Not just Katrina

[gekkogecko]

...but relief efforts in general. I was reading this news article:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050913/od_nm/underwear_dc;_ylt=Alh_39KUOckWtF8yiOG6pSbtiBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

and then I was run over by a sudden idea. Don't know why it didn't occur to me before, but I suppose it's just one of those things that one learns from experience.

Here's something that doesn't really involve bureaucracy, red tape, or crap like that.

Make a pre-packaged relief kit:
1 gallon of bottled water
1 package of disposable razors
1 can of shaving cream
3-4 cans/bags of non-perishable food, preferably from the different food groups
2 rolls of toilet paper
1 package of menstrual pads
3-4 packages of women's, men's, boys, girl's underwear
1-2 activity books for kids (differing ages)
1 activity book for adults (crossword/word search/sudoku style things)
1 package of pencils
Other items you may think of on your own, and you feel you can afford

Leave it in a not horribly out of the way place in your house. Every month, swap out the food/water (yes, despite the label "non-perishable", they do have a shelf life); get new stuff, eat the other stuff yourself.

The next time that there's a horrible natural disaster (and there will be a next time, you know there will be), drop off the package at your preferred relief agency.

Edit: threw this at a couple of friends of mine, fishing for critiques. One thing that was pointed out to me is that shipping a package like this is expensive for relief agencies; so, this is a good idea for something local, but if you're not in nearby the impacted area, relief agencies would probably prefer a cash donation, so they can buy supplies more locally. Cuts down on the shipping problem.

Another critique is oriented towards my intent: this is *not* an emergency reparedness kit. I deliberately left out things ike a flashlight, el-cheapo portable radio, and spare bateries in order to cut down on costs & weight. Also, the amount of food and water really isn't more than what will be sufficient for one person for one day. This is more in the nature of what used to be called a CARE package.

BTW, does anyone remember where that acronym comes from?

[jseal]

gekkogecko,

Yes indeed. Very sensible. :thumb:

[gekkogecko]

Edit #2:
Acronym is:

Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, Inc.

http://www.care.org/

[LixyChick]

I like the idea but it needs to be tweaked a bit hun!

M.R.E's would be a good substitute for the non-perishable foods. They'd prolly survive Hiroshima (along with the cock roaches...*<---I said cock! lol!). They can be found at any sporting good store that has camping gear.

To make the package less bulky...instead of sanitary napkins one could include tampons, and instead of rolls of T.P. one could include a few packs of those travel tissues (either paper works for wiping and blowing the nose). And to lighten the load even more so...instead of a gallon of water one could include those filtration tablets found in camping stores as well. They make undrinkable water drinkable!

I'd still include, at least, a miniature flashlight with fresh batteries. And, if you had the money...how about a pre-paid phone with the amount of minutes available taped to the back of it? Or even less bulky, a pre-paid calling card (if the area's public telephones are still working)! Keeping in touch is so important for someone under so much stress.

I don't think I'd include the shaver and cream...just don't know if anyone would care to shave instead of eating...? This would make room for just a tidbit more food.

What about bandaids (several sizes) and a small packet of triple antibiotic cream? These things aren't very bulky.

Notepad, envelopes and stamps...again, not very bulky.

Just some things I thought of as I read your thread!

*hugs*

[gekkogecko]

M.R.E's would be a good substitute for the non-perishable foods.



"Good" in the sense of less bulky. I'll say this for them...they're better than C-rations.

But there is a reason that line solders nicknamed them "Meals Rejected by Everyone"


And to lighten the load even more so...instead of a gallon of water one could include those filtration tablets found in camping stores as well. They make undrinkable water drinkable!


Backwards. You accidently stated that backwards.

[Lilith]

One of the things we are collecting is can openers. Every one is donating canned good but how the hell can they open it all.

[LixyChick]

"Good" in the sense of less bulky. I'll say this for them...they're better than C-rations.

But there is a reason that line solders nicknamed them "Meals Rejected by Everyone"



Backwards. You accidently stated that backwards.
LMAO@ "Meals Rejected by Everyone"...though, I've had them and I gotta tell ya the beef stroganoff isn't all that bad when you have hiked all day and have a hunger for anything except the stuff under your toenails! *<---ewwwww...that even grossed me out!*

What was it I said backwards? I said what I meant...I think??!! LOL!

[jay-t]

you might want to add these also

1. waterproof matches, camping or hunting store
2. a dry pair of socks
3. a candle 2 to 3 inches in dia. (place a can with holes over the candle for warming food or babys milk )

With all the tornado's that hit here we keep a bag with one change of clothes,flashlight,mre's,bottled water,then keep some tools in the cellar incase the door is blocked