Prepping: the new world...

DigForVictory

greenbee said:

I'd encourage everyone to include a ring cutter in their first aid kit. You don't want to be in a position where you risk having to have a finger removed because you can't get a ring off. 

These are often incorporated in folding shears - look at the Leatherman Raptor as an example (only buy if you have that sort of money, but ye gods you only buy once) 
I have to say I'd much rather use a cold pack & soap & even devious ways with dental tape to get a ring off, as in Before it becomes an issue than chop it off, but once circulation is compromised, or the hand is stuck, your first aid options narrow quite considerably.

greenbee

DigForVictory said:

greenbee said:

I'd encourage everyone to include a ring cutter in their first aid kit. You don't want to be in a position where you risk having to have a finger removed because you can't get a ring off. 

These are often incorporated in folding shears - look at the Leatherman Raptor as an example (only buy if you have that sort of money, but ye gods you only buy once) 
I have to say I'd much rather use a cold pack & soap & even devious ways with dental tape to get a ring off, as in Before it becomes an issue than chop it off, but once circulation is compromised, or the hand is stuck, your first aid options narrow quite considerably.

Definitely best to use soap/dental tape, but some people are reluctant to take their rings off. I had to cut my mum's wedding ring off as her fingers started to swell and her ring hadn't come off over the knuckle for years. Thankfully it wasn't an emergency, but at least I'm now equipped to deal with future emergencies. Although the trend (particularly amongst men) for harder metals means that a ring cutter won't always do the job. Worth thinking about if you're in the market for a new ring.

Cherryfudge

I'm finding these lists very interesting, and @DigForVictory's seemed particularly pertinent for me (perhaps we have similar lives?).

A couple of things that aren't listed and which I'd find useful - toothbrush and toothpaste, nail scissors (I always carry a tiny pair in my purse and I've been glad of them on various occasions) and a pack of tissues/wodge of kitchen roll.

I'm also thinking of a small, lightweight umbrella, a foil blanket to sit on or under and hand gel, soap or wipes.

Lastly - and it sounds odd - a scented product - there's nothing like a 'nice' hand cream or phial of perfume when everything feels beleaguered and uncivilised. Or mascara/lipstick. A little reminder of your usual self.

Mee

Cherryfudge said:

I'm finding these lists very interesting, and @DigForVictory's seemed particularly pertinent for me (perhaps we have similar lives?).

A couple of things that aren't listed and which I'd find useful - toothbrush and toothpaste, nail scissors (I always carry a tiny pair in my purse and I've been glad of them on various occasions) and a pack of tissues/wodge of kitchen roll.

I'm also thinking of a small, lightweight umbrella, a foil blanket to sit on or under and hand gel, soap or wipes.

Lastly - and it sounds odd - a scented product - there's nothing like a 'nice' hand cream or phial of perfume when everything feels beleaguered and uncivilised. Or mascara/lipstick. A little reminder of your usual self.

Good reminder. Those are the things I carry on a daily basis (except the kitchen sink). Though, I carry my rain poncho rather than foil blanket at present - will upgrade.

I often use some of the lip salves as a general skin balm.
 
Agree on the perfume - I bought a set of roll on perfume bottles a few years ago and when I ran out, I started buying tisserand roller balls (often on offer in supermarkets)
https://www.tisserand.com/body/roller-balls/

I also carry around a small roll of microporous surgical tape separate from a first aid pack and mini sewing kit, a compass (sometimes), paperclip(s), safety pin/clips & sharpie pen & pencils.
I still carry some N95 face masks & alcohol hand gel.

Cherryfudge

I've just bought a couple of those hand warmer gel packs to keep in the car but they might be good in a grab bag too.

MrsCD

Could I ask, please, if anyone has tried the rechargeable hand warmers? I'm thinking about buying my friend some for 25/12, as last year she went through loads of the 'cheap' ones while walking the dog.

On another note, it was my birthday last Friday, and we were on holiday. Our daughters bought me a small cake and candles, set it all up, then asked if we had any matches with us! What a silly question.... Of course I had a pack of lighters in the picnic bag! 😂😂😂

Shropshirelass

MrsCD A few years ago I was given 4 of the gel hand warmers by my son, who acquired them as samples while on a skiing trip. I have always complained of cold hands and feet, perhaps part of rheumatics/arthritis. Anyway, recently had the bright idea of using them for night time hand pain, so I dug them out, boiled them up (10 mins, then allow to cool in the pan) and they still work as good as new, and very comforting. The heat lasts for 10 to 20 minutes, then remain warmish, especially inside glove or pocket.

I'm wondering now if it's worth investing in the high tech rechargeables.

MrsCD

Yes, @Shropshirelass, I've had the boilable ones in the past, and they do work. It's just a bit of a faff to recharge them. 😁 

DigForVictory

Happily powerbank hand warmers exist & can be recharged or charge electronics as needed - one Scout leader on camp had a couple & they were delightfully effective. They may also be a aff to recharge but the ability to warm the cold and charge the flat improves your negotiating position something formidable...

DigForVictory

My sister has prepared for our mother to survive 72 hours without electricity. This includes 6 tins of bean salad (& a tin opener). To avoid a small war, please can people suggest other meals in a tin you don't have to heat. (I suggested Spam & got yelled at "it isn't a meal!", but after two meals of bean salad I'd be eyeing the cat's food for variety.) 

I believe the gas hob is to be given an overhaul by a qualified engineer, but meantime mum's electricity-free survival is looking somewhat bleak. (Sis hasn't figured coffee, which I think will lead to mum deciding civilisation has failed utterly as she falls into caffeine withdrawal.)