Tag: selfreliance

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Community And Preparedness – Survival When You Are Alone?

Community and preparedness

Community and preparedness go hand in hand when handling emergencies and disasters. While individual preparedness is crucial, the strength of a community can greatly enhance resilience and response efforts. Here’s how you can integrate community support into your preparedness plan:

Know Your Resources

  • Local Services: Familiarize yourself with local emergency services, shelters, and food banks. Know their locations and how to contact them.
  • Community Centers: Many community centers offer resources and support during emergencies. Find out what services they provide.

Develop a Plan

  • Local Organizations: Connect with local organizations such as neighborhood watch groups, community associations, and emergency response teams. They often have plans in place for disaster response.
  • Communication Network: Establish a communication network with neighbors and local groups. This can help you share information quickly and coordinate efforts during an emergency.

Participate in Community Preparedness Activities

  • Training: Take part in community emergency response training programs. Many communities offer courses in first aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness.
  • Drills: Participate in neighborhood drills and exercises. These help you become familiar with emergency procedures and improve your readiness.

Create a Neighborhood Plan

  • Group Meetings: Organize meetings with your neighbors to discuss preparedness strategies, share resources, and develop a mutual aid plan.
  • Emergency Contacts: Exchange contact information with neighbors and establish a system for checking on each other during emergencies.

Share Resources and Skills

  • Resource Pooling: Share resources such as tools, supplies, and skills within your community. This can help everyone be better prepared and support each other.
  • Skill Sharing: If you have specialized skills, such as medical training or technical expertise, offer to help others in your community.

Support Vulnerable Community Members

  • Identify Needs: Identify individuals who may need extra help, such as older persons, disabled, or those with limited mobility.
  • Provide Assistance: Offer to assist with tasks like grocery shopping, medication pick-up, or transportation to emergency services.

Emergency Communication

  • Alert Systems: Sign up for local emergency alert systems to receive timely information about disasters and emergencies.
  • Social Media: Use social media to stay informed about community updates and to share information during emergencies.

Foster Resilience

  • Build Relationships: Strengthen community ties by engaging in local events, volunteering, and participating in community-building activities.
  • Promote Preparedness: Advocate for preparedness within your community by sharing information and encouraging others to develop their emergency plans.

Post-Disaster Support

  • Recovery Efforts: After a disaster, participate in recovery efforts and support local initiatives to rebuild and recover.
  • Debrief: Engage in post-disaster debriefing sessions to discuss what worked, and what didn’t, and how to improve future preparedness and response efforts.

By actively engaging with your community and building a support network, you enhance your preparedness and contribute to your overall resilience and well-being.

Stay Vigilant and Be prepared

In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.

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Food In Survival Preparedness – Will You Starve To Death?

Will you go hungry? - Food in Emergency Preparedness

When preparing for emergencies, having a well-thought-out plan for food is crucial. Here’s how you can effectively prepare:

Assess Your Needs

  • Number of People: Determine how many people in your household you will need to feed. Remember, 2100 calories a day per person for optimal health.
  • Dietary Restrictions: Consider any special dietary needs or medical conditions.
  • Normal Food: Consider the importance of storing foods that you already eat. Make sure you like what you will be forced to eat in an emergency. Don’t forget to stock some feel-good food, morale is an important consideration.

Stock Up on Non-Perishable Foods

  • Canned Goods: Beans, vegetables, fruits, meats, and soups. Stored properly, these will last several years and are ready to eat, even cold if necessary.
  • Dry Goods: Pasta, rice, oatmeal, and cereal.
  • Packaged Goods: Crackers, granola bars, and instant noodles.
  • Powdered or Canned Milk: Useful if fresh milk isn’t available.
  • Freeze Dried: Great shelf life, usually up to 25 years, and nutritious. More water is required for these stores.

Water Supply

  • Quantity: Aim for one gallon per person daily for cooking, and enough for at least three days. If you plan to use dry, freeze-dried, or powdered goods, additional water storage is required.
  • Storage: Keep it in clean, sealed containers and store them in a cool, dark place. Colored containers are best as they block out the light and reduce the risk of algae growth.

Consider Special Requirements

  • Babys: If you have infants, stock up on formula and baby food.
  • Medications: Include any special dietary supplements or medications that require specific storage.

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Portable Stoves: Have a camping stove or other portable cooking equipment.
  • Fuel: Ensure you have enough fuel (e.g., propane, charcoal) for cooking.
  • Manual Can Opener: Essential if you have canned goods.

Food Storage and Safety

  • Rotation: Regularly check expiration dates and rotate your food stock.
  • Storage: Store food in a cool, dry place. Use airtight containers to protect from pests.

Emergency Food Kit

  • Food Supplies: Include a basic food supply in your emergency kit.
  • Eating Utensils: Pack items like disposable plates, utensils, and napkins.
  • Premade Kits: Emergency Five Day Survival Backpack

Know Your Community Resources

  • Local Assistance: Be aware of local shelters, or community resources that can provide additional help.

By preparing ahead and ensuring you have a good variety, you can be more confident in managing your food needs during an emergency.

Stay Vigilant and Be prepared

In addition, take these steps to ensure you and your loved ones are better prepared to handle emergencies effectively. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive for safety and preparedness.

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CPR AED and First Aid training in a business setting.

CPR AED First Aid

Here are the top 10 reasons why CPR, AED, and First Aid training is vital for businesses

Employee Safety

Businesses are responsible for the safety and well-being of their employees. Training staff in CPR, AED, and First Aid ensures that immediate assistance is available during medical emergencies, reducing the risk of severe outcomes from accidents or health issues at work.

Many industries and countries have regulations that require businesses to provide CPR, AED, and First Aid training, especially in high-risk environments. Compliance helps avoid legal penalties and ensures businesses meet their occupational health and safety obligations.

Reduction in Workplace Incidents

Trained employees can quickly and effectively respond to emergencies, potentially reducing the severity of injuries and medical conditions. This quick response can lower the number of days lost to injury and illness, maintaining productivity and reducing workers’ compensation claims.

Increased Confidence and Morale

Employees trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid feel more confident and secure knowing they can handle emergencies. This training fosters a sense of empowerment and care among the workforce, leading to higher morale and a supportive work environment.

Preparedness for Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac arrests can occur unexpectedly, even in seemingly healthy individuals. Having employees trained in CPR and AED usage ensures that immediate and effective intervention is available, which is crucial since the survival rate significantly decreases with each minute of delay.

Improved Team Dynamics

First Aid, CPR, and AED training often involve teamwork and coordination. This training can strengthen team dynamics and communication skills, which are beneficial during emergencies and everyday business operations.

Enhanced Customer Safety

In businesses that interact with the public, having staff trained in emergency response ensures the safety of customers and clients. This readiness can enhance the company’s reputation as a safe and responsible organization, which is particularly important in the hospitality, retail, and public services sectors.

Reduced Liability

Proper training can protect businesses from potential lawsuits or liability claims that may arise from inadequate response to emergencies. Demonstrating that staff are trained and prepared to handle emergencies can mitigate legal risks and provide a strong defense if incidents occur.

Faster Recovery from Incidents

Prompt and effective response to injuries or health issues can lead to quicker recovery times for affected individuals. This quick action can minimize downtime and disruption, helping businesses maintain continuity and reduce the impact on operations.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Providing CPR, AED, and First Aid training is part of a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility. It shows that a company values the health and safety of its employees, customers, and the community, enhancing its reputation and building trust with stakeholders.

    Schedule your training today!

