Can Your Spouse and Kids Locate Your Preps if You’re Down and Out or MIA?

Fireman's CarryA few weeks ago I wrote a post titled Survival Crap You Should Never Buy, Use, or Bet Your Life On! and a commenter got me to thinking about one problem with purchasing a pre-packaged kit (be it an emergency bag or first aid kit) that I didn’t touch upon and that’s the simple fact that not only will you probably not know what’s inside the kit you purchased but you’ll probably not know where in the kit whatever it is you’re looking for actually is. This is especially a problem with emergency bags which can have several pockets and maybe even modular packages (bags within bags) too.

Maybe this isn’t a big deal if you have time to dump out the kit contents or to dig for whatever you’re looking for, but maybe you don’t have the luxury of time because you’re on the move, somebody is bleeding profusely, or it’s pitch-black and you can’t find the flashlight that’s supposed to be in the kit. Certainly, there’s an easy enough remedy and that’s to take the time to go through whatever you bought and figure out what’s where. That said, I would suggest that if you’re purchasing pre-packaged kits that you’re probably not interested enough to actually look through it… so there’s that problem.

But, assuming you take this prepping stuff somewhat seriously and you’ve decided to make your own emergency bags and first aid kits–and you most definitely SHOULD–chances are that you occasionally go through these kits (maybe a few times a year) when you swap out gear (e.g., clothes appropriate to the seasons) or replace expired supplies (e.g., medications, food, water).

As such, I’m assuming you have a descent idea of what you have in your bags and where it is. Granted, unless you get into your kits very regularly you probably don’t remember exactly what’s in each and every pocket or nook-and-cranny but you’ve got a good enough idea that you won’t panic trying to find the flashlight or a compression bandage.

But, the question is: does your family (spouse and kids) know where to find whatever it is they would need? Maybe you’ve got a well-stocked first aid bag/kit that has all sorts of good stuff but can your spouse find something as simple as the bandages? Or, really, whatever it is they need at that moment, especially the life-saving supplies? Because, let’s be honest, if somebody is in the middle of an emergency then it’s a good idea they actually NEED whatever it is they’re looking for!

Of course, you can and should spend some time familiarizing family members with what’s in various kits. This is particularly true of things like first aid kits and bug out bags too. And, sadly, I haven’t been very good at this myself. I have, in fact, created an entire bug out bag that I would expect my wife to take but have I gone through all of it with her? Not completely and even when I did make an attempt it was A LONG time ago. Heck, I’m sure I’ve moved and updated plenty of things since then. So, I really need to spend the time again to ensure she knows what’s where. Not only with her bag but with most everything I keep.

Because, let’s face it, I shouldn’t assume that I’m going to be around or able to find, get, or use whatever it is my family would need in an emergency. It might be something as simple as the fact that I’m away from them or something far worse… like I’m dead. 🙁

One last thought: besides taking the time to physically show others what stuff is where, you could attempt to make it easier on them. For example, when considering where to put gear in a bug out bag you might choose to put all the primary gear one might need ASAP in the same pocket. That is, I might choose to put a flashlight, comms, evacuation routes, and what-not all in the most obvious front pocket. Maybe I make another pocket all about water, another is for fire-starting, and so on… or whatever makes sense to you and yours. I could (and do) also keep a laminated bag contents list that details precisely what gear is in what pocket.

There are other simple strategies such as choosing not to put some gear inside bins or boxes–something I prefer to do–but, rather, keep some equipment out on open shelves where it’s easy to spot. This might include things like lanterns, flashlights, radios, weapons, water filters, food processing gear, and so on. Again, it’s about whatever works for you but the emphasis should be on ensuring your family knows almost as much as you do with regards to your preps because, like I said, you might not be around to lead them.


Posted

in

by

My latest book, The Survival Blueprint: How to Prepare Your Family for Disaster, can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ49Y5X4

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *