It's All About The Gear!

While watching a recent episode of Discovery Channels Dual Survival, our favorite duo of Dave Canterbury and Cody Lundin found themselves lost on the Minnesota prairie in the middle of winter, with ice encrusted snow drifts that varied from knee deep to crotch deep, and wind chills in the minus 20's. As always Dave was wearing his customary cargo pants and boots, and Cody his shorts and wool socks instead of shoes. Now I know that it is as much for entertainment as it is for education, but what really stood out to me was the fact that Dave made repeated statements about the fact that Cody's lack of clothing was not only a hindrance to the group but a potential hazard to Cody's well being.

I don't believe, at least I don't want to believe, that anyone would willing go out into that type of environment without dressing for the weather but everyday we walk around unprepared for what lies ahead in the day. After all do you think the people of Joplin, Missouri expected a tornado to tare a 6 mile path through their city damaging or destroying 30% of the city including the Hospital and leaving 89 dead, at least as of the time this was written? Many of them now left with nothing more than what they were wearing when the tornado hit. Situations like this make you reevaluate what is really important and what is just pomp materialism. Houses can be rebuilt, cars and clothing can be repurchased but a life cut short can not be replaced. Neither can a life cut short by lacking what you need to make it through a situation like that, but how do you prepare for a disaster without getting too crazy or going overboard and ending up with a 10 year supply of food, packed in radiation proof containers, tucked away in a secret corner of your basement? It's easy!

If you are reading this than it would be a fair assumption that you hike, camp, hunt, etc and most likely have what you need or most of it on hand already. The key is just keeping it in a container that can easily be grabbed on the way out the door if a natural disaster were to happen. For example, a used backpack purchased on EBay or at your local military surplus is an ideal container, just add the gear you need. The gear you choose should cover the basic needs you will have then can be supplemented with a few comfort items. I would suggest:

Fire Starter - More than one like a ferro rod, weather proof matches (in a match safe) and a disposable lighter with a dry tinder source.

Light - A flashlight and/or an LED style headlamp and extra batteries for each.

First Aid - A comprehensive first aid kit that will cover all the members in your group or household.

Knife - I have always liked the Swiss Army knife and the Mora Frost knives, both of which can be put to multiple uses and still are budget friendly. Don't forget a way to sharpen it.

Sunscreen and/or Sunglasses & Insect Repellent - Even in the winter months and on cloudy days your skin can be damaged by the sun and if the biting insects are out you could really be miserable.

Clothing - It is a good idea to have at least one change of clothes in your pack to change or supplement the clothes you are wearing. In the cooler months you should add a warm hat and gloves, jacket or coat (appropriate for the weather), rain protection, extra wool socks (even in the summer), and a pair of boots.

Compass - When faced with the reality of a disaster it is easy to become disoriented. Having a good compass could help you regain your bearings and guide you to safety. Make sure you practice with it before you need it.

Water - You should have something to carry water in and some way to purify water if a safe source is not at hand. Some people like to carry a stainless steel container that can be used as a means to carry water and put into a fire to disinfect it by boiling. But you may choose to carry a separate cooking pot, water purification tabs, or a commercial pump style filter and a water container.

Shelter - Whether you choose one of the many styles of tents on the market or a basic 10x10 tarp you need something to shelter you from the elements.

Food - Even department stores are carrying dehydrated backpacking meals that can be stored for long periods of time. You want enough to hold you over for at least 3 days while waiting for help to arrive, some type of drink packet like coffee, tea, or cocoa, and some salt & pepper.

Misc. - I would suggest a decent pair of work gloves, a sewing / repair kit (complete with duct tape, wire, zip ties, and a multi tool), a folding saw or hatchet, pencil and small note pad, a meal kit with utinsils and bowl (at least), and 50ft to 100ft of rope or Paracord.

If you still have room in your pack (and I am guessing that you do) you can add some "comfort" items to help you pass the down times you are bound to have. I have always been in favor of a small pocket sized Bible. If you find yourself in need of your kit, you may also find yourself looking for the strength to face the uncertainty of what lies ahead but if you don't subscribe to a particular religion, cards or a paperback book are always a nice distraction. So is candy, a handful of hard candies in your pack can lift your spirits and give you energy. What you choose is up to you, and the Internet is filled with helpful resources. Hopefully you will never have to face a life threatening disaster, but if you do try to be ready! Good luck.

Are You Fit For The Outdoors?

Summer is almost upon us and many of us are itching to hit the trail for some long awaited backcountry hiking. Trails have been chosen, gear has been purchased, maps have been memorized in anticipation, but that does not mean you are ready to go. Have you taken the time to prepare the most important piece of gear you have….. Your body!

The Wilderness Medical Society reports that hiking is the number 3 reason for outdoor related emergency room visits each year only preceded by Snowboarding (#1) and Sledding (#2). Wilderness injury prevention begins with planning and preparation, maintaining your levels of fitness, knowing your skill level and experience, and not exceeding your limits. So now we know where to start, but the big question is HOW to start?

It’s easier than you might think, like any other part an outdoor adventure you start with “Problem Anticipation”:

By now you have a trip plan written out and you know who you are going to leave it with, you have checked your gear and made any repairs or replacements needed, you restocked your first aid kit, you remembered to put in a vacation request at work (and made sure it was approved), and you have been on every hiking website out there getting psyched up for your trip. That only leaves getting in shape for the trail left on your to do list.

If you do not exercise on a normal basis you should talk to your family doctor to decide on the best program for you to use, but an easy way to get started and remain trail ready all year is to do some basics every day.

• Take a few minutes to stretch and warm up your muscles.
• Make sure you are stretching your torso and back muscles with some gentle twisting to the left and right.
• Stretch the Hamstring and Calves then do 20 or 30 minutes of squats, lunges, running in place, or a combination of all three. The more you do the better off you will be in the wild.
• Go for a walk. Gradual at first then building up the distance you are walking. This is also a great time to see how that new pack is going to ride and gives you a chance to fine tune the fit.
• Before hitting the trail for a multi day trip, go on a few day hikes. It helps get you ready to hike over those hills and streams without having 20 or more pounds on your back trying to pull you down.

Remember the old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” if you have taken a small amount of time to get in shape and stay in shape now there is less of a chance that you will need a large amount of time to recover from an injury later. If you are new to hiking take someone along that has more experience. Remember to hydrate as much as possible, if you start feeling thirsty you are already starting to get dehydrated which can lead to several life threatening conditions on the trail. Know your limits; don’t try to push yourself too long or too hard in the heat. Take your time; after all you’re out there to enjoy the wild not run through it!

Get out there and have fun, just be careful when you do it!

Michigan’s Highbanks Trail Along The AuSable River Valley:

When my kids went on Spring Break this year I saw the perfect opportunity to hit the trail for a day and get some well needed time outdoors. After checking the weather and trail conditions around Michigan we decided on the Highbanks Trail which travels along the south side of the AuSable River Valley in Eastern Mid-Michigan. The weather was nice so my family and I decided to make a day of it and do a little site seeing as well as hiking.

After a moderate 2 hour drive we arrived at the Lumberman’s monument, just west of Tawas and Oscoda, and spent some quality family time looking at the monument and beautiful vistas overlooking the AuSable. From there we headed west along the river to the trail head and the start of our hike. It wasn’t long before we found that, despite the warm weather we had been experiencing, the trail was still covered with ice and snow. The only real problem was that water on the surface of the ice made going slow in some areas.

The trail followed the river offering us some splendid backcountry views and plenty of photo opportunities. The Highbanks Trail is a linear trail system so after a couple of hours on the trail we turned around and headed back to Lumberman’s Monument and our vehicle. It would have been nice if the trail made a loop but it was very easy going and the scenery made the time fly by.

When we arrived at the parking lot of the Lumberman’s Monument we packed up and headed west a couple of miles to the Canoers Memorial and scenic overlook. The memorial is a tribute to those who have sacrificed their time, efforts, and sometimes a lot more to the longest and most grueling canoe race in North America; The AuSable Canoe Marathon .The view from the memorial was breathtaking and it surprised me that something so close to home could be that beautiful. When we finished we loaded up and headed west again to reach Iargo Springs.

As you arrive at the springs you will find a nice roadside park and scenic observation deck overlooking the AuSable River Valley. A closer look reveals a stair case that descends over 300 steps to the valley floor and a 1000 foot boardwalk winding through towering pines and moss-laden bluffs were gurgling springs bubble up and snake their way to the AuSable. A popular attraction since the 1920’s and a special place to the Native Americans, Iargo Springs is a tranquil place to spend a day.

Day Hike Essentials: What Should I Take?

If you are only planning to spend a few hours on the trail or in the woods you can get by on a lot less gear than if you were planning to spend the night or the weekend on the trail. With that said, you should still plan to pack the “10 Essentials”. They are your protection from the unexpected. Let’s start by reviewing them and move on from there.

1. Navigation: even if you are taking a GPS you should still carry (and know how to use) a map and compass.
2. Sun / Bug protection: sunscreen, bug repellent, hat, sunglasses. You can find the small, trial size sunscreen and repellent which take up less room and cut weight.
3. Insulation (extra clothing): you never know when the temperature will change, or if you will get cold during a rest so throw in a fleece jacket to take off the chill.
4. Illumination: even if you do not plan to be in the woods after dark you should still throw your headlamp or a small flashlight into your pack for emergencies.
5. First-aid kit: including blister care items, pencil an a few pieces of paper, an “Ace” wrap in case of a sprained ankle, pain killers, a space blanket, and any medications you would normally take.
6. Fire starter: any combination will work, but you want more than one way to start a fire. You could pack a disposable lighter, matches in a waterproof container, a fire steel, and a dry tinder source.
7. Repair kit & tools: It does not have to be all inclusive, but it’s always helpful to have a few feet of duct tape, a couple plastic zip ties, a needle and thread, and a multi-tool at a minimum.
8. Nutrition: in addition to your trail snacks you should have some extra food in case you end up lost and spending the night in the woods.
9. Hydration: I am not referring to coffee or soft drinks but good old water! If you prefer something with some taste, there are several flavorings on the market that help improve the taste as well as aid in the replenishment of electrolytes. You should also carry some way of treating water, a filter pump, iodine tablets, boiling, etc.
10. Shelter: This could be just about anything that will shield you from the elements including clothing, a tarp, space blanket, bivy sack, etc.

Ok, you have the 10 Essentials…. Now what?

I like to include the following 10 items as well:

1. Para Cord (or small diameter rope): a 50 foot hank of it takes up very little space in your pack and is very useful if you need to replace a boot lace, build a shelter, lash something to your pack, or splint a broken leg / arm.
2. Rain gear: If I know it may rain I will take a rain jacket / pants, but it is a good idea to keep one of the emergency rain ponchos in your pack for the times you get caught on the trail when it is not suppose to rain.
3. Hand warmer packets: the disposable type. They only add a few ounces and take up almost no space but provide extra warmth if you get lost and have to spend the night.
4. Garbage bag: in addition to the obvious use, you can use it as a rain cover for your pack, or sit on it if everything around you is wet.
5. Plastic Zip Lock bag: one of the gallon size bags is all you need. It gives you a place to put any trash you generate or find, that can be sealed and thrown out when you get off the trail.
6. Socks: never underestimate your feet. When they get damp or wet blisters can form and make the hike back very unpleasant. If you have a dry pair of socks you can help eliminate some of this.
7. Additional tools: a watch, pocket knife (I have always been an advocate of the Swiss Army Knife), a folding or wire saw (strictly for emergency use)
8. Camera: you may want to record your hike to share with friends and family.
9. Cook kit: if you plan to take lunch or wish to have a hot drink when you take a break a small cook pot and light weight stove will be an asset.
10. Day Pack: it goes without saying that you will need something to carry your gear, but you don’t need a full sized pack if you do not plan on spending the night. A decent pack around the 2000 cu/in – 3000 cu/in size works well. After you have went on few day hikes and tweaked your gear a bit you may choose to go with a higher capacity pack or something under the 2000 cu/in size. It is up to you and what you are comfortable with.

It may seem like a lot of gear for just a few hours on the trail but you never know when that few hours could turn into an overnight or multi-day stay in the woods due to getting lost or injured. So with that in mind the most important item you can take with you anytime you are going onto the woods is knowledge! The best gear on the market can not save you if you do not know how to use it and are comfortable using it. With knowledge comes confidence, and when you are confident that you know what you are doing it can greatly reduce the chances of an unexpected emergency from happening. Follow the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared”!

Get out there and have some fun! Take lots of pictures, and encourage someone else to share your adventure with you!



Picture is of the Superior Hiking Trail (www.shta.org)

I Want To Go Backpacking!

We are half way through the month of February and the doldrums of winter are weighing heavily on me, so it is no wonder I find my thoughts drifting to lazy days at the lake, my line in the water, just enjoying the panoramic vistas of Gods wild places. Walking quietly down the trail surprised to see a few deer standing proudly 30 or 40 yards down the trail in front of me wondering why I am in their woods, or sitting by the fire in awe as I watch the majesty of the stars above me, thinking of how small I am in comparison.

This is also the time of year that I like to start planning the camping, hiking, and backpacking trips that will fill my summer days. The way I like to start is by going through my gear checking to see if any of it needs to be repaired or replaced. It is a sinking feeling when you are packing for a trip and realize that you forgot to repair the shoulder strap on your pack when you got home from that trip last fall. This is also a good time of year to make up grades to your gear. A lot of manufactures are bringing out their new gear lines and discounting the previous year’s items. The end result for you could be drastic savings on those items. Sure they are not the latest and greatest for this year but they are the ones that you wished you could buy at this time last year, if it would have been an up grade to your gear last year it will probably still be an up grade this year, just at a cheaper price.

After I am satisfied that my gear is ready it’s time to hit the internet and surf the forums to see which trails I want to venture out on this year. Since my kids are still relatively new to hiking their abilities are a driving force in those plans. We have to plan shorter trips, more rest breaks, easier terrain, and take items that will help fill those down times in camp that are bound to happen. The last thing you want is to be trapped in a tent with your kids for a whole day due to heavy rains with nothing to occupy their time.

When planning a trip, one of the things I like to do is split trails in half. We will do one half of the trail in one trip and the other a few weeks later. This helps kids get use to backpacking, gives you the time on the trail you want, gets all of you outside doing something as a family, and makes memories for your family that will last a lifetime. Even if you don’t have kids a good way to get extra time on the trail is to split trails into sections. A trip that would normally give you two nights can be split into two one night trips. You’re spending the same amount time on the trail but instead of taking one or two trips a month it is allowing you to get out there every weekend.

How ever you decide to do it get out there and live a little, make some lasting memories, have fun, and be safe!

Pictures are from Yahoo images.

Is Your Family Prepared For An Emergency? (part2)

One of the biggest lessons we can learn in life is that no matter how good an idea is, it can always be improved upon or added to. Such is the case here. The last post I made was on putting together a 72hr emergency kit for your self and your family. After posting it I was watching an emergency preparedness video on Youtube when I realized that I left out some commonly overlooked, but very important, areas of the home that need to be addressed in any type of emergency from a common power outage to a full fledged natural disaster. Thank you to, Youtubes Mizooch70 for reminding me of my error and being gracious enough to let me borrow parts from his video for this post. Before we go any farther lets discuss the areas of concern I overlooked before.