    Real-Life Scenarios Illustrating the Importance of CPR, AED, and First Aid Training

    1. Workplace Cardiac Arrest: An office worker collapses from a sudden cardiac arrest. A colleague trained in CPR and AED uses the skills to restore the person’s heartbeat before the ambulance arrives, significantly increasing the chance of survival.
    2. Choking Incident in a Restaurant: A customer starts choking at a busy restaurant. The quick intervention of a staff member trained in the Heimlich maneuver prevents a potentially fatal situation.
    3. Construction Site Injury: A construction worker suffers a severe cut from machinery. A trained colleague applies proper first aid techniques to stop the bleeding and stabilize the injured worker, preventing further complications until professional help arrives.
    4. Office Seizure: During a meeting, an employee has a seizure. Immediate first aid response by trained staff ensures the safety of the individual, preventing injury from the seizure and providing comfort until medical professionals take over.
    5. Retail Store Fall: A customer slips and falls in a retail store, suffering a head injury. Quick response from trained employees in providing first aid and managing the situation ensures the customer receives the necessary care, reducing the risk of serious injury.

    By incorporating CPR, AED, and First Aid training into their safety protocols, businesses not only fulfill legal and ethical responsibilities but also create a safer, more resilient, and more productive work environment.

    Schedule your training today!

    Posted on

    Prepare for summer weather

    Prepare for summer

    Preparing for summer weather involves practical steps and thoughtful planning to ensure you stay safe and comfortable.

    Here’s a comprehensive guide:

    Stay Hydrated:

    Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can sneak up on you, especially in hot weather. Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go, and aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day.

    Sun Protection:

    Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) every day, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. Wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants.

    Stay Cool:

    Beat the heat by seeking out air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day, especially if you don’t have air conditioning at home. Use fans, cool showers, or damp cloths to help lower your body temperature. Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, typically between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

    Summer Wardrobe:

    Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking materials that allow sweat to evaporate and keep you cool. Opt for loose-fitting clothing in light colors to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it.

    Stay Informed:

    Stay updated on weather forecasts and heat advisories for your area. Be aware of warning signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke, including heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and headache. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

    Safely Stay Active:

    If you enjoy outdoor activities, plan them for cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks, stay in the shade when possible, and listen to your body’s cues. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for your activities, and don’t forget to keep hydrated.

    Outdoor Safety:

    Be mindful of hazards like ticks, mosquitoes, and poison ivy. Use insect repellent to protect against bug bites, wear long sleeves and pants when hiking in wooded areas, and perform tick checks after spending time outdoors. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and potential wildlife encounters if camping or hiking.

    Stay Connected:

    Check on friends, family, and neighbors, especially those who may be more vulnerable to heat, such as the elderly, young children, or individuals with chronic illnesses. Offer assistance if needed, and encourage them to stay cool and hydrated.

    Preparing for summer weather is made simple by following these tips and being proactive in your approach to summer weather, you can stay safe, and healthy, and enjoy all the season has to offer.

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    Autumn is here it’s time to update your kits, winter is coming!

    The most important tool you have, is your mind, use it. I love spending time in the Central Oregon high desert during the transition from summer to fall. One thing that hits home in the NW when you are east of the Cascades is the extreme temperature variance that occurs each day. It can swing as much as 40 degrees on any given day. Granted the desert is typically the land of extremes, but it started me thinking.

    Update your kits

    We should all have a schedule, albeit flexible, that we live by when it comes to our kits. Just like our smoke detector batteries, we need to update our kits for the season ahead. In the high desert during this time of year, a night out without the proper outerwear or shelter will be extremely miserable if not worse.

    Not just when, but where

    It is important for us to not only consider where we are but what season is coming.

    West of the Cascades it is generally a swing between moderate temperatures and miserably wet. If you are not prepared to protect yourself from the wet you could suffer from hypothermia in weather as warm as 60 degrees. We need to carry rain gear and synthetic or non-cotton clothing, I would say all year in the NW.

    East of the Cascades it is critical to be prepared to handle extreme cold, low humidity, snow, and ice. When the temperature quite often drops into the 20’s at night we also need to consider carrying an emergency shelter for the event that we need to spend a night out. Without it, we may not survive.

