Good thinking here.

It might go over better if you call it a first aid kit with tools rather than a b.o.b.. I'd agree that speding less here is wise -- just $100-200 worth of mid level gear split between her car and her house.

Have you considered communication issues? -- how will she got a hold of people?

tro

Here are a couple of article I posted on the subject . They may help.
http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showf...amp;amp;fpart=1
http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showf...amp;amp;fpart=1

Cameron,

You have already received some excellent advise. In addition to that, I would add the following. Whatever you get for her, make sure that it is simple, easy to use, and attractive. I would also try to prefer the familiar to the unusual. Your biggest problems will be her predilection not to use any survival gear, and her lack of knowledge of how to use it.

She should also have a small, battery powered radio. Keep it simple. An AM-FM model is as complicated as she is probably willing to accept.

Everyone on this forum loves his multitool, but your mother would probably hate one. Instead, get her some common hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench or two, a hammer (say 9-12 oz), and some nails. Those are the kinds of tools which she would appreciate and actually use.

Also make sure she has a copy of emergency information such as important account numbers, names, phone nos., and addresses of family and professionals she might need to contact. Include copies of insurance policies.

Don't forget to provide for any medical conditions, disabilities, and medical needs she may have.

Finally, she needs someone to help her with the hands on preparation preparations. I suppose from your post that the only such person able to do that is you. So it will be your responsibility. You can probably do it adequately with as little time as on a couple of visits each year. The time you spend working with her on survival matters should make handling any actual survival needs a little more familiar and easier for her.

Good luck,

John

Admittedly I have been a little over zealous. I just want mom to be safe. Here is the list I have put together at this point for mom based on suggestions. Please picture it all neetly packaged in a “cool” pink or purple overnight backpack. And at the suggestion of Christina I will including a small “makeup case” with a small soap, makeup, lotion, pre-moistened washcloths, tweezers, feminine hygiene products, Razor, Etc. Christina…What else??

Thanks for any further suggestions.

Cameron


1) Pepper spray
2) Katadyne extreme water bottle
3) $50 in singles, $10 in quarters $5 in dimes.
4) $15 pre paid phone card
5) chemical heat pads
6) Emergency coastguard food
7) Emergency water in freeze proof containers
8) Poncho
9) “emergency blanket” waffle design sleeping bag
10) some sort of over boot/shoe waterproof protection
11) Candle
12) Emergency light sticks
13) LED flashlight…very long term battery
14) Bick lighter and coastguard matches
15) Small first aid kit
16) Multi tool W/ can opener
17) Paracord 25 to 50 ft.
18) Local Map waterproofed W/ local bug out safety locations and all roads TOPO of local area on back.
19) Pen and paper
20) Survival guide…small book
21) Heavy duty garbage bag
22) Duct tape 15ft.
23) Ritter PSK

You might want to try some of that Coast Guard food before you pack a bunch of it up for your mom. I’ve eaten it once several years ago and would have to be in a really bad way before I ate it again. Get her something she is use to eating and knows about. Changing to unknown tried foods will make many people feel sick or have reactions to it they did not care for.

"Normal" food or whatever she will eat would be good. For my folks I used tuna, peanut butter, crackers and sardines in water along with a bunch of MRE snacks + hard candy and gum.
Dave

Apparently baby wipes are a good thing to add. Servicemen and women have been using them in Iraq. Something a bit bigger and more heavy duty than a moist handwipe.

If your mother still has her cycle, pack some menstrual pads rather than tampons. They are more versatile.

As for makeup, keep it to colored lip gloss or balm, since it moisterizes better. Perfume (if she can't live without it) in a tiny tube could be used as a fire starter, if need be. Lotion that has a sunscreen in it and that is unscented is best.

A "Clever Toothbrush," which has the toothpaste stored in the squeezable handle of the brush, would be a good idea.

I think you'd better get some input from her. For cosmetics & personal items, they're wasted space if you don't pack what SHE uses. ASK! For moist wipes, try the larger, heavier Bath Wipes.

Tuna comes in those mylar packs that are easier to open than the cans. So does dried fruit. Make sure there's water IN the water bottle. Crackers & cheese packs.

I'll bet she won't wear the poncho no matter what.

Add another flashlight.

Sue

Sue, you are so right. Sometimes I forget how picky I am about my own cosmetics. Cameron, make sure you pack your mom's chosen color shades! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've not heard of "bath wipes." Do they come in individual packets? What's the brand? Are they anything like *snicker* "Tush Wipes?"

They're Coleman "Swash Cloths": "Swash Cloths combine the refreshment of a shower with the scrubbing power of a washcloth. Our super-thick cloths give you durable, total-body cleansing power. Our anti-bacterial formula helps kill germs & bacteria, while Aloe & Allantoin moisturize, condition & protect your skin."

The package is a resealable pouch 8"x4"x1" (w/the end flaps tucked) that contains 8 cloths that are 8"x8". Mine was $3.99 at K-Mart.

I didn't want to break the seal to try them, so I don't know how good they are.

Sue