your emergency prep
 

Someone reminded me today that living in So Cal we are suppost to have on hand 5-7 days of emergency food,water, meds, etc at all times in case of an earthquake. And an earthquake can't be perdicted. If you live in a flood zone and have forwarning shouldn't you have some supplies on hand if you don't want to, can't leave. Help was there for the most part (agueably) within 4-5 days. Should not we as Americans givin notice and living in a dangerous area at least be able for the most part be able to take care of ourselves for a few days. I know I am ready to take care of my family to the best of my abilities for a week or so and before you flame away, my oldest boy has Cerebral Palsey, is a non verbal Quadrapaligic confined to a wheelchair and I don't expect the President to be at my front door the day after an emergency
Steve

When I lived in So Cal during late '80s and '90s (two earthquakes, LA riots, Malibu fires, etc), we were careful to have about 30 gals of bottled water, canned food for several weeks, the cooking and first aid stuff that went along with being active backpackers, and lots of guns. We've been lax up here in No Cal, but still had around 10 gal water and canned food for a couple of weeks, though we might have had to eat it cold. We're going to return to our So Cal levels of preparedness.

No doubt many of the people who didn't evacuate New Orleans failed to have adequate emergency supplies, just as plenty of So Cal and No Cal residents still don't have earthquake kits. But it's probably unlikely most people's emergency supplies would still be useful when their house was under turbid brown water to the roofline.

Earthquakes and after quakes, roads jammed, car jacking, insanity trying to bail out.

get a small road bike that can be easily moved around manually.

Re: your emergency prep
 

Given how things unfolded with Katrina and New Orleans, yes, it would seem we should rely on ourselves.

I have lived in places where storms left electricity and water off and roads impassible for weeks at a time. It was never all that difficult if one was prepared. In fact, it was sort of like camping out. I keep at least 30-40 days food and water on hand...60 or more if rationed.

The most I've had is 5 days without water or power due to bushfires. Wasn't too bad but only due to a heap of camping gear. Gas cooking/light, running a fridge off the car battery etc. Also slept on a camping bed due to the house being water damaged so it was exactly like camping - only in a much bigger tent than usual. I don't make a conscious effort of stocking food/water but there's usually enough around to last 3-10 days.

How long does canned soup last for? I have heard some say forever, I have heard others say 2 years.

You need to buy supplies that you would normally eat..and just rotate them.

I've got lots of camping gear that could be pressed into service if needed.

Food? There's lots of deer around. If I need one to feed my family, then so be it.

Agreed but just buy a bit more and stockpile water around the house. Its not difficult if you plan ahead.

JoeA