Would like to make a disaster preparedness kit. Was thinking I could put it all in a barrel in the garage. Does anyone sell something like this? Is keeping it together In a barrel sound like a good idea?

Food
Water
First aid kit
Batteries
Candles
Radio
Small water purifier
Etc
Etc

Thoughts ideas?

I like the barrel idea. But I was thinking something a little more sturdy, like a big metal box.
If say the garage collapses, I'd want it to still be intact.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?...=BC&topnav=

Costco started carrying these.

First aid kit, water, some dried/prepackaged food. For me...camping gear and a I'll take what I need...

Dont store the water and batteries (or anything that has batteries in it) inside. If they leak, ruins everything.

Layer stuff in order you might need it - 1st aid kit on top, food on the bottom.
Make it small enough (or enough of them to make the stash light enough) to make it mobile, in case you have to bug out.
Rotate stock - use the supplies, and replace them with new stuff every 6-12 months.


Think and say what you like about FEMA, but here's their take on survival/disaster kits.

I have a 1/4 ocean container filled with various items;

55 gal. drum of potable water (changed once a year)
water purification tablets
Rotate 12 cases of bottled water (4 cases a month)
5000 kw generator (run at least twice a year)
40 gal gas (rotated also)
two submersible pumps
axes, shovels, picks
extension ladder
tools (especially wrenches to shut off gas and water hang right inside the door)
canned foods, C rations, canned dog food
tarps, a large family tent
sleeping bags
4- 12 volt deep cycle batteries and solar charger
AM/FM radio, small television
CB Radio, UHF/VHF marine radio
Coleman lanterns - extra mantels and case of fuel
Camp stove
Big Buddy heater
2 large propane tanks
probably forgot a few things....

and a few things that go "Bang"

Batteries never work when you need them. Get the hand crank flashlights and radio. Add copies of important papers, lots of cash and a gun.

Great idea

Check out ar15.com in the survival forum section. Tons of cool ideas, and some hard core prep/survival stuff.

Costco sells some good stuff in 5 gal buckets. Don't bother with MREs, C-rations or canned goods, the shelf life is too short and weight is too high. Stick to freeze dried meal portions, the comments section at Costco's website gives some good feedback as to how good it tastes and quality of packaging, which is important if you really think you might use the stuff. Shelf life on freeze dried is 25 yrs or so.

There are many people who are "preppers" who are capable of being totally self sufficient if necessary, and they have plenty of websites where they share their more advanced ideas, way beyond a bugout bag or emergency pack. Something to consider is: what are you preparing for? Natural disaster, collapse of the gov't (more likely IMHO) Resident Evil? Consider a gas mask, filters, water purification, if you're going to fortify and defend your home or flee and try to find someplace secluded to hide out.

If you have a pool/spa, you already have plenty of water, just need a purification system.

A full 55 gallon barrel is obviously not going to be transported so why not a shelf unit? Much easier access, ability to take stock and ability to transfer out items.
If you're in the city, I'd say stockpile at an outside location like a friends house. If it gets bad, you don't want to wait out the storm in downtown El Cajon.
No sense having a months worth of provisions if you're in the middle of chaos

http://www.theakforum.net/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=33
Good stuff here

Some other things to consider for California and the earthquake potential... Do you know a route or routes to get home from your work that doesn't cross an over/underpass? Can you get to your kid's school without crossing a bridge? Also... most of California's cities, especially Southern California, have aging utility lines and gas/sewer pipes... just securing your utilities doesn't remove the danger of major natural gas incidents. Be prepared to secure your neighbor's as well.

All excellent points!