Get used to dirt and getting on with the minimum.

Have some extra clothes handy if there is space.

Go camping to practice using the equipment and making sure that it all works also learn how to work together.

Make a list and schedule of all the equipment that needs to be updated or replaced such as food and water, medication etc. If you schedule updates before the disposal date equipment can be utilised

DO NOT USE EQUIPMENT OR FOODS AS every day RESERVES. THEY WILL INEVITABLY BE FORGOTTEN AND NOT BE REPLACED!

Think of it as an adventure and less an inconvenience and least a tragedy. Attitude is important as long-term stress can cause one to make essential errors

Equip for children’s needs – candy, tablets, games, clothes etc

Learn how to use all the equipment and how to put it together

Update equipment

 Learn basic first aid or get a book

Grow a garden – learn which vegetables grow fast with little maintenance

Wrap matches and other disposables

Think and plan ahead – relax - you can never cover all the possibilities.

Have an escape plan and a meeting place

Practice rationing water.

Think safety – when you function on the basics there is not the option of ‘getting another one’

Think of games without toys.

Practice not wasting water, food etc. No compromises! Especially with children.

Update food , water, medical

Orient and familiarize you self with your hangouts (where you could be)

Make a plan

Wrap matches in plastic bags (good quality ones – not the standard ones at the makolet) lighters are also good

Grow a garden

Go camping

Keep the ‘exit kit handy’ (not in the back of the top shelf of the locked cabinet.)

Learn how not to waste

Practice making do with what there is. ( don’t do any shopping for a few weeks and see how much you really have in stock.

Equipment must be portable and therefore minimal and easy to carry.

Shoes of good quality that don’t give you blisters. In general sport shoes that cover the ankles are ideal for all round service, keep an extra pair of socks handy or use them for storage (the socks of course)

Make an effort to see the bright side of things – joke about the absurd.

Do NOT depend on the car for power – it uses the battery which uses (gas) petrol to start and recharge which you will desperately need when you need to move. Sleeping in the car is not too bad but don’t forget to leave air holes.

Learn how to make a fire without matches. Not too difficult

Keep order and know where everything is.

Learn how everything works – not too complicated really just need to be oriented as under pressure is not the time to find out that the handle on the pot doesn’t fit and the main pole of the tent is broken and someone ‘borrowed’ the can-opener!

Do not yield to the temptation of using a small item such as a band-aid or some sugar or coffee from the kit. Murphy is hyperactive in these situations and when you need it – it won’t be there.

Remember you cannot depend on ‘the other’. We tend to be a nation of ‘Chiefs’ but here you will have to be the ‘Indian’.

Remember that in a crises there will not be a phone network – you will need patience and time. Do not waste your cell phone batteries on games and entertainment!! Keep it charged up! And Paid up!

Check out the expiration dates of medications and food stuffs. Keep a notebook with all the expiry dates for all perishable on top of your kit and on the refrigerator. 

Go camping over-night (or more) and find out what it takes to keep you from excessive discomfort. This is an important one because discomfort is the biggest cause for making errors in judgment and that, primarily from the fatigue and frustration.

Get in shape and stay in shape when you need to run is not the time to start running!! Don’t be a burden on the others - learn to carry your own weight both figuratively as well as physically. (a good policy in general)

Learn to think ahead for eventualities but don’t exaggerate!