Disaster Survival Kit

[KynloStephen66515]

Floods, Earthquakes, Fires, Hurricanes, Zombies, Killer Ducks, and other such random events, all require a little bit of planning.  So, here in one post, I am going to summarize some great tools, gadgets and other such non-sense, which may come in helpful.  Where possible (Where I can be bothered), I will provide a link to somewhere you can purchase...If I don't add a link...Use Google


Tools:

Swiss Army Knife
Fire Starters (Flint preferable to lighters/matches which can get wet and stop working)
Batteries
Wire Wool (Can use Batteries + Wire Wool to make fire {Small risk of getting burned})
Small Fishing Kit
Signaling mirror
Survival Blanket
Survival Shelter
Metal Tin (To heat water and food)
Loud Whistle
Compass
First-Aid Kit
Torch (Preferably wind-up to negate the requirement of batteries)
Hand Held Radio (Again, wind-up if possible)
Waterproof Pencil
Military Water Filter
Respirators (Handy for use in fire/volcano/bio-chem situations)
Knife, fork, spoon set
Solid fuel tablets
Can & bottle opener
Tarpaulin groundsheet
Thermal survival bag
Emergency rain poncho
Head-torch (Wind-up if possible)
Strong Outdoor Shoes
Pet Supplies
Sleeping Bags
Tents

Food:

Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
Food, formula and drinks for babies and small children
Pet Food (If Required)
Water for drinking. At least 3 litres per person, per day

What about...

Household/Family

Talk with your family about potential disasters and why it's necessary to prepare for them. Involve each member of your family in the planning process. By showing them simple steps that can increase their safety, you can help reduce their anxiety about emergencies.
Make sure everyone knows where to find your disaster supply kit and Go-bags.
Have a flashlight and a pair of shoes under everyone’s bed in case there is an earthquake during the night. Use a plastic bag tied to the leg of the bed to keep these items from moving during an earthquake.
Plan where to meet after a disaster if your home becomes unsafe. Choose two places, one just outside your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you are told to evacuate. Be sure your gas tank is always at least half full.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Try to identify two escape routes.
Make sure each member knows who your family’s out-of-state contact is and instruct them to call this person and tell him/her where they are.
Locate the gas main and other utilities and make sure family members know when and how to turn them off.
Practice your evacuation routes, Drop, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll drills.
Teach each member of your family how to use a fire extinguisher.
Create emergency response cards for each of your family members.
Take into account the special needs of children, seniors or people with disabilities, family members that don’t speak English and pets.

Home Safety

During a disaster, ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. However, there are simple steps you can take to make your home safer. Start by viewing each room with a “disaster eye” and identify potential hazards – bookshelves that could tip over in an earthquake and block exits or heavy objects that could fall and cause injury.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every 6 months.
Move beds away from windows.
Move mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or places where people sit.
Clear hallways and exits for easy evacuation.
Store heavy items on the lowest shelves.
Keep an ABC type fire extinguishers on each level and know how and when to use them.
Strap down your water heater and fit all gas appliances with a flexible gas supply line.
Store flammable or highly reactive chemicals (such as bleach, ammonia, paint thinners) securely and separate from each other.
Secure pictures and wall hangings and use restraints to secure heavy items such as bookcases and file cabinets.
Know how and when to switch off your utilities.
Ensure that all window safety bars have emergency releases.
Be sure your home number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you.

Children

Plan:
Include your children in family discussions and planning for emergency safety.
Teach your children their basic personal information so they can identify themselves and get help if they become separated from a parent or guardian.
Prepare an emergency card with information for each child, including his/her full name, address, phone number, parent’s work number and out of state contact.
Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get to them.
Regularly update your child’s school with current emergency contact information and persons authorized to pick up your child from school.
Make sure each child knows the family’s alternate meeting sites if you are separated in a disaster and cannot return to your home.
Make sure each child knows how to reach your family’s out-of-state contact person.
Teach children to dial their home telephone number and Emergency 9-1-1.
Teach children what gas smells like and advise them to tell an adult if they smell gas after an emergency.
Warn children never to touch wires on poles or lying on the ground.
Role-play with children to help them remain calm in emergencies and to practice basic emergency responses such as evacuation routes, Drop, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll.
Role-play with children as to what they should do if a parent is suddenly sick or injured.

