Small emergency kit to keep in handbag....

[HeyCat]

Thought this might be a good place to ask.

I'd like a small emergency kit which I would keep in my handbag, in case I'm ever caught up in an incident (e.g. a terrorist attack).

Was thinking a whistle in case I'm trapped in rubble so rescuers can hear me, a mini torch, a small penknife?

Any recommendations for products or things to include?

I don't think you would be able to reach your bag if trapped?

You could use the light on your phone if you had it?

I would recommend going on a first aid course and thinking how you could improvise tourniquets from tights etc.

Generally carry water, cash, keys, write down phone numbers, in case phone is broken?

I always take my bag with me if I am going to a meeting on another floor at work - been evacuated a couple of times without it.

Thanks, that's helpful.

I think you could be trapped in rubble or can't crawl out but still able to move around enough to pull out a whistle

Writing down numbers is a really good idea actually, I know very few now.

I have a small make up bag in my handbag containing:

• Change for phone box
• Written down phone numbers
• Plasters, antiseptic wipes (you can get v small packets), small wrap of dressing, blister plasters, eye wash pods
• spare contacts
• Hairband
• Phone charger bank and wire
• Polos
• Tiny keyring torch (about the size of a pound coin)
• Foldable scissors
• Lighter
• Printed out map of the main town/city I go into.

I always have water, a pashmina, a pair of socks, Vaseline soaked cotton wool in a cotton wool tin and tissues in my bag.

Most important thing you can do - first aid lessons and try to keep up your fitness. If say you were at work would you be able to walk home?

I also have my husband's mobile phone number written inside of all my shoes. I have had several medical emergencies and lost my bag and that was the only way they were able to contact my husband.

You can't beat a pen knife however many buildings will now be subject to searches (cinemas are searching in some places at the moment) and I doubt you would get one through most checks.

Wow that's a great list thank you.

What's the Vaseline soaked cotton wool for?

heycat It is easily flammable. I have been stuck in a hillside in absolutely freezing temps so whilst not necessary in a terrorist type situation it would have been helpful then!

Meant to add, make sure you have sensible shoes. Best bet are flats, most ideal are something lace up and secure that won't come flying off (like ballet flats do) should you need to flee but also something you can rely on when needing to walk a considerable distance.

If you have medication it might be prudent to pack 24/48hr of your essential medication into your hand bag.

Ok thanks that makes sense. I'm in London so tbh thinking more about terrorism rather than getting stranded on a hill.

Re. the phone nos. I printed a list off the computer of the main family contacts, laminated it and chopped it up and all family members have one in their purse. I luffs my laminator.

Personal protection kit such as this (contains face shield (for when doing CPR) and a pair of sterile gloves):

www.stjohnsupplies.co.uk/products/First-aid-consumables/Masks-and-Face-Shields/Personal-Protection-Kit

Citizen Aid app and leaflet:

citizenaid.org/

I have that kit but have replaced large gloves with medium size. I usually use a crossbody bag which I think is most likely to stay with you if thrown.

This is pretty good. evaq8.co.uk/PERSONAL-EVACUATION-PACK-Ideal-for-Offices.html

I also printed off the walking instructions from work to home. Quite a tricky walk it would be because it's about 60 miles plus I have restricted mobility. However it would make a good novel once I had done it as it would take me about a month.

That's an important issue, I think, Boffin. People tend to imagine what they might need if they were in the centre of a problem, but I reckon the likelihood is greater that you'd be on the periphery but affected by downstream issues.

How many people here would know - quite simply know - how to get home if there were eg no forms of motorised transport working or railways?

What kind of bags do you use? I have a across body bag. It's not waterproof though.

Are you likely to have youngsters with you?

I have two kids with me most of the time 😊

That's a complicating factor.

I'm a bit of a heretic in these matters. I'd go for essential medication, comfortable but sturdy shoes, a small knife such as a penknife, and a list of contacts. That's about it. Oh - and some cash in a pocket. I wouldn't worry whether the cross body bag is waterproof or not - I reckon it would likely be discarded early on. (Fill it up with what you fancy to make you feel easier now.)

The best things you can do in advance, in my view, are to undertake some training courses. (Eg first aid and karate or judo to increase your fitness generally.)

keira - you may want to revise the word 'small' to 'suitcase model'!