I thought about posting my next outfit post here on the blog today, but forget that for now--  I think that we all really, really need to stop and talk about the impending super typhoon that is Haiyan (or Yolanda, the moment it hits the Philippine Area of Responsibility). Two days before its expected landfall, it's already giving everyone the chills of the worst kind, and for the right reasons -- expected to hit speeds at up to 240 kph, this appears to be one of the strongest typhoons to hit the country in awhile. Oh, and holy shitballs, Cebu is directly in its course.  So unless it drastically/miraculously switches it's path, then we really should brace ourselves.

My apartment once got flooded in, shoes and all, and it hurt like such a bitch. I lost some important film and screenplay writing books, some shoes (ouch) and other valuables -- all I could do is cry over spilled milk and clean up the mess. Admittedly, I'm as wide-eyed and ill informed about disaster preparedness as some people. I've never been much of a girl scout, and I've never certainly McGyvered my way into life.  Thing is though, some things could be prevented, and yes, lives would be spared if we all read and did a little bit more to prepare for disasters we can't really anticipate. With the recent 7-magnitude Bohol earthquake, we really don't know what'll go wrong next.

Since I made a recent "What's in my Bag" post (here), I thought it right to only write about another kind of bag entirely: the Emergency Survival Kit or Bag. No one wants to go survive a big disaster, only to die of wound infections, hunger or thirst. Emergency Survival Kits are essential for the next 72 hours after a disaster.

As per Red Cross, here are the items that we definitely need to be stocking up:

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit – Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area

You need to consider the needs of ALL of your family members, of course (including your fur babies!). Here's additional items to add to your bag (as needed):

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Games and activities for children
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Two-way radios
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Manual can opener

Also it's best to keep all the important numbers within reach! You may contact Red Cross Cebu at (032) 412-4140/0920-929-4645.

I'm still like 20% through my list. How about yours? Keep safe, everyone!