Disaster Preparation and FEMA

Disaster Preparation.

When it comes to being prepared it is important that you have a ready to go kit handy. A ready to go kit contains all the supplies that you may need if disaster strikes and you are forced to leave the comfort of your home. According to the FEMA website http://www.ready.gov/kit, one of the items is a multipurpose Hand Crank Emergency Radio. This can include a radio that receives the weather Broadcast channels and an FRS bast station to communicate with others.


Basic Disaster Supplies Kit


Recommended Supplies List includes an FRS base station

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

The biggest issue you will have is finding room for all this equipment and supplies. That is where a multipurpose radio comes in handy. Many of the Hand Crank emergency radios that are available now include flashlights and solar panels. You can also use them to keep batteries charged up in cell phones and FRS radio equipment. One of the nest sellers is the Ambient Weather line of hand crank emergency radios. Some of the features include:

  • Digital AM/FM NOAA Weather Alert Radio
  • A powerful 3 LED flashlight
  • cell phone, MP3, MP4, Amazon Kindle, Apple Ipod, Ipad, IPhone and USB charger
Only thing missing is an FRS Base Station to make this radio perfect
The Ambient Weather are a Best Seller for a reason.


This eliminates the need to carry multiple devices and makes your Ready2Go bag that much lighter, allowing you more room for supplies. For a family of 4, the recommended water supply is 1 gallon EACH. That is 4 gallons just for one day. If you prepare for 3 days you are looking at 12 gallons of water for you and your family.
Of course, being prepared is the responsibility of each individual, and your needs may vary depending on your escape plan when the SHTF. Communication is near the top of the list so that we can stay informed and have a way to talk with other groups and family members. An FRS Base station and a set of small handheld FRS radios for each family member provide enough range (up to 2 Miles) to suit our needs.