Originally Posted By: rebwa
A few comments on your first aid supplies. While I’m a fan of the Adventure Medical Kits and have several of them including the larger fundamentals kit that I keep in my SUV. I’ve beefed all of my kits up with additional blood stopping padding and non stick pads of various sizes, as if you have to change the dressing you are definitely going to want the non-stick next to the wound for comfort and even more importantly so you don’t get the bleeding started again. I’d also add at least one of the Sam Splints and a roll of coban, vet wrap or an ace type bandage to keep it in place, along with a small bottle of Betadine. I prefer the vet wrap or coban as they are much easier to tailor to the exact need than the ace types. With all of my kits, with the exception of what I carry in my pocket, I’ve put the AMK of whatever size into dry stuff sacs of various sizes so the kit and the additional supplies are all together-- not scattered around my vehicle or pack.

I too live in W Washington but in one of the smaller towns south of Seattle and also have a couple of dogs. When I leave the house for anything and don’t take the dogs, I always make sure to leave at least two water sources for them with one secured to the wall. Only one bowl (even a large one) can be spilled. If possible try to find a neighbor that will check on your dog in an emergency situation.

Since I’m retired I keep my get home supplies with packs in my SUV. What I would actually take to get home if roads were not passable, would depend on how far I had to hike and the weather conditions. Glad you started this thread as it’s something all of us in earthquake country need to be thinking of.

One other point re pry bars, I also keep one hidden away outside my house to get in if the doors are jammed. As well as a couple inside the house with one close to the bed. And don’t forget sturdy shoes and leather gloves next to the bed as well. I had some broken glass (picture frames) after the Nisqually quake.


Thanks for the suggestions on improving the medical kits. I think I am at about the limit of how big/heavy my GHB FAK is. Also at the limit on how much money I want to sink into the the FAK at work for use by everybody.

I have dual water sources for my dog as well. Triple if you include the bowl designed to catch rainwater. However, I had not thought of securing one to a wall. Seems obvious now that you mention it, but that is why I read these forums.

A pry bar stored outside the house. Another obvious idea I had not thought of. I have several inside the house (including one under the bed along with flashlight, gloves, hardhat, dust mask, eye guards, shoes, socks, etc.), but not one outside.

Thanks for posting your suggestions!