What I failed to address was the need to be able to locate and shut off (if needed) your central water valve, your main gas valve, and the main breaker in your electrical panel. Let’s face it, every year hundreds of people across the country experience costly repairs and replacements to their homes when lightening has caused a power surge that damaged the electronic devices in your home, or your water pipes freeze, break, and flood some part of your home after a winter storm has caused the power to go out for several days. In an ideal world we would all have a generator that we could use during these times of crisis, but as we know we do not live in an ideal world, so we have to prepare for those times in advance. If you do have a generator, remember to service it regularly and to run the old gas out from time to time. At a minimum I change the oil in mine annually (even if it would not have been used), and try to run the old gas out every 6 months (Spring and Fall) to make sure it will be ready for the time it is needed. If you are like me your generator will be used several times a year on camping or hunting trips that keep everything fresh.

If using a generator at your house please remember to turn off the main breaker before you start it so you are not sending power onto the lines that a service person could be working on. Many unfortunate injuries and deaths have occurred because someone accidentally left their main breaker on. The best way to solve this is to install a transfer switch (double pole / double throw switch) and a sub panel. This will allow you to shut off the main panel and only electrify the circuits that need to be powered (furnace, well pump, refrigerator, some lights, etc), it also allows you to use a smaller generator to supply power which means less gas to keep on hand. Don’t forget a heavy gauge extension cord, some of the lighter gauge cords can over heat when used for extended periods.

In regards to the main gas valve, it should go without saying that you would want to stop the flow of gas into your home during some types of disasters (i.e. during a wild fire in California or after a hurricane like Katrina). With that said most of the time you are going to want to have that gas to heat your home, hot water, etc (if using a generator) and will need to leave it on. When it comes to shutting your water off, follow the same guidelines as you would for shutting your gas off.

When adding these steps to your emergency plan, it is helpful to take a picture of the valve location, and a second of what it looks like when it is shut off so in a time of crisis there is no confusion about it being on or off. The same can be said of the location of the electrical panel and its main breaker of fuse block. A handy tip from Mizooch70 is after taking those pictures, paste them on a sheet of paper with the directions for shutting the device off, the location in or around the home where the valve or panel is located and what tools, if any, are needed to shut it off.

The time to learn how and when to find and shut off these devices is when it is not needed. Take a few minutes seasonally, or at least annually, to run through this with your family so when the confusion of an emergency happens they will know what to do or at least where to go to find out.

Thanks again to Youtubes Mizooch70 for his words of wisdom, if you haven’t done so before check him out at Mizooch70 on Youtube.

Is Your Family Prepared For An Emergency?

Now more than any other time in history we need to be prepared for a disaster. The last few years have seen earthquakes, floods, tornados, wild fires, record amounts of snow, and many other natural disasters in parts of the country and world that have not seen them in the past. You can add to that the chance of a man made disaster like oil spills, terrorism threats and wars the world over. It can be overwhelming to think that it could happen where you live, I’m sure it was for the people of New York before September 11, 2001 or the people of New Orleans before hurricane Katrina in 2005. But if it were to happen would you be prepared for it?

I am not advocating food hoarding or going to your local gun shop for a couple shot guns & automatic rifles, but I do suggest that we follow the example set by those living in areas that have frequent natural disasters, like earthquake prone California, and keep enough supplies on hand (and dedicated) to last about 72 hours (3 days) per person in the home. If you can, or want, to store more by all means do it. Just make sure you are rotating the food and water you have stored every few months to keep it from going out of date.

“It sounds like a lot, where do we start?”

