The Ultimate Survival Tools

Check out this article from MSN

10 essentials for surviving Doomsday 2012

Disclaimer:  I do not believe the world will end in 2012.

Lookin for a good bag or two...

I've been searching various Goodwill stores for bags for our Go-Kits.  I don't know why I'm being so picky about it, but I really just want something CHEAP that is both comfortable and functional.  The best backpacks I have around the house are already in daily use and they are not cheap.  I also want something a little more fun for my 10 year old son.  Next search will be online!

Ahh, pictures :)

Figured out my issue with the pictures...seems like switching to the "new editor" makes a big difference :)

Dollar Tree Extravaganza!

Finally, an update! I did spend some $$ at Dollar Tree. Not quite what I had in mind for a budget (I did go over my budget), but it's for emergency preparedness so I felt OK about it.

I am having issues uploading pictures to Blogger, so until I get them resolved, the pictures will have to wait! I have included links to the items on the Dollar Tree website (can't find a link for all items though).

4 Mini First Aid Kits

These are great for a purse, backpack or even in the car. They come with a nice variety of band-aids and you can even put some extra items in there. I added antibiotic creme and liquid skin. I will also add a card with emergency phone numbers for my son. I do plan to get 3 bigger ones. One for the house, one for the car and one for my go-bag.

4 pack of Tidy Totes

These were appropriately titled something like "mom's best friend." I love these. They are mesh bags that are compact and great for putting dirty clothes or toys in. They aren't incredibly sturdy, but they will do for a quick solution in an emergency.

3-pack of Wet Wipes

These are great as a quick cleaning solution. Hands, faces, butts, toys. And 3 packs for $1 is pretty good! These come in small packs and are not the "bottled" wipes.

Hand Sanitizer

For the really dirty times.

Shampoo/Body Wash Combo

This is more for my 10 year old son who isn't as concerned about what he washes his hair and body with. That is, when I can get him into the shower. It's a trial size, so I might just get an empty travel bottle and fill it up with something else instead.

4 Magic Towels - those little compact kid washcloths that you put in water and watch them grow

They may not be the world's best washcloths, BUT, they are compact and with a little bit of water they are usable. I had them as a kid and remember using them for a couple of years after getting them. They are sturdy, light and they take up very little room. Kid Bonus: Sponge Bob!

Liquid Skin

I've actually never used a product like this before. A liquid band aid of sorts that comes with 2 in a pack. I think one tube is probably good for one or two smaller cuts. I put one each into the first aid kits.

Triple Antibiotic Ointment

Not a bad deal! Similar name brand items like this cost $3-4 at the grocery store. I'm sure it is just as good.

2-pack of Chapstick!

Always needed in my home. I have eternally chapped lips.

2 boxes of dog food, a pack of pee-pee pads, clean-up bags and a dog collar

Yes, you should prepare to take your pets with you if you have to leave your home. Leaving them behind can create more problems than taking them with you. The two small boxes of Purina dog food will probably last my dog a week and a half if rationed out. You can also take your regular pet food and portion it out into a large freezer bag or plastic container. The pee-pee pads are priceless if your animal is crated for a long period of time. Extra collar and leash eliminates hunting for one if you have to leave quickly. And don't forget a new toy!

So, where to next? I'm sure I'll go back to Dollar Tree for some more exploration. I also need to find some sturdy backpacks to use for our go-kits and 2 inexpensive animal carriers for the cat and rabbit.

Dollar Tree has a little first aid kit that is small and very basic (mostly band-aids), but it is big enough to add a few other items like an emergency whistle, "liquid skin" (also sold by Dollar Tree), and contacts case and spare eye drops. I think I will buy a few of these for the car and our future Go-Kits/Go-Bags. Can't beat the $1.00 price!

I'm also considering the $8.00 first aid kit from the Red Cross. It has a lot more in it and it of course is approved by the Red Cross. But then again, I'm cheap. Wonder if I can manage to get all the same items that are in the Red Cross kit for less than $8.

Emergency Preparedness. It's so simple, but it ain't cheap!

I've set myself a goal for 2011. To be better prepared for an emergency. I'm not much of one to make New Year's resolutions. Or, if I do, they are pretty unenthusiastic and really not practical. But, I work in emergency management. And I'm somewhat prepared in case of an emergency. I feel I should practice what I preach. I am also on a budget. Single mom, single income, lots of responsibilities that get in the way. My new goal is:

Spend $10 a week OR $10 a month, as the minimum, on emergency preparedness.

That dollar amount mainly includes supplies. But there are other things to do to.

I hope to share my tips and tricks and things I find. Not just from this experience, but also from my work experience. Fell free to follow along and provide your own experiences and advice!