One of my concerns living here on the West Coast is the threat of an earthquake.
We all know it could happen any time. We have been fortunate to have a few smaller ones – which takes the pressure off the plates I am told.
I believe in being prepared and being pro active. I do have a rucksack packed – it’s always ready and I periodically replace the biscuits and the water bottles.
Below, I have put together a list of things which will be important in case of an emergency — there will be a slightly different kind of pack for dogs or cats; one of the obvious differences will be the food. Also, make sure you have a sturdy pet carrier at hand for your cat/cats. Much safer for them to be in a carrier.
Content in my emergency rucksack – most of it for my dogs:
- 1. Good quality canned dog food – I use HALO – 2 large cans for each dog
- 2. Four cans of pink salmon – it’s a very condensed highly nutritional food for them
- 3. Good dry dog biscuits – I use Northern Biscuits; have used them for years – bug free! I keep them in an airtight water proof container – such as this one available at MEC
- 4. I also have a collapsible food and water dish – something like this or this
- 5. A fork, a spoon, a can opener and one of these collapsible compact knives (scissor included)
- 6. Since there is the possibility of not being in a covered space I also included this water proof tarp with string and hooks
- 7. Also a sheet to sit on to keep warm and dry for yourself and your pets
- 8. And a warm blanket – this one is big enough for two people which means its big enough for one person and 2 dogs
- 9. Towels will also be important – you can also use these to wrap around your dog when they need comforting. There are two choices both weigh less then 1 lb – so lighter and less bulky then a regular towel. I have wrapped mine in a sealed plastic bag.
One of the most important things to consider in an emergency will be clean water. We may not have any for a couple of days and the bottled water will be gone quickly. Here is a solution which is safe and you’ll have water for yourself and your animals: Water Purification Tablets.
The next very important item is for First Aid, wound dressing and emotional support:
- First order – Rescue – I have the cream/gel and the drops
- Wound dressing – again its is important that it stays dry
- And also the wraps for support in the case of injury (London Drugs also carries them).
I also have in there:
• 2 spare collars, leashes and a rubber ball (something familiar from home)
• Emergency Homeopathic kit
For myself I also carry a few healthy nutrition bars, some sea salt (my grandma always told me that salt can be helpful in hard times), dry vacuum-packed crackers, vacuum packed almonds,a couple of tea bags – all this packed in a water proof container. There is also a flashlight and candles with light anywhere matches. As well as a tin mug. Everything is marked with my name and my dogs names as well as contact addresses of family members and friends.
A few other things to consider:
– A whistle
– Spare cell phone and charger (with all your contacts)
– Small camping stove (they come really tiny for just heating up water)
What I like about all of these MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) products is that they are tested and come in small portable packages and are lightweight.
I will invest in one of their water proof back packs to keep it all together in a cool and dry place.
I hope this has given you some ideas to pack your own emergency pack . Be prepared. It really helps and it’ll give you peace of mind.