Preparing for the Unexpected: 15 Absolutely Necessities

By Becky | January 29, 2014

Doomsday, natural disasters, tragedies…

Movies of this nature are not on my must–see list or even my want-to-see list. Scott often chuckles at me when we’re deciding on a movie for date night. My philosophy is: There’s enough evil, sadness, and death in real life, why pay to see more and call it entertainment?

Real life is different. While I don’t spend much time thinking about worst-case scenarios, I’ve had opportunities to at least make plans for a possible disaster with Scott and the boys.

Most of you know I live with three Boy Scouts. As part of the boys’ merit badge work for Eagle Scout, they were required to complete the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge. They learned many useful techniques for first aid and how to assist others in various situations. As part of the work, each had to put together a personal emergency kit, from flashlights and extra batteries to maps of the area. The boys packed the gear into backpacks that are stashed in a closet for easy retrieval if they need them. Printed below are the BSA recommended items the boys included in their packs. The last item is an addition…in the last paragraph is the MOST important necessity.

▪   Water Have at least one gallon per person per day.
▪   Food Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.
▪   Flashlight Include extra batteries.
▪   First aid kit Include a reference guide.
▪   Medications Don’t forget both prescription and non-prescription items.
▪   Battery-operated weather radio Include extra batteries.
▪   Tools Gather a wrench to turn off gas if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and garbage bags and ties.
▪   Clothing Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.
▪   Personal Items Remember eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution; copies of important papers, including identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.; and comfort items such as toys and books.
▪   Sanitary supplies You’ll want toilet paper, towelettes, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
▪   Money-cash (ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.)
▪   Contact information Include a current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach by e-mail if local phone lines are overloaded.
▪   Pet supplies Include food, water, leash, litter box or plastic bags, tags, medications, and vaccination information.
• Map Consider marking an evacuation route on it from your local area.¹

Thinking about what you’d do if a disaster were to happen helps to keep the stress level down if something were to occur. Bad storms, floods, downed power lines can happen and often do. Talk it over with your spouse and teens. With a plan everyone feels more secure. The American Red Cross has a number of checklist and guides to get prepared for the unexpected too.

To all these lists and ideas to be prepared, add a Bible, the most important necessity. The best comfort in an emergency is God’s Word and prayer. YouVersion has a great free Bible app. (It’s on our phones.) And in case of power outages and you’re unable to charge the cell phones, tuck a small New Testament in the emergency packs.

Most importantly, take the time to talk about faith in Jesus Christ. He is the safety net we have to fall into as believers. Trusting in His saving grace is the only way to be truly prepared.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13

1. Boy Scouts of America http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/media/publications/emergencypreparedness/kit.aspx

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