Emergency kits and caches.

We had an earthquake a couple weeks ago (actually, we have them all the time, this being Northern California, and all, but this one woke up a bunch of folks at O-dark-30), which got a friend talking about emergency kits. I figured I should write down some of my random thoughts, where I can refer to them in the future.

In no particular order:

Batteries:
- Standardize on one type (AA is good), and stick to it if possible.
- AVOID Duracell at all costs. They have an annoying tendency to leak. Sometimes they go dead around the same time, but mainly they just leak.
- Do not store batteries in equipment. Store them nearby in a ziplock bag or plastic box.
- Cycle batteries out of the kit regularly. Make the kit (or nearby) your storage for batteries, and practice FIFO (First In, First Out).

The same thought also applies to food. Keep a few MRE's in the kit, but also canned foods that you might regularly eat, and cycle them out into your pantry regularly.

Lightsticks.
- Are your friend.
- Tape a pack inside the lid of your emergency cache for immediate access.

Bulk items (paper plates, plastic utensils, etc) should be broken down into smaller packs. Say one days worth. That way, if you need to use the kit, its easier to repack/restock.

Many camping items cross over, integrate them into the kit.

Break down the kit into multiple packs for different functions. Sanitation/hygiene, kitchen, shelter, tools, etc.

Have a grab-n-go box containing essential items, such as important papers (including current prescriptions), spare glasses, medications, cash, digital backups, lists of emergency contacts, maps, spare cellphone, cell charger, spare leys, etc. This should be water and fire  resistant if possible.

Consider adding some items such as flashlights to your EDC (Every Day Carry) list. You never know where you are going to be. Knives are also good, but may be trickier to carry in this post-911 environment, depending on where you are.

Have a kit in your car as well.

I mention digital backups, get a portable hard drive, and backup regularly. Store the backup drive in your grab-n-go box. Back up everything, including scans of important documents.

Re: crank type radios/flashlights. The concept is good, but they are mechanical components which can fail, especially if they are overused, or even left sitting idle for long periods. I prefer traditional batteries, replaced regularly.