Seniors/Disabled

Seniors & Disabled
Set up a Personal Support Network: Designate someone to check on you in an emergency and to help with evacuation or sheltering-in-place.
Prepare and carry with you an emergency health information card: This will help you to communicate if you are found unconscious or incoherent. Include information about your medications, adaptive equipment, blood type, allergies and sensitivities, insurance numbers, immunization dates, communication difficulties and preferred treatment, as well as contact information for your health providers, personal support network and emergency contacts.
Personal Care Assistance: If you receive assistance from a home healthcare agency or in-home support provider, find out how the provider will respond in an emergency. Designate backup or alternative providers that you can contact in an emergency.
For Persons Using a Wheelchair: Plan for how you will evacuate in an emergency and discuss it with your care providers. If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a manual wheelchair as a backup.
For Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired: Keep an extra cane by your bed. Attach a whistle; in case you need to attract attention. Exercise caution when moving, paths may have become obstructed.
For Persons who are Hearing Impaired: Keep extra batteries for your hearing aids with emergency supplies. Consider storing your hearing aids in a container attached to your nightstand or bedpost, so you can locate them quickly after a disaster.
For persons with Communication Disabilities: Store paper, writing materials, copies of a word or letter board and preprinted key phrases in your emergency kit, your wallet, purse, etc.

Pets

Pets

Plan
Keep a collar, current license and up-to date ID tags on your pet at all times. Consider having your pet micro-chipped.
Make sure your pet is comfortable being in a crate, box, cage, or carrier for transport.
Keep an updated list of trusted neighbors who could assist your animals in case of an emergency.
Tighten and secure latches on birdcages. Fasten down aquariums on low stands or tables.

Kit

Make a Go-bag for each pet. Include:
Sturdy leashes and pet carriers. A pillowcase is a good option for transporting cats and other small animals. Muzzles for dogs. Food, potable water and medicine for at least one week
Non-spill bowls, manual can opener and plastic lid
Plastic bags, litter box and litter
Recent photo of each pet
Names and phone numbers of your emergency contact, emergency veterinary hospitals and animal shelters
Copy of your pet’s vaccination history and any medical problems
Portable fencing or baby gates

Respond
Remember that animals react differently under stress. Keep dogs securely leashed and transport cats in carriers or pillowcases.
If your pet is lost, contact the nearest animal shelter to report your pet missing. When it is safe, return to your neighborhood to search and distribute “Lost Pet” posters; include a current picture of your pet.

Evacuation

Locate all your animals and keep them with you. Be aware that shelters will only allow service animals. In a large-scale disaster, animal shelters will be set up when possible. Animal Care and Control’s (ACC) facility at 15th and Harrison will be an animal sheltering resource.

If you must leave your pets behind:
Inform animal rescue workers of your pets’ status: On your front door or in a highly visible window, use chalk, paint or marker to write the number and types of pets in your residence. Include their location in your home and the date that you evacuated.
Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over.
Leave plenty of food in timed feeders to prevent your pet from overeating.
Do not tie up your pet in your home.

Utilities

Natural gas leaks can cause an explosive and flammable atmosphere inside a building.

Gas

Natural gas leaks can cause fires and explosions inside a building.
If you smell gas, hear gas escaping, see a broken gas line, or if you suspect a leak, shut off the main valve and open all windows and doors.
Never use candles or matches if you suspect a leak. Do not turn on electrical switches or appliances.
Identify the main shutoff valve, located on the gas line coming into the main gas meter. This is usually on the exterior of your home or building, or in an external closet. Your main valve may look like this:



To turn gas off, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction. When the lever crosses the direction of the pipe (see below) the gas is off.



