I have heard so many people ask me what am I doing to prepare for 2012 my response to them is this one should be prepared at all times for any disaster whether by nature or man made. In my preparation I train and learn constantly for anything that can happen. I gave a presentation to a group for a three day survival pack for a small group today the main point is you have to take a active role in making it a kit you can survive on. I like to show people if you have to take medicine you need to pack away at least three days (if not more) worth in your bug out pack. One of the things I do stress is having a out of state contact that you can use in case of a natural disaster. This is important because phone lines get jammed real fast when things happen especially in California where I am at so I do stress this. Some of the types of disasters you can find yourself in just not only in California.
List of potential disasters • Floods | Technological Hazards • Hazardous materials incidents Terrorism • Explosions |
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Hundreds of times each year,
transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes. Fires and floods cause evacuations even more frequently. Almost every year, people along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts evacuate in the face of approaching
hurricanes. So always be prepared to "bug out" if you feel the need to protect yourself and your family.
Things you always have ready Keep a full tank of gas in your car if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations maybe closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay. Make transportation arrangements with friends or your local government if you do not own a car. Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions. Gather your family and go if you are instructed to evacuate immediately. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather. Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked. Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. Stay away from downed power lines. | If you can Gather your disaster supplies kit. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection,such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap. Secure your home: • Close and lock doors and windows. • Unplug electrical equipment, such as radios and televisions, and small appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. Let others know where you are going. |
Foods you can pack up
• Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
• Stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation. You may already have many of these on hand. Note: Be sure to include a manual can opener.
• Include special dietary needs.
The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies
kit:
• Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Three-day supply of water – one gallon of water per person, per day.
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit and manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper).
• Matches and waterproof container.
• Whistle.
• Extra clothing.
• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener.
• Photocopies of credit and identification cards.
• Cash and coins.
• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens
solutions, and hearing aid batteries.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.
• Other items to meet your unique family needs.
If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you
will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to
include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:
• Jacket or coat.
• Long pants.
• Long sleeve shirt.
• Sturdy shoes.
• Hat, mittens, and scarf.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person).
Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes.
Always remember this kit maybe your lifeline until you get replenished or move from the effected area(s) into a better area(s). Another thing you want to do is have a kit for any animals you have I personally have a kit for my cat which includes a carrier for the animal, water and food, toys, and a first aid kit for animals because they need care to.
Maintaining your gear
• Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.
• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
• Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded.
• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.
• Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front.
• Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it on all containers.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
• Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.
Ideas for your Emergency Survival Car Kit
(Modify as needed)
- Air pump/compressor
- Axe
- Blanket
- Bow saw
- Bucket
- Bungee cords
- Can opener
- Candles
- Cell phone and/or CB (Note: steel whip CB antennas can be dangerous out on the trail)
- Cigarette lighter
- Coat hanger – don’t underestimate the number of uses for the common household coat hanger!
- Compass/GPS unit (remove GPS below)
- Duct tape
- Emergency Bivvy
- Extra motor oil (1-2 quarts)
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit (packed in a tight weatherproof container)
- Flares
- Flashlight/lantern/spotlight – with extra batteries
- Food (dehydrated foods take little space and last a long time)
- Hydraulic/hi-lift jack
- ID card, with emergency phone number contact info & medication/allergy information
- Jumper cables
- Leather gloves
- Maps
- Mirror (in addition to what is mounted on your vehicle)
- Multi-fit hose and a roll of rubber-weld tape – to repair a blown radiator hose
- Paper towels
- Pen & paper (a china marker writes on anything!)
- Radiator Stop Leak / Tank sealant putty
- Rags
- Repair manual for your particular vehicle
- Rope
- Rubber gloves
- Shovel
- Spare clothes
- Spare Fuel
- Spare key kept on your person
- Survival Knife
- T-style lug wrench
- Tarp (6′x6′) – to keep yourself out of the mud and to catch small parts
- Tire pressure gauge & tire pump; fix a flat
- Trash bags – heavy duty
- Water – enough for you (to drink, clean up) and your vehicle (battery, radiator, washer fluid)
- Waterless hand cleaner
- Waterproof matches
- WD-40/lubricant
- Whistle
- Winch kit – including straps, snatch block (pulley), shackle
- Zip ties/cable ties
- Wood or similar to provide a foundation for jack on soft surfaces
The most important factor in any disaster situation is to have a plan and include others that will be involved in helping to develop and accomplish the goals of that plan. If you have other tips that you’d like to offer readers, please comment below. Remember that the more people who are ready for survival when and if the time comes, the better off everyone will be.
