After you have completed priority #2 which is to gather Grab and Go supplies, your next priority is to gather Shelter in Place supplies. Over the years, I have found it very helpful to divide my emergency supplies into two broad categories: Grab and Go supplies and Shelter in Place supplies. My definition of these two categories might be slightly more detailed than the traditional ones. As we reviewed in my previous post, Grab and Go supplies are designed for short term survival, about 72 hours. Shelter in Place supplies are long term emergency supplies that are designed to keep you and your family alive much longer than 72 hours.

Traditionally, the concept of sheltering in place has been limited to a short term “stay put” strategy. In case of biological, chemical or nuclear contamination, local authorities may ask you to shelter in place. That essentially means to stay put inside, get your grab and go supplies, go into a windowless interior room and do what you can to prevent the outside contaminant from getting in and harming you. Here is a link to a great article from the American Red Cross on this traditional approach to sheltering in place: http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/shelterinplace.pdf.

Because emergency preparedness needs to be much broader than just evacuation or duct taping yourself into a room, I have expanded what it means to “shelter in place” to mean anything that keeps you and your family alive beyond the first 72 hours. The types of supplies you will need to shelter in place will be similar to your grab and go supplies, so expect some crossover. Because you could shelter in place for anywhere from a week to a year or longer, there is a wide variety of items that people will need in their shelter in place supplies. Depending on your personal circumstances, location, budget, and expertise, your supplies may vary greatly. Here are some of the important concepts to consider in gathering your shelter in place supplies:

• If possible, make your “shelter” your home – Your best chance for long term survival for you and your family is in your home. As long as it is safe to inhabit, you will have many resources there that will help you stay alive. For long term survival, staying safe out of the elements is critical. This is especially true for children and the elderly.

• Determine the length of time you are preparing for – It is important to know the approximate length of time that you are prepared for. Knowing this will help you make good decisions as far as rationing food, water and other critical supplies. Start small and gather a two week supply and then gradually build from there as time and finances permit.

• Be able to store and filter large amounts of water – Every shelter in place supply should have water storage. There are many great posts on the blog about water storage. You should also have equipment that allows you to filter and clean water.

• Store shelf stable food – I strongly recommend storing a combination of freeze dried food meals and basic staples. These foods should be stored in #10 cans or heavy duty pails to give you the longest shelf life possible. These foods should be able to store safely for decades.

• Sanitation, Hygiene and First-Aid – Do not scrimp in these areas. Having a port-a-potty and necessary hygiene supplies with keep you safe from illness. Cleanliness is critical to long term survival. Have a substantial first-aid kit and know how to use it.

• Decide how you will cook, heat and get power to your home – Comprehensive shelter in place supplies will have a generator and some way to safely store fuel.

• Light and communication – A really good dynamo radio is a must (or two) and make sure you have more than just flashlights. You should have lanterns, fire starter (flint and steel) and extra batteries.

• Review, Rotate, Replace – Like with your grab and go supplies you should regularly review, rotate (which means to use) and replace items in your shelter in place supplies.