwhelming force.

10 yrs from now in icon's house:"Daddy, what's that box over in the corner covered in dust and spider webs?"

"That's the gimp, honey."

 

[tdoss]

I have five (5) kits containing the following:

MEDICAL

1 PAIR SCISSORS

3 ROLLS ADHESIVE TAPE

1 BTL WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS (50 COUNT)

1 PAIR TWEEZERS

20 GAUZE PADS

48 ANTI-DIARRHEA TABLETS

3 INSTANT COLD

3 ELASTIC BANDAGES

6 SANITARY PADS

2 SPLINTS

2 TOOTHACHE KITS

1 BOTTLE ASPIRIN (100 COUNT)

10 DUST MASKS

10 BOTTLES MOUTHWASH

50 ADHESIVE BANDAGES

10 TONGUE DEPRESSORS

50 ALCOHOL WIPES

2 TUBES FIRST AID CREAM

5 GAUZE ROLLS

50 TOWLETTES

FOOD AND WATER

120 MAINSTAY WATER RATIONS 4.225., 60/CASE

10 MAINSTAY FOOD RATIONS 3600 CALORIE

GENERAL

1 WATER CONTAINER

30 INFECTIOUS WASTE BAGS

3 BOXES WATERPROOF MATCHES

10 UTILITY BAGS

1 AM/FM RADIO W/BATTERIES

3 DECKS PLAYING CARDS

2 FLASHLIGHTS W/BATTERIES

10 TISSUE PACKS

1 PRY BAR

24 CANDLES

3 PAIRS WORK GLOVES

1 50 FT. ROPE

3 ROLLS DUCT TAPE

1 WHISTLE

5 BOXES BICARBONATE OF SODA

1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL

10 EMERGENCY BLANKETS

1 CARRYING CASE

5 PAIR DISPOSABLE GLOVES

I have various weapons that I won't go into, ammo, reloading equipment to make my own ammo, heavy duty gas masks, surgical gloves and masks, as well as a stockpile of more batteries, water, flashlights and other supplies. I plan on picking up a geiger counter.

Needless to say, I am fully prepared for the zombie apocalypse. If it ever goes down...I'll use the weapons to go and "shop" at local establishments, neighbors, etc...before I even start to break open my stores.

 

[Otis]

I have a young son and another on the way very soon. I keep an emergency flask of whiskey around the house, but it keeps emptying itself. HTH.

lol

 

[Otis]

Jesus Tdoss.

 

[dgreen]

1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL

For what?

 

[dharmapunk]

Nope. Not a damn thing. The black helicopters don't fly over my house. I live in an area of the US full of wealth white people - if anything ever happened the Feds would be here in an instant in overwhelming force.

 

[dharmapunk]

I can see this for people who live in earthquake zones. I should have had one when I lived in LA. If the earthquakes don't get you, the race riots will and some MREs, water, a flashlight, some duct tape, and a Jive-English dictionary would make a world of difference.

Other than that though, you people are effing paranoid freaks. This is worse than the clowns who packed their trunks full of Y2K food.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I have five (5) kits containing the following:

MEDICAL

1 PAIR SCISSORS

3 ROLLS ADHESIVE TAPE

1 BTL WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS (50 COUNT)

1 PAIR TWEEZERS

20 GAUZE PADS

48 ANTI-DIARRHEA TABLETS

3 INSTANT COLD

3 ELASTIC BANDAGES

6 SANITARY PADS

2 SPLINTS

2 TOOTHACHE KITS

1 BOTTLE ASPIRIN (100 COUNT)

10 DUST MASKS

10 BOTTLES MOUTHWASH

50 ADHESIVE BANDAGES

10 TONGUE DEPRESSORS

50 ALCOHOL WIPES

2 TUBES FIRST AID CREAM

5 GAUZE ROLLS

50 TOWLETTES

FOOD AND WATER

120 MAINSTAY WATER RATIONS 4.225., 60/CASE

10 MAINSTAY FOOD RATIONS 3600 CALORIE

GENERAL

1 WATER CONTAINER

30 INFECTIOUS WASTE BAGS

3 BOXES WATERPROOF MATCHES

10 UTILITY BAGS

1 AM/FM RADIO W/BATTERIES

3 DECKS PLAYING CARDS

2 FLASHLIGHTS W/BATTERIES

10 TISSUE PACKS

1 PRY BAR

24 CANDLES

3 PAIRS WORK GLOVES

1 50 FT. ROPE

3 ROLLS DUCT TAPE

1 WHISTLE

5 BOXES BICARBONATE OF SODA

1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL

10 EMERGENCY BLANKETS

1 CARRYING CASE

5 PAIR DISPOSABLE GLOVES

I have various weapons that I won't go into, ammo, reloading equipment to make my own ammo, heavy duty gas masks, surgical gloves and masks, as well as a stockpile of more batteries, water, flashlights and other supplies. I plan on picking up a geiger counter.

Needless to say, I am fully prepared for the zombie apocalypse. If it ever goes down...I'll use the weapons to go and "shop" at local establishments, neighbors, etc...before I even start to break open my stores.

BOLD = LOL

 

[gianmarco]

Earthquake Kit I have: Canned goods, beef jerky, cashews, can opener, 48 bottles of bottled water, flashlights, batteries, blankets, first aid kit, duct tape, rope, lighters, toilet paper, backpacks, lanterns, cash, duct tape, heavy duty garbage bags, knives, silverware, propane stove/propane, few pots/pans, critical phone numbers

I see what you did there

 

[matuski]

1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL

For what?

How to breathe.

 

[Sergeant Spelt]

When my wife was growing up her dad had three radiation suits in the house. One for him, her mom, and her brother. She was not feeling the love.

 

[Thunderlips]

right now carrying Sensor Module, purified water,vermin rifle, Pip Boy, Mini-Gun, Benny's suit, Nuke Em Cola (6), Radaway, Stimpack (5), Jet, Authority sunglasses, Deathclaw Egg.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

Can't wait to see Ham's contribution here.

 

[beer 30]

BOLD = LOL

Laugh if you want but the diarrhea pills are a great idea. In the case of a total shut down, water becomes one of the most sought after commodities. We take for granted that when we turn the spicket on, clean, potable water comes out. What do you do when there is no electricity, you don't know how to make a fire or simply can't and your family needs water? Drink the nasty stuff and within a day you are ####ting like a goose and within a week are so dehydrated you are a vulture MRE by the weekend.Happy Friday!PS - nice TDOSS, don't shoot me when I wander over to your place during the apocalypse, I have two flints and know how to use them

 

[Arizona Ron]

I live around rich white people, I'll just take their stuff if something goes down.

 

[Chadstroma]

I can see this for people who live in earthquake zones. I should have had one when I lived in LA. If the earthquakes don't get you, the race riots will and some MREs, water, a flashlight, some duct tape, and a Jive-English dictionary would make a world of difference.Other than that though, you people are effing paranoid freaks. This is worse than the clowns who packed their trunks full of Y2K food.

The only emergencies that ever happen are earthquakes?

 

[Chadstroma]

I live around rich white people, I'll just take their stuff if something goes down.

Your plan may need to be re-thought. Did you notice how many of the posts of the people with emergency stashes had in the list 'ammo'?

 

[Chaka]

Shotgun and lots of shells.

 

[Chester Copperpot]

right now carrying Sensor Module, purified water,vermin rifle, Pip Boy, Mini-Gun, Benny's suit, Nuke Em Cola (6), Radaway, Stimpack (5), Jet, Authority sunglasses, Deathclaw Egg.

I keep most of this and a nice supply of Jet for when things get really crazy.

 

[-fish-]

I have one of these in my car

Got stuck in a mountain pass overnight this year because of an avalanche blocking the road. Having some food and water in the car was nice.