The First 72 Hours: Where To Now?

Part 11 of a continuing series on prepping for a disaster, with an emphasis on how and where to start while on a Blue Collar budget.

Where To Now?

If you have been following this series, the intent has been to get myself ready for a local emergency, with enough food and other supplies to get 2-3 people covered for 72 hours. As I have (mostly*) reached that point in my plan, the question is "Where to now?"   From here the next step is 2 weeks of stored food, portable shelter, alternative water supplies and a plan for leaving the area if necessary.

Stored Food -

This will be an expansion of the food types to include items designed for long term storage, while continuing to buy more of the staples already on my list. On the To Buy list are freeze-dried, dehydrated and other types of easily stored foods, with taste tests and ease-of-use comparisons on camping trips this Spring and Summer.

Water Supply -

With the potential for staying in place or leaving the area after evaluating conditions, a stable supply of  water is a critical part of my plan. To get there, something better than a personal filter is needed to supply the volume of water required for the group. Water sources that are close to where I'm at will be mapped out and checked for year around use. What is bought will also be tested on trips this year.  Recommendations are appreciated, so please promote your favorites!

Evacuation Plan  - 

Bugging Out! This is part of every disaster plan, and mine is no exception, it is not necessarily at the top of the list due to my situation. With 1-3 days to evaluate local conditions, whether it will be better to leave or stay should be a simple decision. There are out in the S.F. Bay Area people where I will be welcome, as well as local folks if my home is too damaged but the conditions allow local 'bugging'. 

Portable Shelter  - 

Here is one of my sticking points: Shelter. I do not have light weight, easily portable tents. I am still shopping for 1 or 2 person tents that can be loaded and carried in a backpack. A larger 4-6 person tent is available when more permanent camps are needed, so that is covered.

So, that is what is in store on this small portion of the BCP blog. I thank all of you that have commented here, on the BCP Facebook page and directly to me for your input so far and in the future.

As always, if you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!