Be Prepared, Part 1A

Ok. Now that we have a plan to respectfully see to the departed, it is time to have a look at what we can do today to survive in case of a terrible disaster.
I realize there are hundred or maybe thousands of "kits" you can buy. But are they REALLY effective or are you wasting your time and money.
Obviously, a first aid "kit" is a good idea, but a disaster plan needs to fit in with what you can most easily obtain, either something you have or can purchase.
1. Lodging
Most folks who live in cities don't have a clue as to what would be useful to LIVE in for a week or even a month in case of a diaster. Except for water, most of us could live off the fat of the land.. 'er in our case, fat of the butt, for MANY, MANY days. But keeping warm and dry is essential to survival, so contrary to what would seem logical like food first, some place to sleep and keep dry is first on the list.
You can get by with the pop up style nylon tent that has a floor and can be set up in less than 20 minutes in a pinch. But if you are planning on living in it for more than a couple of days, and more than just yourself, you'll need to look a little farther for a better solution.
I recommend obtaining and learning to set up a canvas TeePee. Panther tents make some of the best, but you can get canvas from Walmart and a book from the library and make your own. In researching this part of the project, you can get drawn in to Rendezvous.
Rendezvous is 18th Century living history re-enactors, meeting all over the country all year round at various camps. Just Google RENDEZVOUS and your state for the next local events. A visit to a rendezvous will tell you all you need to know about tent living and surviving without many modern conveniences.
Other styles of lodges are available and are easier to set up than teepees. They include wall tents, diamond flys and hunter lodges.
2. Lightweight clothes and bedding.
You need to set aside some special layable clothing and bedding that can be left packed for emergencies. Use good common sense. Just a couple of sets of clothes, per person. Wear one, wash one. Forget the style, you are trying to survive! Cotton underclothes, one set short, one set long and don't forget a face towel and bath towel for each. You can "review" your packed clothes every 6 months (mostly for fit).. wash.. dry COMPLETELY and repack.
3. Nesting cookware, water containers and fire irons.
While cast iron is always the best cookware for survival, it is not always easy to store or get to when there is an emergency. A lightweight skillet, nesting sauce pan with plates and cups that fit inside are a better choice for emergency use.
While Coleman makes great camping stuff, it is not really designed for long term use. Plan on cooking over an open fire. A more practical setup would include tripod trivets and versatile flip up grills that use firewood.
4. Water
You can live a long time without much food, but you can't do much of anything without water. You need containers that hold at least 6 gallons of fresh water, per person that can be transported to the water source and refilled daily.
If you are in a situation where you have to boil the water, you need extra metal containers to cool the water before putting it back in the storage container.
5. Write down your plan.
Get all of your items together and plan a disaster. Suddenly, in the middle of Friday night, set your alarm clock to 2 am. When the clock goes off, pretend you are in an emergency. WHERE IS YOUR STUFF? Where is your plan? Where are all your people? What are you doing about your pets? Do you have any money in the house? Are your bills paid up enough in advance to weather a week or so without your laptop? Get everybody up and out of the house.
Get your gear and go to your predetermined diaster location ( could be the front yard) Account for everybody.
Set up camp.
Get your bedding out and make up a place to sleep. Should be able to do all of this within 3 hours, so now it is 5 am. GO BACK TO BED in your camp.
Sleep, if you can, for the next couple of hours or until sun up.
Obviously, if you live in a city, you'll need to get your neighbors in on this deal or you will be on the morning news when they call the police, thinking you've lost your mind.
BUT! If you plan to survive and practice that plan, you WILL survive. Part 1B-FOOD!