Keep a crescent wrench or gas shut-off tool nearby to turn the lever.
Never attempt to turn your gas back on. Wait for your utility company to do it. This may take several days.

Electricity

Electrocution can result from direct contact with live wires or anything that has been energized by these wires.
Locate your main electric switch, which is normally in the garage or outdoors. The panel box may have a flip switch or pull handle on a large circuit breaker.
Shut off electricity when:
Arcing or burning occurs in electrical devices.
There is a fire or significant water leak.
You smell burning insulation.
The area around switches or plugs is blackened and/ or hot to the touch.
A complete power loss is accompanied by the smell of burning material.

Water

Water leaks can cause property damage and create an electrocution hazard.
After a major earthquake, shut off your water supply to protect the water in your house. Cracked pipes may allow contaminants into the water supply in your home.
The water shutoff is usually located in the basement, garage or where the water line enters the home. The water shutoff is located on a riser pipe and is usually a red or yellow wheel. Turn wheel clockwise to shut off.

Sewer Service

A disaster that disrupts all or part of the City’s water and/or sewer lines could affect the way you deal with human waste.
If there is no water in your toilet, but the sewer lines are intact, pour 3-5 gallons of water into the toilet bowl to flush. You may use seawater, bath, laundry or pool water.
If you suspect damage to your home’s water lines, do NOT flush the toilet. Turn off water at the house so contaminated water does not enter your water system.
If sewer lines are broken, line bowl with double-bagged garbage bags to collect waste. Before discarding, add a small amount of bleach; then seal the bag and place in a tightly covered container, away from people.
If the toilet is unusable, use a sturdy bucket with a tight fitting lid, and line it with a double-bagged plastic garbage bag.

Food

When a disaster occurs, you might not have access to food, water and electricity for days, or even weeks. Store enough emergency food to provide for your family for at least 3 days.
Store food items that are familiar, rather than buying special emergency food. Consider any dietary restrictions and preferences you may have.
Ideal foods are: Shelf-stable (no refrigeration required), low in salt, and do not require cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies, cereals, nuts, dried fruit, canned soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk).
Mark a rotation date on any food container that does not already have an expiration date on the package.
Include baby food and formula or other diet items for infants or seniors.
Store the food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place.
Most canned foods can safely be stored for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months.
After a power outage, refrigerated food will stay cold longer if you keep the door closed. Food should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in the freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days.    
    

Water

In a disaster, water supplies may be cut off or contaminated. Store enough water for everyone in your family to last for at least 3 days.
Store one gallon of water per person, per day. Three gallons per person per day will give you enough to drink and for limited cooking and personal hygiene. Remember to plan for pets.

If you store tap water:
Tap water from a municipal water system can be safely stored without additional treatment.
Store water in food grade plastic containers, such as clean 2-liter soft drink bottles. Heavy duty, reusable plastic water containers are also available at sporting goods stores. Empty milk bottles are not recommended because their lids do not seal well and bottles may develop leaks.
Label and store in a cool, dark place.
Replace water at least once every six months.

If you buy commercially bottled “spring” or “drinking” water:
Keep water in its original container, and don’t re-store a bottle once it’s been opened.
Store in a cool, dark place.
If bottles are not marked with the manufacturer’s expiration date, label with the date and replace bottles at least once per year.

Treating Water after Disaster:

If you run out of stored drinking water, strain and treat water from your water heater or the toilet reservoir tank (except if you use toilet tank cleaners). Swimming pool or spa water should not be consumed but you can use it for flushing toilets or washing.

Treatment Process:

Strain any large particles of dirt by pouring the water through layers of paper towels or clean cloth. Next, purify the water one of two ways:
Boil – bring to a rolling boil and maintain for 3-5 minutes. After the water cools, pour it back and forth between two clean containers to add oxygen back; this will improve its taste.
Disinfect – If the water is clear, add 8 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of bleach per gallon of water. If it is cloudy, add 16 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per gallon. Make sure you are using regular bleach— 5.25% percent sodium hypochlorite— rather than the “ultra” or “color safe” bleaches. Shake or stir, then let stand 30 minutes. A slight chlorine taste and smell is normal.

