Here are the things I said I would post after the net.
Any questions, additions, suggestions, deletions, comments, or anything else, please feel free to post.
Red Cross/FEMA/Community Shelter Kit:
If one must, for whatever reason, use an organized shelter such as a Red Cross, Community, or FEMA shelter, you will be very restricted as to what you will be allowed to take in. You might consider having a cache ready to hide with some of the things that are not allowed, but that is a big risk. Better to have that all set up well ahead of time just in case something happens and you have to take only the acceptable items with you.
I would not use an expensive bag. For a couple of reasons. One, you do not want to draw attention and risk someone taking it. And there could be a problem with the bags (and some or all of the contents) being taken by the shelter operators for storage or even redistribution to others with more needs. Uh-hum.
Probably no more than an inexpensive 1,200 to 1,800 cubic inch subdued color internal volume bag or pack. It does not need to be all that durable for one or two time use for going to a shelter/camp, and the smaller it is, the better. You will still need certain items, but you may have to pare it down once you know the circumstances of how the shelter is being run, if you can find out.
Might add some reflective tape on the shoulder straps and pocket flaps for ID and to be able to spot it in low light conditions.
Could add some external D-rings on the straps if they do not already have them for easy access whistle, strobe light, lithium powered button light, and ID/money/card pouch
In an external pouch, if possible, have:
Immediate access feminine hygiene needs
Some immediate access quick snacks
2x 1-liter water bottles
Internally and/or in pouches have:
A hooded space blanket
A GI poncho with liner (preferably Wiggy's, but standard will do)
Some hand/foot warmers
A sleep mask and some ear plugs
A water proof pouch with important documents
A change of clothing with extra underwear and socks
A Ziplock bag with toiletries
Some reading materials or activity items such as a deck of cards
A crank up flashlight
A crank up NOAA radio/light
One or more bottles of hand sanitizer
One or more box/tub of cleansing wipes
A fairly extensive first aid kit
Micro-pur MP-1 water purification tablets
Several small water bottles
2x additional 1-liter water bottles (more if possible)
2x light fleece blankets & self-inflating or traveler’s neck pillow
Closed cell foam sleep pad
2x rolls of toilet paper
Plenty of face masks and exam gloves
Goggles
Pair of light leather work gloves
A stainless-steel water bottle with two nesting cups, cup lids, nesting cup stove, eating utensils, a lighter, and some gel fuel packets and small tine in which to burn it, in a water bottle carrier with shoulder strap. You will not be able to use the stove in the shelter, of course, but you might be able to go outside to heat water to make a hot cuppa of tea, hot chocolate, bouillon, or coffee. Best to be away from others to drink them anyway.
Well stocked baby bag if necessary (or a good trade item)
A food bag with jerky, homemade gorp, Millennium ration bars, tea/coffee/hot chocolate/bouillon, protein bars, Chicklets gum, Tootsie Rolls, water flavoring packets, sugar packets, Coffee mate packets, salt and pepper packets, etc.
Just my opinion.
Hospital Stay Kit:
If the hospital stay is for the birth of a baby, check the lists for pregnancy and babies for the additional items that might be needed.
As always, the lists are pick & choose. No one is likely to need everything, and many will need other things that are not in the list. So, use your own due diligence to decide on what your kit will be.
Every hospital will be different, so if at all possible check before hand for what you can and cannot take in with you and use.
1) Bag: Something durable, that can be secured with a combination luggage lock, or have a lockable bag inside for valuables. It should be large enough for the items you will want to take. You may have to have two bags, with one of them to hold things that might turn out not to be acceptable.
2) Documentation for any pre-approved items you want to take with you from home. This can include prescription meds, medical appliances, service animal (may require a person available to take care of the animal or other restrictions), and items that the hospital may provide, but at high cost, that will save you money. Do not hold your breath on those.
3) Medical, insurance, & legal documentation. Including ID, driver’s license, insurance cards, medical histories, medication lists, known conditions, allergies, intolerances, prescriptions, OTC supplements you take, OTC medications you take, ICE contacts, advance directive, durable power of attorney, orders of protection, pre-arranged funeral or other arrangements. Have notarized copies for those that are required and copies of the other items with the originals left with someone you trust.
