What If A Disaster Came To You?

[BTS]

I wanted to share this. You can take it or leave it but it is not a bad idea that maybe we can ALL (FG'ers) share our Ideas about what we have or have not done, articles we have read and might like to share............







WHAT IF A DISASTER CAME TO YOU?

It’s called a 72-hour kit and you ought to have one.

It’s something you have ready, that you can grab at any time, that contains everything you need to sustain your family for three days.

In case something bad happens.

Like happened with the hurricane.

In case there’s a fire, or an earthquake, or a blizzard, or anything else that chases you out of your home, or shuts down society and its services and supplies.

We were reminded in New Orleans of what we should have already known, and that is that we have the ultimate responsibility for ourselves. When push comes to shove, you can’t sit there and crybaby because nobody’s taking care of you – you’ve got to take care of yourself.

It’s a moral obligation.

A moral obligation that can be met by practical means.

Like a 72-hour kit.

You start with a backpack or a duffle bag or some other grip that you can easily pick up and carry. Ideally, it should be something that leaves your hands free.

And you should keep it near a door. Somewhere where if push comes to shove and you’ve got to get and get quick you can grab your stuff and go.

So what do you put in it?

That will depend on you and your family, on your particular needs and circumstances. What’s right for one family may not be right for another.

But some needs are universal.

Like water, food and shelter.

In your 72-hour kit you will want water. If you can carry it, you’ll want three days worth of water for everyone in your family.

But that can be heavy. So some people will have some water in their kit, and they will also have a water filtering pump, which can be bought at most camping or outdoors stores. That way they can purify and drink water that otherwise wouldn’t be potable.

You’ll also need food.

But don’t be tempted to run for a bunch of cans. They’re heavy, and three days worth of canned food, especially for a family, can weigh you down.

So what do you get?

Well, whatever makes sense to you. Remember to balance the number of calories with the amount of weight. When it comes to emergency food, the more calories the better and the less weight the better. Some people will get military meals, or dehydrated camping food. Some will get big sticks of pepperoni, or candy bars.

It’s a personal choice. And it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Some survival suppliers will have emergency rations, but they can be very expensive. You will have to decide if it is worth it, of if you can find what you need at the grocery store.

Other things to consider include rain ponchos, space blankets, a small but serviceable tent, a wind-up radio, material to start and feed a fire, a compass, flashlights and plenty of batteries, emergency candles and extra clothing, especially if it’s the cold season.

If someone in your family needs special medications, over the counter or prescription, it would be good to have them in your kit. It also might be a good idea to have some first aid supplies and general medications, including over-the-counter products that fight infection and diarrhea, as well as pain relievers.

Some people have particular skills – like amateur radio operators – and will bring specialized equipment that might be useful to themselves or others.

You may also want to think about including a gun.

That might seem controversial or unsettling, but it is practical and worth considering.

A good one to have might be an accurate .22-caliber pistol, like the Browning Buckmark. It is small, reliable, capable of hitting what it’s aimed at and won’t take up much space in your backpack. And you should have a thousand rounds of ammunition for it. That might sound like a lot, but it’ll only cost about $20.

If you prefer a rifle, stick with a .22, but get one that can break down and fit easily in your pack.

Why have a gun?

Well, there’s more reasons than one.

In the Superdome, for example, it took more than a gallon of water to survive. In New Orleans, a variety of crimes broke out. Looting, of course, but also rape, assault and even murder. Most emergencies don’t involve a break down of social order, but some do. And when they do, you’d better be prepared.

But it’s not just about World War III.

There’s also the practical matter of getting something to eat. You have three days worth of food, and if you go to light rations you’ll get more than three days out of them. But there is a chance, maybe a good chance, that three days worth of food won’t be enough.

So you might have to shoot some.

Maybe pigeons, maybe woodchucks, maybe deer. Maybe after a while anything you think you can cook.

Those are some suggestions.

The specifics are up to you.

But the idea is a good one. It might be an essential one. Your survival could depend on it.



Bob Lonsberry © 2005

http://www.lonsberry.com/writings.cfm?story=1742

[chonsigirl]

We used to have earthquake kits in California, at least 48-72 hours worth of supplies. You have to remember the water also, you need enough bottled water for every household member, and pets. I keep enough stuff stocked up around here, in case of the winter time and that big snow comes, (go snow days!) so I will not have to figure out how to get to the store.

The pistol-that is controversial, and is up to the individual's decision.

[chonsigirl]

Well, I wouldn't have a gun-I have my trusty old baseball bat behind the front door. It works fine enough in sticky situations............................

[Accountable]

The most important thing IMO is fire. Making fire is a skill. Forget matches, they get wet. Lighters run out of fuel or get lost. Get a small magnifying glass (if you wear eyeglasses adequate to make fire, you'll need them to see the kindling ). Also a flint & steel kit from anyplace that supplies camping goods - and practice!

[OpenMind]

If you're holed in, you can afford to stock up on tinned and dried food. A paraffin heater is a good idea in case your normal supply runs out. Depending on the nature of the emergency, you may need to stock up on water. This can be taken from the tap. 1.5 litres per person per day. If the water supply has been interrupted, then you're in trouble. You may need portable cooking equipment as used for camping in case your normal energy is disrupted. Make sure you have plenty of gas for it. A baseball bat is useful for self-defence. In the UK, it's illegal to keep a gun for self-defence. And if you're holed in, a gun won't be much use for hunting with.

If you're forced to evacuate, then BTS's tips are good. Again, in the UK, a gun or rifle will require both a gaming licence and a suitable case. Also a Bowie knife so you can prepare the meat, depending on how you're going to cook it. Either way, you will need to skin it.

We shouldn't allow ourselves to fall into the trap of thinking "that it won't happen to me". And don't forget the book of jokes!

[Accountable]

Excellent points, especially about the joke book. Things will be extremely stressful & people will need a way to let off steam.

[BTS]

Accountable wrote: The most important thing IMO is fire. Making fire is a skill. Forget matches, they get wet. Lighters run out of fuel or get lost. Get a small magnifying glass (if you wear eyeglasses adequate to make fire, you'll need them to see the kindling ). Also a flint & steel kit from anyplace that supplies camping goods - and practice!


Good points..........

I learned from my gramps to dip WOODEN matches in wax. It helps them burn longer and keeps moisture out. But a standby is a good idea too as you never know.

Reminds me of the movie "Firestarter", it makes one realize how much we depend on the gas and power coming into our homes without thinking how it gets there and that it CAN stop................

[OpenMind]

Now you say it, I remember coming across that idea myself somewhere. Matches in wax. Had forgotten that one. Thanks.

[CVX]

These are the first 90 Items to Disappear In A Panic


Generators

Water Filters/Purifiers

Portable Toilets

Seasoned Firewood

Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps

Coleman Fuel

Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats, Slingshots, etc.

Hand-Can openers

Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugars

Pasta, Pasta, Pasta

Rice - Beans - Wheat

Vegetable oil for cooking

Charcoal & Lighter fluid

Water containers

Mini Heater head (Propane)

Grain Grinder (Non-electric)

Propane Cylinders

Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc.

Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula/ointments/aspirin, etc

Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)

Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)

Vitamins

Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products

Thermal underwear (Tops and bottoms)

Bow saws, axes and hatchets & Wedges (also, honing oil)

Aluminum foil Reg. & Hvy. Duty

Gasoline containers (Plastic or Metal)

Garbage bags

Toilet Paper, Kleenex, paper towels

Milk - Powdered & Condensed

Garden seeds

Clothes pins/line/hangers

Tuna Fish (in oil)

Fire extinguishers

First aid kits

Batteries

Garlic, spices. vinegar, baking supplies

Big dogs (and plenty of dog food)

Flour, yeast, salt

Matches

Writing paper/pads/pencils/solar calculators

Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime)

Workboots, belts, Levis, durable shirts

Flashlights

Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)

Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers,etc

Cast iron cookware

Fishing supplies/tools

Mosquito coils/repellent sprays/creams

Duct tape

Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes

Candles

Laundry detergent (Liquid)

Backpacks & Duffle bags

Garden tools & supplies

Scissors, fabrics, sewing supplies

Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.

Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)

Canning supplies (Jars/lids/wax)

Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel

Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc.

Sleeping bags & blankets/pillows/mats

Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)

d-Con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer

Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets

Paper plates/cups/utensils

Baby Wipes, oils, waterless & Anti-bacterial soap

Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)

Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)

Soysauce, vinegar, boullions/gravy/soup base

Reading glasses

Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)

Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens

Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky

Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts

Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)

Lumber (all types)

Wagons & carts

Cots & Inflatable mattresses (for extra guests)

Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.

Lantern Hangers

Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts & bolts

Teas

Coffee

Cigarettes

Paraffin wax

Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

Chewing gum/candies

Hats

Goats/chickens

[valerie]

Great list, CVX...



And may I stick in a gentle reminder to all you guys... don't keep

the lantern mantles in your front pants pocket near the "family jewels".



They may have slight radioactive "charge" and better safe than sorry,

eh?



;)

[nvalleyvee]

I'm going to say something that is not akin to MAMA nature's disasters. What about person ones? What about devistation within your family --- illness or death...

[Accountable]

Add to the list perscription drugs, glasses, dentures, address book. These were the things alot of people forgot in N.O., especially the address book.

[OpenMind]

Phew! This has become one hell of a list!:-2

[chonsigirl]

Because there are too many disasters lately!

[daffodil52]

OpenMind wrote: If you're holed in, you can afford to stock up on tinned and dried food. A paraffin heater is a good idea in case your normal supply runs out. Depending on the nature of the emergency, you may need to stock up on water. This can be taken from the tap. 1.5 litres per person per day. If the water supply has been interrupted, then you're in trouble. You may need portable cooking equipment as used for camping in case your normal energy is disrupted. Make sure you have plenty of gas for it. A baseball bat is useful for self-defence. In the UK, it's illegal to keep a gun for self-defence. And if you're holed in, a gun won't be much use for hunting with.

If you're forced to evacuate, then BTS's tips are good. Again, in the UK, a gun or rifle will require both a gaming licence and a suitable case. Also a Bowie knife so you can prepare the meat, depending on how you're going to cook it. Either way, you will need to skin it.

We shouldn't allow ourselves to fall into the trap of thinking "that it won't happen to me". And don't forget the book of jokes!


a bowie knife mmmmmmm



what about hammer ..... and nails u will need it for the, coffin lid ...... and a modern battery drill for the screws

and a good sense off homour..... ok daffy

[anotherlisa]

Pardon me if I've missed it, but extra cash should be on the list. ATMs don't work when the power goes out. And peanut butter's a good emergency food. It doesn't need refrigeration & it's lighter than cans.

Also, first aid items. You'll want the basics such as bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment and something to clean out wounds.

In addition to keeping some of this stuff at home, it's a good idea to keep some of it in your workplace or car too. Things like the aforementioned flashlights and a good, comfortable pair of shoes you can walk/run in.

[CrazyCruizChick]

I tend to think about this subject quite a lot and I have planed my escape route if a fire were to break out and also if we were to be flooded even the kids know what to do.