First Aid

In any emergency, you or a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. Keep the following basic first aid supplies so you are prepared to help when someone is hurt.
 Two pairs of disposable gloves
 Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
 Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
 Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
 Burn ointment
 Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
 Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
 Scissors
 Over-the-counter medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrhea medication
 Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, or asthma inhaler
 Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors   
    

Packing

A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly.  Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
Flashlight
Radio – battery operated
Batteries
Whistle
Dust mask
Pocket knife
Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
Local map
Some water and food
Permanent marker, paper and tape
Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
Copy of health insurance and identification cards
Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
Prescription medications and first aid supplies
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Extra keys to your house and vehicle
Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.

Phone

ones after a disaster.
Long-distance phone lines often work before local phone lines, so identify an out-of-state contact and provide this person with the contact information of people you want to keep informed of your situation. Share this information with your family and friends locally.
Avoid making non-urgent phone calls after a disaster – even if phone lines are un-damaged, increased phone traffic can jam phone circuits.
Cordless phones or phone systems require electricity; make sure you have a backup phone that requires no electricity.
Keep coins in your Go-bag. Payphones may work before other phone lines.
Don’t count on your cell phone - increased traffic on cell phone networks can quickly overload wireless capacity.
Record an outgoing message on your voicemail so that callers can be re-assured of your safety status.
Learn how to use text messaging. It uses a different part of the cell phone network and it might be possible to send and receive text messages when voice channels for mobile phones and land lines are jammed.
Register your email addresses and wireless devices (mobile phones, pagers and PDAs) at AlertSF.org. When possible, the City will send text alerts about potential hazards and/or post disaster information. Examples include tsunami warnings and local disaster shelter locations.
After an earthquake, check all your telephones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.

Spoiler

What to do...

Earthquake

Earthquake

If you are indoors when shaking starts:
“DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON.” If you are not near a strong table or desk, drop to the floor against an interior wall and cover your head and neck with your arms.
Avoid windows, hanging objects, mirrors, tall furniture, large appliances and cabinets filled with heavy objects.
Do not try to run out of the structure during strong shaking.
If you are downtown, it is safer to remain inside a building after an earthquake unless there is a fire or gas leak. There are no open areas in downtown San Francisco far enough from glass or other falling debris to be considered safe refuge sites. Glass from high-rise buildings does not always fall straight down; it can catch a wind current and travel great distances.
If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head with a pillow.
Do not use elevators.
If you use a wheelchair, lock the wheels and cover your head.

If you are outdoors when shaking starts:
Move to a clear area if you can safely walk. Avoid power lines, buildings and trees.
If you're driving, pull to the side of the road and stop. Avoid stopping under overhead hazards
If you are on the beach, move to higher ground. An earthquake can cause a tsunami.

Once the earthquake shaking stops:
Check the people around you for injuries; provide first aid. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
Check around you for dangerous conditions, such as fires, downed power lines and structure damage.
If you have fire extinguishers and are trained to use them, put out small fires immediately.
Turn off the gas only if you smell gas.
Check your phones to be sure they have not shaken off the hook and are tying up a line.
Inspect your home for damage.

If you are trapped in debris:
Move as little as possible so that you don't kick up dust. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort.

Storm/Flooding

Storm / Flooding

Severe storms can cause landslides, flooding, uprooted trees, and downed utility lines. Call 3-1-1 for information on free sandbags to protect your property from flooding.
Tune to local TV channels for emergency advisories and instructions.
If water has entered a garage or basement, do not walk through it – it may contain hazardous materials.
Do not try to drive over a flooded road. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately. Attempting to move a stalled vehicle in flood conditions can be fatal.
If you are asked to leave your property, disconnect all electrical appliances.
Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you must walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
Stay clear of water that is in contact with downed power lines.
Do not allow children to play around high water, storm drains or any flooded areas.
If you are asked to leave your property, shut off electric circuits. If advised by your local utility, shut off gas service as well.

