Hey Will
Instead of a full size crate in the trunk how about one or more of the collapsable nylon crates? I know that it is not as effective or as sturdy, but it folds up fairly small and can probably fit into the "Bug Out Bag"
Terry

Treat them like they are animals
Train them like they are animals
Love them like they are people

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Our plan is to basically get a uhaul, my friend and I load up all the dogs and crates and leave. If worse came to worse and didn't have time, then take all the seats out of the mini-van, put 2 500's, 1 400, let a dog lay free, one passenger and driver. One dog goes with hubby, or crates get strapped into the back of the truck. I don't care if I had to sleep at an interstate rest stop, they all come with us!

Ahh-Angela? I see your dogs mentioned, Beth and her dogs are taken care of, your hubby is accounted for....

How about the kids?! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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Having been a closet member of the survivalist movement of the 1980's ( boy.....did I meet some kooks back then! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> )

Ha ha! I know what you mean. MANY people I meet, tell me they think I'm some survival nut for having a 90 day supply of food/water/etc. Yet, these are the very people that have done absolutely NOTHING to prepare for an emergency and will be coming to my door for handouts if/when bad things happen.

To me, there is a big difference between a person that is well-prepared for most (if not all) short-term situations, and a paranoid nut that thinks the world is going to end. A person that has a 90 day supply of food, water, other necessary gear and the means to defend yourself AND your supplies is someone, in this day and age, that is well-prepared, reasonable and forward thinking. A person that has a 5 YEAR supply of things and enough weapons/ammo to start a war, all buried in a bunker in the backyard so "big brother" can't find it, is PARANOID.

At the VERY least, a person should have a 3 day supply of food/water and other necessary items to be self-sufficient for that period of time. The more things you have, the longer you (and your family) will be able to be self-sufficient and NOT dependant on someone else (ie, the government) to take care of you.

Unfortunately, self-sufficiency and responsibility for ones own welfare is a character trait not too often found in todays society.

Start small and put a little bit away here and there. You'd be surprised how fast you can build up a nice stock of emergency supplies just by buying a few extra non-perishable items each time you go to the store. Or you can spend a little bit extra now, and get pre-made emergency "kits", which will last from 72 hours to one year, depending on how much $$$ you want to spend.

My favorite emergency kit, is the "Ultimate 72 hour Kit" from Emergency Essentials. EVERYTHING you need to be self-sufficent for 72 hours, all packed into one bag, and only about $350 (for the two person kit.)

Here are a few other links:

http://www.beprepared.com
http://www.equipped.org
http://www.preparedness.com

"Instead of a full size crate in the trunk how about one or more of the collapsable nylon crates? I know that it is not as effective or as sturdy, but it folds up fairly small and can probably fit into the "Bug Out Bag"
Terry


A big two thumbs up on that idea, Terry!
I actually have one of those for my Corgi, as she's not hard on a crate. My big guys need a more secure crate, but *any* crate is better than none when it's an emergency.

Forgot to mention that most army / navy stores would have a duffle bag that would work well as the Bug Out Bag. Don't have to get the one that is shaped like a barrel they usually have some cnvas bags with handles that would work well and are easy to get things in and out of.
Terry

Treat them like they are animals
Train them like they are animals
Love them like they are people

One other nice thing about the pre-made kits I mentioned above, is that they will generally last (the food/water) stored for 5-7 years. So you could (for example) invest $350 or so NOW and get the Ulitmate 72 Hour kit, and give yourself peace of mind for the next 5-7 years, knowing that in the back of the closet is a well-stocked 72 hour bug out bag.

5-7 years later, simply eat the food, drink the water (so it doesn't go to waste) and then restock the food/water in the kit with FRESH food/water for another 5-7 years. Everything else in the kit (supplies) won't go bad, so the second time all you pay for is the food/water.

Just something to think about.

Here's the link to my favorite bug-out kit:

http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=K7+U720

I didn't see an AR15 or HK USP in .45ACP as part of that kit.

Must not be a complete kit! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Um... that's my "other" kit <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I want to add one P.S. to these excellent preparedness posts.

I live in earthquake territory, as well as in the area that floods if the river through the city overflows the banks. I was reminded in '89 when my town lost 75% of its downtown (and several lives) that the facilities that are prepared to take people in, such as school buildings on high ground, are NOT prepared to take in animals. I'm embarrassed to admit that this hadn't occurred to me, but of course they have to make humans their priority. I was lucky, though: I haven't needed (so far) to evacuate.

Many rescued animals in a catastrophic even can hope for nothing better than evac -- with no reuniting in sight once they land in a shelter far away.

So please keep in mind that whatever community shelter you may live near, whatever building your community members are directed to make for in the event of a flood or big fire -- these places are often set up to take in humans. Those of us with animals have to have other emergency plans in mind.

Thanks to Terry and Mike for the nylon crate and the second hard drive ideas, and I want to add that a waterproof container with a week's supply (at least) of all human meds needed should also be in that gear.