4) A printed contact information book with information for family, friends, doctors, dentists, specialists, attorney, religious contacts, animal related contacts, work, financial contacts, aid agencies, utility company contacts, and things like a florist, taxi service, etc. Include names, addresses, email address, account numbers, and coded passwords. (Will need to be in the locked bag.)
5) Small printed address book, including family, friends, doctor, dentist, lawyer, pastor, prayer chain/group, veterinarian, kennel/boarding, work, volunteer, utilities, bank, florist, taxi, etc., etc., etc. Priceless if your cell phone breaks/gets stolen/loses charge or won't charge. Include home/work/cell phone numbers, addresses, email addresses, account numbers)
6) A list of people that you wish to be allowed to see you.
7) A list of people you DO NOT want access to you. Also instruction to flag your account with information on how you want inquiries handled.
A bag with the toiletries you generally use, with a few additions for the stay. Things such as: feminine hygiene items if appropriate; razor & shaving cream; hand sanitizer; deodorant; toothpicks; toothbrush; toothpaste; floss; shampoo (both wet and dry types); comb; hairbrush; small bar of soap; nail care kit with nail clippers, emery board, etc.; sewing kit; safety scissors (in case sharp items are not permitted); Q-tips; Kleenex; baby wipes or cleansing wipes; small ‘ouch’ kit (someone visiting will wind up needing a band-aid); and a camping toilet paper pack.
9) A comfort bag with spare glasses, sunglasses, ear plugs, sleep mask, travel alarm clock, back scratcher; your own pillow if allowed, your own blanket if allowed, and any other items that will make your stay easier and more comfortable if it will be for several days.
10) Clothing for inside the hospital stay to include several sets of underwear & socks; a set of ‘lounging clothing such as sweat pants and top, pajamas, yoga pants & t-shirt, easy on/off shorts, moccasins or non-skid slippers, and light sweater, plus anything else you prefer.
11) Change of clothing for outside the hospital and for after discharge to include a set of street clothing if the inside stay items are not suitable, including footwear appropriate for the season (or an old pair of shoes), hat, sunglasses, jacket or coat,
12) A large manila envelope with a piece of cardboard inside so it can be used as a desk with a note pad, pens & pencils, Post-It notes, blank note cards, and pre-stamped & return address marked envelopes. To write down any questions you think of when no one is around, write out responses if you cannot speak for some reason, record things that happened such as flower deliveries, nice gestures someone did, visitors, etc. Perhaps a few small bills for tips if that is appropriate (I have never had a stay in a hospital where such things might be due to length of stay and reason for stay.)
13) A bag to hold your cell phone plus wall charger, any Bluetooth device & charger, earbuds, a battery bank, OTG adapter or cable, USB cable(s), log-ins for your favorite websites (in case the hospital has free WIFI), thumb drive (encrypted is best) with various types of information and programs for the phone, spare memory cards if the phone uses them, and a phone leash or security cable so you can find your phone when it gets lost when you fall asleep with it in your hand.
14) Spare set of keys to all vehicles and the house (also go in the locked bag)
15) A flashlight and/or headlamp with spare batteries or charger
16) A couple of bottles of water (kept in reserve, just in case)
17) Bible (not one with irreplaceable notes or family history)
18) Stuff to do that can include a deck of cards; a tablet computer (if there is free WIFI); an e-reader; a few books; some type of easy hobby such as knitting, crochet, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, coloring books, etc. Something to kill the boredom and keep the mind active.
19) If you've got a non-messy craft or hobby, bring it. Lots of women do needle point or knit, there's crossword puzzles, and heck, even adult coloring books!
20) If allowed have a few non-messy snacks. There may or may not be vending machines, and if there are they may be very expensive or not have much variety. A bottle of specific seasonings you like that are acceptable for your diet in the hospital to jazz up the hospital food if needed. (Sometimes you can order take-out delivered to your room. Find out before hand and make arrangements to be able to pay for it, plus any tip. A prepaid gift card, small packet of cash, perhaps. Kept in the locked bag.
21) A pre-packed Get Back Home In Case Something Happens kit, depending on restrictions and circumstances at the time. Your standard prepping type kit that contains at least a few things to allow you to get somewhere in case something happens and you have to leave the hospital on your own. Chances are you will not need to, and you probably will not be allowed to have the bag if they know what it is. It might be something you want to consider.
Just my opinion.
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