We’re finishing our theme of self-care with something to ensure you stay well in the event of a disaster. Spring is often the time of growth and birth, but it’s also the time of year when weather becomes stormy and severe. In light of the storms this past week, we thought we’d provide some information on how to survive in the event of a disaster, as well as how to prepare a bag that ensures not only your survival, but your ability to stay healthy and balanced during that time!
It may be the case that during a disaster of any kind, you’re not in the comfort of your own home; this is why it’s important to have a “Bug Out Bag”. A Bug Out Bag is something that you should always keep in your car in the event that you become stranded when you’re not at your home. It should include enough supplies to get you by for 2-3 days.
Since we’re all about wellness and balance, we thought we’d discuss the proper components of a bug out bag that includes absolute essentials, and also some more “holistic essentials” that will help keep you safe and thriving. It’s important to find the right balance between having a bag that’s fully prepared, but light enough so where you can keep it portable.
The Bare Essentials:
- Shelter: If you’ve got access to your car, you’re set. But in the event that your stranded, shelter is an absolute necessity. I keep a small tent tied to my bag, but you can also make do with tarp and rope. If you’ve got the strength, a sleeping bag isn’t a bad idea to stay comfortable and warm in the night. A fleece blanket is also a good idea.
- Water: 1L per day per person is what’s ideal for keeping yourself hydrated, so at least 3L of water. I keep a 12-pack of bottled water in the trunk of my car at all times. I also keep a blanket over it to keep the water cool and safe from the heat. It’s also not a bad idea to keep a small steel pot in the event that you have to forge for water and boil it for purification.
- Food: Non-perishable food is the way to go – and food that is nutrient dense. I always keep a big pack of energy bars; I like Lara Bars, Kind Bars, and Cliff Bars. Other good options include crackers, protein powder packets, you can mix them in with your water).
- Clothing: You never know what can happen to your clothes, so it’s a good idea to keep a spare set of undergarments and a light change of clothes. I keep undergarments, socks, yoga pants, and a long sleeve; it’s comfortable, light, and still covers the skin. I also keep a poncho to stay dry. It’s also not a bad idea to keep toiletries around (sunscreen, mouthwash, and soap should do the trick; and women should keep a small supply of feminine products)
Light & Heat Sources: Having the equipment to make a fire can make all the difference in the world, and it’s important to have 2-3 ways to do so in case one of them isn’t appropriate for the weather or environment you’re in. I always keep 2 large lighters, waterproof matches, and a flint fire striker. I also keep a high quality flashlight with 2 sets of back-up batteries.- First Aid Kit: Building your own first aide kit is always more beneficial, but a store bought one will do. With Lexington being a “haven” for bugs and snakes, I would include bug repellant and a snake-bite kit in addition to the standard first-aide kit. I also always keep a roll of toilet paper – for it’s many uses.
- Survival Knife: Regardless of how you feel about weapons, having a good survival knife is crucial. Not only can it help you defend against threats, but it can also help you with preparing shelter, first aid, food forging, getting out of a snag, and much more. Something light-weight and durable is best, and be sure you’re comfortable using it.
- Radio: Having a battery powered radio isn’t necessarily a “must” but it’s handy to have so you can keep up to date with weather changes, important emergency information, updates, and directions to places of refuge.
The Holistic Essentials:
Being a holistic healthcare provider, my bug out bag definitely has some “hippie” components, but after reading why, you may see why I keep them!
- Rescue Remedy (Bach’s Flower): It’s easy to let your mind and emotions get the best of you in a disaster situation. This lovely little remedy is great for settling the spirit and keeping your head in a place of peace and balance during tumultuous times.
- Astragalus: Often, air quality can be an issue during disasters. Having something like astragauls will keep your immune system strong to protect you against poor air quality, viruses, and other types of infection that may occur.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea Tree Oil is going to be another power herbs that you should always have handy. It can be good for minor scrapes and cuts, asthma, allergies, skin irritations (poison ivy/oak, bug bites, boils/blisters etc), immuno-stimulant, muscle aches and more!!
- Ginger Chews: Ginger is a power herb with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is great for nausea/indigestion and migraines.
- Activated Charcoal: This supplement is good for relief from food poisoning, stomach bugs, gas, bloating and diarrhea. It reduces toxicity by adsorbing chemicals in the GI tract. Be sure to take with plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- A Liniment: Tiger Balm, Traumeel, Po Sum On, Zheng Gu Shui – or whatever your favorite is. You’ll be thankful when you’ve got aching muscles and bones.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil can be used for many things as it has antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial antioxidant and anti-fungal benefits. It can act as a sunburn reliever, toothpaste, applicant for cuts/scrapes, and can also be ingested for a healthy source of fat.
Stay Safe everybody, until next week!
