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we visit the dollar store where you can usually pick them up in a package of three or four.

If you will be departing the area by way of your private automobile, you might consider placing a survival knife, signal mirror, magnesium fire starter, emergency blanket and fishing kit in your BURK.

If you were planning to make an extended BURK, you could include things such as a collapsible canteen, thermometer with wind chill chart on back, emergency sleeping bag, poncho, bandanna and small sewing kit

The shelters provide diapers however, they are the cheapest versions they can find and they will be rations so if you have babies you may wish to consider keeping extra diapers in the BURK. Take your own baby formulas that are premixed with disposable bottles, as there will be no way to sterilize items in the shelter.

Be sure to have your family's immunization records available. You are going to be asked for information about allergies, blood type, medical histories as well as social security numbers for yourself and your children. I always like to have an emergency waterproof pouch that holds information of value that may be needed in emergencies such as birth certificates, social security cards, or marriage license. I also keep a scanned copy of all the information on a CD, which I maintain in the BURK

Lastly, all I can say is be ready. Stay calm and do what you are told even if you disagree with the government or our policies. Your children need to believe that you trust the people in charge, so that they feel safe. The FEMA workers, the Red Cross and all the people that might be involved are very well trained, and are looking out for your safety and protection.

Learn more about this author, Joseph Parish.
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