I'm making a Go-Bag, and my other half finds it hilarious?

Question

I read about it on the good old internet, then read a Wiki article about how to survive a disaster/evacuation/etc, and decided to make one.

Mine includes

- a light change of clothes each

- light fleecy blanket

- spare (squish-down-able) footwear

- reflective strips

- local map

- dried/tinned snacks, salt & sugar

- tin opener and knife

- plastic cup

- basic first aid ie plasters, antiseptic, painkillers

- bar of soap, toothbrush

- scissors

- 'shakeable' torch

- 5L of water

- personal details such as next of kin and last known address.

have also gone completely overboard, and made a Go-Box for our cat, which includes some food and a v. small bed. This can attach to our Go-Bag, if it was ever feasible to take her with us if we had to 'go'...Now, my question is, have I gone absolutely stark raving mad? :D Am I being completley unneccessary? Has anyone else ever made a Go-Bag without prior advice from the local authorities?

I live in a residential area of SW London,UK

Answer 1

It's a great idea and I don't understand why everyone doesn't have,and maintain one.I have had one for years.I also have one in my personal vehicle.There have certainly been enough disasters,especially here in the US,lately to demonstrate that there is often a delay in a response (for many reasons) from the government as well as the many, better known charitable organizations.The first three days after a "event" can be a critical time for both you and your family.I believe everyone has an obligation to have enough food and medical supplies to take care of themselves for a minimum of 72 hours following any disaster.

One other thing that I would add is that you should find a way to test your kit.  I decided one day to do exactly that.I live in a very rural area of the Southwestern U.S.so it was easy to drive out to a uninhabited area near where I live.I stayed for a full 72 hours and during those three days I found my kit (see link below) to be lacking. Even though the weather wasn't extreme during my stay,I found that the kit itself was missing many simple items that would have made my stay safer, less stressful and a lot more comfortable. I added those items and tried another 3 days in the same place about a month later and it was "almost" enjoyable compared to that first time.The additions I made did not change the weight or bulk significantly.In fact,I found many smaller,light weight replacements for many of the suggested items in the link. More importantly I no longer have to wonder if  my kit will be functional.

Answer 2

Well, when the "blank" hits the fan, don't share with him. Kidding....As someone who has lived in places where this is standard practice, I think you are doing the right thing. England just had floods and an earthquake fairly recently - things happen, manmade disaters or natural. Everywhere. Be prepared.

Water is the most important thing. Also keep some sturdy shoes handy

Answer 3

Do you live in an area where there are threats of disaster?  I think it's a good idea if you do but I have never heard that England has natural disaster fears.  Do you have hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding or fires that would have you fleeing?

Answer 4

GOOD THINKING, ALWAYS BE READY FOR ANYTHING, ALSO IF YOU HAVE A CAR , FILL THE GAS TANK ,  AS SOON AS IT GOES BELOW HALF, OR MORE

Answer 5

the only thing i have to say is

WHY!

Answer 6

You are not being mad, you are being wise. If anything happened you would be prepared, and not be running around at the last minute trying to find things.

You never know when an emergency can happen. I know a couple of people who have also done the same thing.

Where is your matches to light a fire? You also need a flashlight and batteries of course.

If you were the only one prepared with your Go-Bag and no one else was, you would be in great danger. You better have some extra ones for those jealous people.

Answer 7

wtf???? why in the woorld would u need that