Terrorist Attack

Terrorism

Terrorism may involve devastating acts using weapons of mass destruction. These weapons range from chemical agents, biological hazards, a radiological or nuclear device, and other explosives. The primary objective of a terrorist is to create widespread fear.

Be Responsible:
Be aware of your surroundings. Note the location of emergency exits, pay phones, fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
Report suspicious objects, vehicles or persons to public safety authorities.

If There Is a Terrorist Attack or Threat:
 Stay calm.
Be vigilant. Look out for secondary hazards such as falling debris, suspicious packages or persons. Report any concerns to public safety authorities.
Follow the instructions of emergency service personnel.
Avoid spreading rumors – confirm information with a credible source.    
    

Contagious Disease

Contagious Disease

Contagious Disease Emergencies

A contagious disease emergency could affect many people. It could cause mild illness, hospitalization, or death in rare cases. In the event of an infectious disease emergency, the San Francisco Department of Public Health will provide up-to-date information and instructions to the public through media and public outreach sources.

To find out how to prepare yourself and your family for a contagious disease emergency, visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Control and Prevention site.
This site also provides information on what San Francisco is doing to prepare for an avian or pandemic flu emergency, including mass distribution of medications or vaccines.

Transit Safety

Transit Safety

Mass transit systems may be vulnerable to both accidents and terrorist incidents. Mass transit customers should be aware and vigilant. Be well informed and know your surroundings.
Review emergency exit information on the vehicle.
If you see something, say something! Report all suspicious parcels, bags or containers to the nearest police officer or transit employee. Never touch a suspicious object.
In the event of an emergency, remain calm and follow the instructions of transit or rescue personnel.
Only use cell phones if you absolutely must as they could interfere with emergency equipment.
When riding MUNI, never leave an underground streetcar unless instructed or assisted by transit employees or rescue personnel. High voltage electrical systems that power the cars can be extremely dangerous.
If you’re instructed to evacuate, take your belongings (but leave your bicycle behind).
If you are traveling with others, stay together.
If you are on a BART train, use the intercom at the end of the car to report your concerns to the train operator. Be prepared to give your exact location and the individual number of the BART car you are riding.

Evacuation

Evacuation

Immediate risk:
 If you smell gas, smoke or see fire or otherwise fear for your safety, evacuate household occupants immediately.  From a safe location, call 9-1-1 and report the incident.

General evacuation orders:
 If local officials issue evacuation orders, use the evacuation routes and methods specified; carpool whenever possible. If time allows:
 Wear sturdy shoes, long-sleeve shirts and pants.
 Bring car keys, credit cards, road maps, cell phone, charger and important phone numbers.
 Bring your Go-bag.
 If you have a pet, make sure it is wearing a collar, bring it in a pet carrier labeled with your name and the pet’s name. Bring your pet’s Go-bag.
 Lock your home and shut off the water and electricity, but leave gas on unless instructed otherwise.
 Leave a note or tell a neighbor where you are going.
 Once you arrive at a safe location, call your out-of-area emergency contact.

Disaster Shelters
 Immediately following a large disaster, suitable shelter sites will be selected from a predesignated list based on areas of need and estimated numbers of displaced persons. Each site must be inspected for safety prior to being opened to the public. Therefore, it is not possible to say with advance certainty which sites will actually operate as disaster shelters. As soon as disaster sites have been formally designated, this list will be announced through local media to the public. If it is unsafe to shelter-in-place, and you do not have an alternative, evacuate to a designated emergency shelter.
Tell your out-of area-contact where you are going.
Take your Go-bag with you to the shelter.
Initially, emergency shelters may not be able to provide basic supplies and materials. Consider bringing extra items (e.g. blanket, pillow, air mattress, towel, washcloth, diapers, food and supplies for infants.)
Provide for your pet: only service animals are allowed in “human” shelters. If you cannot make other plans for your pets, Animal Care and Control staff will be available at “human” shelters to help with pet sheltering needs.