To start you probably have a lot of the stuff you need already on hand. If you enjoy spending time in the outdoors it’s a good bet that you already have some type of white gas or propane stove to cook on, just keep some extra fuel on hand for it. The same can be said for other equipment like tents / tarps, chairs, sleeping bags, or lanterns (though I would recommend one of the hand crank varieties, it eliminates the need for extra fuel or batteries). It’s always better to have gear dedicated to the purpose of your emergency kit but to start use what you have and swap it out as you find the time and money to do so. If you don’t have any gear to start I would recommend hitting garage / moving sales, EBay, Craigslist, or end of season sales at your local department and sporting goods stores. You can also find some great deals if you want to take the time to search the internet.

Remember, all the gear and supplies in the world will not help you if you do not keep it together in one place where it can be accessed or if you don’t know how to use it. I know people who store their stuff in plastic tubes with labels on the outside to keep it organized, people who store their stuff in 5 gallon pails with lids so everything is watertight, and people who just keep it all in a closet or on shelves in the garage were they can get to it quickly. After you decide were and how to store it, try to plan a couple times a year that you get everyone in the house together to practice how to use the gear you have. It’s important that every family member know how to use the kit you put together.

“What should we keep on hand?”

Wow, there are as many answers to that as there are things to keep on hand! Let’s take it one step at a time and see if we can at least get the basics covered here. To be prepared for the unexpected you need to have a family communication plan with at least two different places for your family to meet if an emergency occurs. The first can be the home, but if you can not reach the home then a second like a park or civic location close to the home should be used. Make sure everyone is aware of the locations. It’s also a good idea to keep copies of important family documents like insurance policies, identification, etc, in a waterproof, portable container such as a large Zip Lock bag that can be taken with you, remember that your kit can and should change with the seasons. Setting up your kit for a summer emergency will not help much if it is -5°F and there are about 10 inches of snow on the ground.

OK, before we get to the kit its self there are a few things you will want to decide before we go any farther. Like how much space do you have to store your kit in? If you have enough items to fill a small room but only have a closet to work with you will have to rethink your kit. How much money are you willing or able to spend? You don’t have to drop $400 on an expedition quality tent (especially if it is to be dedicated to your emergency only kit) when a sturdy tent can be purchased from a local department store for a quarter of the price. Sure you may have to waterproof it after a couple of years but the cost savings is worth it. Lastly, what “special” items need to be included? Does a family member wear glasses; have asthma or some other health concern that requires medication? Do you have an infant that requires formula or diapers? Where are you going to go to the restroom at? It may sound funny, but anyone of these could be detrimental to your well being in an emergency. Don’t worry too much, you can find everything from a toilet seat that snaps onto a 5 gallon bucket to specialized composting toilets to take care of that last one!

So onto the kit! Let’s start with food and water. A general rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. If you choose to add dehydrated or freeze dried foods to your kit you will need to add more water to re-hydrate them. How you store the water is up to you, you can purchase refillable water jugs (usually in 2 ½ or 5 gallon styles), or the pre-filled 1 to 2 ½ gallon varieties sold in most stores. The food needs to be kept in such a way as to keep rodents or pests out of it while it is being stored (another good use for those 5 gallon pails with lids). Try to choose foods that your family will eat and that have a long shelf life. I also recommend clearly marking the dates on all items with a permanent marker so you can keep them rotated.

For starters you can consider:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits & vegetables
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juices or brick pack milks
• Ramen noodles or ready-to-eat soups
• Hard candies
• Instant coffee, tea, powdered drink mixes
• Vitamins
• Infant food (if applicable)
• Instant oatmeal
• Freeze dried meals or military style MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat)
• Non-perishable comfort / stress foods

Try to avoid salty foods as they tend to make you thirsty, frozen foods or foods that require refrigeration, and remember to pack a manual can opener and some cooking utensils. There are several options on the market for eating and cooking utensils, I recommend the Light My Fire and Guyot Designs sporks and the plastic bowls with screw on lids (ex. Zip Lock 2 Cup Storage bowl) for a good all around mess kit. Both are light weight, take up little space, but are still sturdy.

