Gasoline, Water and Food

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I'm heading to Baja California, Mexico in a few days with friends and we'll be spending 12 days riding our motorcycles from the California border to Cabo San Lucas.  Most of the places well be riding has gasoline, food and water available.  However we will be riding in some off road sections where gas will be in short supply and if something goes wrong, having food and water will be important.  We've planned for this by packing protein bars and other snack foods.  Each of us will carry 2.5 litres of water in a hydropack and we'll also carry more on the motorcycles.  We'll also carry extra gasoline for those long sections where gas may or may not be available.  Along with the necessary items already mentioned, we'll be carrying spare parts and tools, just in case...

Gas from a roadside vender is common in some countries and not always available

Gasoline, Water and Food are three physical and consumable items that a large number of the world's population take for granted on a daily basis.  Sure, we'll complain about the price of these necessities but we know they're readily available at the local store.

What happens when Gasoline, Water and Food are not readily available?

If you think this couldn't happen to you, take a look at what's happening in Italy today following the countries 2nd large earthquake this year.  Italy is a developed country and yet it will take days or weeks before supplies to the effected area will be restored.

I'm sure many will read this and think "I'm OK".  Please think again!

If you live on or near an earthquake zone, you could be without these three items for days, even if your area isn't directly effected.  Unlike a hurricane, earthquakes come without prior warning so quickly preparing or evacuating isn't an option.

Hurricanes can be monitored and tracked, giving people time to prepare and evacuate.  Usually.  Often it's those who are not near the full impact of the storm who will suffer.  Heavy rain, power outages and impassible roads could happen, cutting off supplies.

I'm not trying to scare anyone, however I am asking that you think about what you'd do if you didn't have access to Gasoline, Water and Food.

Now that you've done that, make a plan that will supply yourself and your family in the event something goes wrong.  It's quite easy to do.

• Make sure your car is full of gasoline (diesel if that's what your car takes).
• Store enough food to keep you and your family fed for at least a week.  Non-perishable foods are the best.  Store food for your pets, if you have them.
• Buy 2 or 3 large water cooler jugs of water to store with the food.
• Buy water purification tablets and put them in your kit.  They're available at most camping and outdoor gear stores.
• Have flashlights and candles in your kit, along with fresh batteries.  Make sure the batteries are stored separately and not in the flashlights, they will corrode if you keep them in the devices.
• Along with the battery powered flashlights, have a couple of rechargeable flashlights and keep them charged.  If all else fails, you'll be able to charge the flashlights and other electronic devices with your car.  
• Buy an AM / FM band radio that runs on batteries.  This is "old school" but it works and it will help give you information if you're cut off from the rest of civilization.
• Extra clothes and blankets.
• A well stocked first aid kit, which can be purchased at Walmart and most outdoor / camping supply stores.
• Check your kit regularly and change out anything that's close to expiring and refresh the batteries.

Planning for the unexpected makes living in the present more enjoyable.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker