The recent quakes that hit North Cotabato and sent shockwaves in nearby provinces has got people so much more aware and awake to the idea of preparedness in post-disaster times. So, I’ll take this chance to also lay out here what I think are the essential things and/or tech you should have in your disaster preparedness kits.
Bug-out Bag (BoB)
This is probably the most common thing you’ve seen or heard or read in a lot of social media posts. And I agree that it’s an important thing to have in your kit. I’d recommend having one BoB for each family member. Keep the BoB for children light and easy to carry. There are many guides online on how to put together a BoB. My advice though is to keep it tailored to your needs without forgetting about the essentials - food, water first aid kit, clothing.
Maps - analog and digital
These may be outdated these days and almost replaced already by AI-assisted online maps but it will definitely come in handy when power is out and you have limited battery life on any of your devices. Street maps and topographic maps would be those that I recommend that you get. Make sure that these maps are of your general vicinity and then expanding outward to however far you’d prefer - regional, national.
Also, this is the best time to revisit your map reading skills. You would not want going the wrong direction during evacuation procedures.
Documents and money
These are your passports, government-issued IDs, birth certificates, medical records, land titles, anything that’s a documentation of your belongings and identity. I think there’s really no need to emphasize how important it would be that you have proof of who you say you are, where you live, what you own and everything else around it.
Also, money. Hard cash. It’s best that we assume that after a disaster, most if not all electronic banking or financial networks. And in that time, any hard cash on you will be most welcome when you need to purchase anything.
Multitools, whistles, emergency light sticks
The multitools will come in handy when you need to pry open a can or cut something or anything else that your multitool can handle. Whistles will help you locate your loved ones if or when they get separated from you. You can have a pre-arranged whistling signal to let each other know where you are. Emergency light sticks are pretty much self-explanatory. When the dark comes, you’ll need illumination and to save a bit on battery life for your flashlights, you can use a light stick instead.
That’s right about it for now, my friends.
Keep safe out there! And if you’re already safe and have the capacity to help, go out and help.