We touched on the basic gear above but let’s go over it again.
• Shelter – this could be a tent, large tarp, large sheet of plastic (4-6 mils), rain gear (ponchos or rain suits), and/or extra clothing.
• Plastic – it’s a good idea to keep a roll of plastic (4-6 mils) with your kit, you will find a use for it. Also you will want to keep a box of heavy duty garbage bags for refuse, a small box of the quart and gallon sized zip lock bags for storage.
• First Aid Kit – make sure there is room to add any personnel medications that you may need and check the dates from time to time. You may want to add some Latex gloves, eye wash, tweezers, thermometer, and scissors if they are not already included. Keep first aid reference materials with the first aid kit.
• Tool Kit – small to medium zippered tool bag, hammer, slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, utility knife with extra blades, pliers (slip joint & channel lock varieties), pry bar, pipe wrench, work gloves (preferably leather) for each person, 25’ tape measure, 1 roll duct tape, 1 roll of electrical tape, miscellaneous sizes of zip ties, small knife sharpener, folding or bow saw, hatchet / small axe (optional).
• Cooking – stove and fuel (use it to figure out how much fuel you will need to keep on hand), a family sized cook kit or a couple of pots with lids and a frying pan, cooking utensils (large spoon, spatula, 1-2 sharp knives), sponge, scrubbing pad, dish towels, dish pan, bowl, plate, cup, and eating utensils for each person.
• Lighting – at least one lantern (battery, crank, propane, white gas, kerosene, candle, or lamp oil), several packs of emergency candles, a flashlight or LED headlamp per person (the crank or shake style lights do not require batteries), if you have kids it is nice to throw in a few of the 12 hour light sticks. It saves on batteries and helps them feel more in control of their surroundings.
• Hygiene – a bar of soap (anti bacterial), hand sanitizer, wet wipes, towel & washcloth, toilet paper (1 roll per person), small toothbrush and toothpaste for each person. Feminine hygiene supplies for those needing them.
• Pet Care – don’t forget your pet, it will need food and water as well.
• Clothing – each person should have a complete change of cloths, jacket / coat, hat, long sleeved shirt, long pants, a thermal layer, and sturdy shoes / boots, extra socks (2 per person, merino wool is recommended), and rain gear.
• Safety – whistle to signal for help & dust mask to filter air for each person, important family documents, a battery or hand crank NOAA weather radio, cash (around $50), local maps and compass, fixed blade or folding style knife per person, small note pad and pencil, fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container, disposable lighter, and dry tinder in a waterproof container (cotton balls covered with petroleum jelly work well), a way to purify water (water filter, iodine tablets, etc), water bottle or canteen per person (32oz / 1 liter size), a day / school sized backpack per person, household chlorine bleach (do not use scented, color safe, or bleaches with added chemicals) to use as a disinfectant.

When diluted 9 parts water to 1 part bleach, bleach can be used to disinfect water. Or in an emergency you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops (from a medicine dropper) of regular household bleach per gallon of water. Let it set for an hour or two before using, it will still have a chlorine taste.

• Bedding – a sleeping bag (15°F - 30°F rating depending on your climate), extra blanket per person (wool or fleece, most military surplus carry for a good price),
• Entertainment – to pass the time include books, board games, puzzles, or other activities for children
• Miscellaneous – 50’ to 100’ of general purpose rope, 50’ to 100’ of Para cord or small diameter cord, at least 1 shovel (camp / folding shovel works well), extra batteries, mirror, bug repellent, bug head net per person, sunscreen, basic fishing equipment, 20 or 12 gauge shot gun or 22 caliber rifle for hunting (optional), and ammunition, prepaid cell phone with a list of emergency contacts, and a solar or disposable charging device for the phone.

Though many other items and amounts could be added to you’re your kit, this should give you a good start. Another place to get information is your local government for copies of city / state emergency plans and/or suggested supplies for your area of the country. You can also go to the internet and find a wealth of information from preparedness blogs and videos on Youtube.

Pictures are from Yahoo Images.