Power Outage

Power Outage

Power cuts can occur due to rolling blackouts, extreme weather conditions, or can accompany other disasters such as earthquakes. If there is no power in your neighborhood:
Turn off and unplug appliances and computers. Leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
Avoid using candles, as they are fire hazards.
Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate generators indoors (including the garage.) Both could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign.
See the Food section to learn about food safety when your refrigerator’s power is off.

Fire

Fire

If your smoke alarm goes off or you see a fire:
Remain calm and get out.
If you see smoke under the door, find another way out.
Feel the door with the back of your hand before you open it. If it is hot, find another way out.
Drop to the floor to avoid smoke and fumes. Crawl to safety.
If your clothes catch on fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground and ROLL over and over to smother the flames.
Call 9-1-1 (USA) or 999 (UK) from a safe location. Stay on the line until the operator hangs up.
If you are trapped in a burning building, stay near a window and close to the floor. If possible, signal for help.
Do not go back inside the building unless instructed that it is safe to do so.

Tsunami

Tsunami


A local earthquake may generate tsunami waves that can reach shore in minutes. If you are on the beach or other low-lying area close to the ocean or bay, immediately evacuate by walking to higher ground if:
Officials issue a tsunami warning and order evacuations; 
You hear the Outdoor Warning System (and it’s not Tuesday at Noon);
The earth shakes so much that you can’t stand;
Shaking lasts longer than 20 seconds; and/or
You notice water receding from the shoreline.

Shelter

Shelter-in-Place

One of the instructions you may be given in an emergency is to shelter-in-place. This means you should stay indoors until authorities tell you it is safe or you are told to evacuate.
 Select a small, interior room, with no or few windows.
 Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
 Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper.
 Bring your family disaster supply kit and make sure the radio is working.
 Bring your pets.
 It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select (cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency)
 Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
 Listen to your radio or television for further instructions or updates.
 If you are in your car, close windows and turn off vents and air conditioning.   
    

If you think I missed something...Please post it! 

[vrgrrl]

Don't forget duct tape -- during hurricane sandy we had a window bust and it would have been a LOT less messy had we taped the window before the storm when it was obvious something bad might happen. Then at least the glass would have stuck together more instead of tiny slivers everywhere...

[kunkel321]

Cool List!  Never forget a good old ball of string!  I always keep an old leather bootlace in my fannypack--has come in handy multiple times.  A pack of dental floss and a sewing needle is good to have.   A couple of big safety pins.  A split-style key ring is handy.

RE Firestarting: A good old disposable Bic Lighter.   A 10-Hour Candle can also be used to help start a reluctant camp fire  (thought you did list fuel already).

Though it's heavy, a pair of ViseGrips is nice to have.  Also heavy but nice is some strong bailing wire. 

In this day and age, a USB Drive with a bunch of portable apps etc, is also a "survival tool." 

 

[Renegade]

Useful for more than just zombies, a baseball bat and guns with lots of ammo.

And, a great site for exactly this stuff:

http://www.shtfplan.com/

More good sites on the topic out there, but that's just one excellent one.

Oh... and a new film on the topic:

Haven't watched it yet, but I'm downloading it. (PM me if you want a login & password to get an HD copy. I think the YouTube one is 720p.)

[app103]

Just a few things to add, learned over the years from personal experiences and those of friends and family...

If you have a generator, make sure you have a heavy duty chain and lock. A lot of incidents of generator theft occurred right before and after Hurricane Sandy. Make sure you secure yours well, to protect it against theft.

If you don't already own one, get a car charger for your cell phone. It might be all you will have to charge your phone with, if the power goes out for an extended period of time.

If you have an asthmatic that needs to use an electric nebulizer or anyone else in the family that needs the daily or occasional use of electrically powered medical equipment, make sure you also have a power inverter for your car. Do not run anything plugged into the power inverter without the car running, or you will kill your car's battery.

Need to add this to your food list: Cans should either be pop-top or you must have a manual can opener, otherwise you will not be able to open the cans. You wouldn't believe how many people forget this and are left staring at their electric can opener that won't work during a power failure. Even the rechargeable can openers are no good, as they may run out of power and you can not recharge them till the electricity comes back on.

Also, test your manual can opener and make sure it actually works and isn't worn out...before a storm hits. I should have done that and replaced all the ones that I own before Hurricane Sandy. It was not fun (and quite dangerous) trying to open cans with a punch type opener. 

Keep in mind that pop top cans do not last as long as regular ones for long term storage, as fluctuations in temperature can cause them to pop over time. Many people have packed plastic storage bins full of pop top cans of fruit, only to find that they popped during storage and all they had left was a big dried out, moldy, sticky mess.

Add chewing gum and hard candy to the list, and maybe some nicotine replacement patches or gum. This is with smokers in mind. If you can't smoke, either because you don't have anything to smoke (ran out), or because a shelter won't allow it, this might save your sanity.

Always keep your freezer and refrigerator filled with bottles of water...as many as will take up the empty space. Not only will this make your refrigerator/freezer cheaper to run when you have power, it will hold the cold longer when you don't. And the 1.5 liter bottles I keep in my freezer take much longer to melt than ice cubes. Plus, when the bottles in your freezer do melt, there will be no mess like you would have with ice cubes...and you can drink the water if you have to.

Also, might want to add some non-electric entertainment to the list. Decks of cards, board games, a few tiny travel sized games in case of evacuation, a ball of yarn and knitting needles or crochet hook, latch hook kits, cross stitch, coloring books and crayons, puzzle books, etc. Anything that can keep you busy and entertained while you go through TV and computer withdrawal might save your life by keeping you from getting on everyone else's nerves. Make sure to include things you can do by yourself, as you can't rely on the people you live with to always want to play a game to keep you entertained.

Dominoes are good for playing in very dim lighting if they are the white ones with the black dots. The black ones with the white dots are more difficult to read in dim light.

And if you want the mother of all disaster preparation lists, try this one:  https://spreadsheets...id=0&output=html

This is what you pack in the trailer that you hitch to your vehicle, as you drive away from the city, when the zombie apocalypse hits. This has some more serious survival stuff on it, things you probably won't need if you are just being evacuated due to a storm. Consider each section a collection to be packed into one or more labeled heavy-duty plastic tote bins, stored in a safe place, ready to grab on a moment's notice to pack your survival trailer.

[kunkel321]

Lots of different info graphics here
http://info.stylee32.net/
Warning: lots of NSFL sections.
There's a couple survival-relevant areas too though.

[KynloStephen66515]

NSFL = Not suitable for life???? 

[Renegade]

About canned food, it can last over 100 years:

http://modernsurviva...-shelf-life-studies/

A Food and Drug Administration Article about a shelf life test that was conducted on 100-year old canned foods that were retrieved from the Steamboat Bertrand, indicates surprising results.

Among the canned food items retrieved from the Bertrand in 1968 were brandied peaches, oysters, plum tomatoes, honey, and mixed vegetables. In 1974, chemists at the National Food Processors Association (NFPA) analyzed the products for bacterial contamination and nutrient value. Although the food had lost its fresh smell and appearance, the NFPA chemists detected no microbial growth and determined that the foods were as safe to eat as they had been when canned more than 100 years earlier.

The nutrient values varied depending upon the product and nutrient. The chemists reported that significant amounts of vitamins C and A were lost; but, protein levels remained high, and all calcium values ‘were comparable to today’s products.

Unreal!

[kunkel321]

NSFL = Not suitable for life???? 

-Stephen66515 (November 24, 2012, 06:48 PM)

Correct.  Or "Not Safe For Life."
I think it's Reddit terminology...  N S F Work = boobies, weiners, etc.
N S F L = gore, bondage, etc.