    Choose wisely

    There is an adage, “Cotton kills”, that we live by in the outdoors. It comes from the fact that when cotton gets wet, be it from sweat, rain, melting snow, or falling in the river, it will quickly deplete our ability to maintain our body temperature. Cotton holds on to water and when against our skin our bodies spend a lot of energy trying to warm it up. Often leading to hypothermia in the wild. Although you will almost certainly find a cotton t-shirt in my pack, nothing is as cozy to sleep in, it will not be my primary clothing.

    Natural fiber substitutes for synthetic

    I am a big fan of natural fiber clothing and will always choose it over synthetic, call me old school if you like. Two of my favorite natural fibers for the outdoors are wool and silk. Most people are familiar with the value of wool. We see it in the movies. Pre-1990 veterans are all too familiar with wool and how well it works in all climates. It is a natural wicking fiber and hydrophilic, which keeps the moisture off of you.

    Silk, on the other hand, is not as well known for its value in the wild. I have been using silk in the wild for at least 30 years. It is light, durable, warm, and fire-resistant. Not to mention how wonderful it feels against your skin. Silk is also a great wicking fiber. But for me, perhaps odd to you, its most valuable quality is its fire resistance. One thing I spend a lot of time doing in the wild when it is cold is messing with fire. Whether it is for cooking, warmth or entertainment. I have found that a good pair of silk glove liners, very thin gloves meant to be worn inside a pair of gloves, are indispensable. They offer great tactility and dexterity, but most importantly they don’t melt.

    Always remember your feet

    I cannot stress this enough, if you don’t take care of your feet, they will not take care of you. I have a proclivity for the wilderness, but the truth of the matter is that most of us will find ourselves in an urban or suburban area when we need our kits to survive. In the wilderness, the rule is to stay put and wait for help. In an urban or suburban environment being able to walk 2 miles could mean the difference between a hot meal and a miserable night.

    We don’t always dress for survival it is quite rare that we do. So we need to have good sturdy footwear in our kits. Even if we stay put and wait, a cold night with boots will be a lot better than with your flip-flops.

    Forethought is your friend

    The most important tool you have, is your mind, use it. If we devote just a small amount of time at the turn of each season to look ahead and update our kits appropriately, it will make a world of difference should we need to use them. Remember, we don’t plan on having a house fire, but we still have fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. If you don’t have an emergency kit in your house and car, now is a good time to fix that. There is nothing more important than our families, let’s take care of them.

    As Always,
    Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared
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    August Heat

    It’s been hot here in Portland and there has been an uptick in aggression and erratic behavior in people. It seems like everyone I talk to feels like life is throwing them a lot of unexpected challenges of all kinds. I myself have encountered a lot of erratic and aggressive drivers. I’m bringing this up because it got me thinking about self-regulation in stressful situations, like a natural disaster, a mass shooting, or economic collapse. When we experience stress our body releases the stress hormone cortisol, and the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This can evoke the fight, flight, or freeze response. This can be useful if you can regulate it. That is because you will start losing some of your brain’s function and that won’t do anyone good. I’m going to list below a few techniques I like to use to manage my nervous system and at the end, I will describe a possible real-world emergency and how you can incorporate these techniques. 

    First, breathe. And I’m not talking about those shallow chest breaths most of us do when we aren’t being aware of our breathing. I’m talking about slow and deep belly breaths. You know you are doing it right if you are keeping your shoulders relaxed and you can watch your belly expand and contract with each breath. This breath uses your diaphragm, the muscle between your lungs and your intestines, to pull air into the lower part of your lungs. This fills your lungs more completely and is much more effective at calming your nervous system. I find it helpful to visualize it, so here’s a picture. By focusing on your breath, you are bringing yourself back into your body and lessening the negative effects of a stress response.

    breathe-fully

    Second, take a break. If it is possible, step away for a moment and collect yourself and take a few breaths. If you are stressed, it is very easy to get fixated on the situation at hand and often it can do more harm than good. If you are becoming overwhelmed, do yourself and everyone else a favor and step back, even if it’s for 5 minutes. This action alone can significantly improve your problem-solving abilities.

    Third, tune into your five senses. Tune in to each of your senses, one at a time, and identify 3-5 things that you are experiencing. This can be done at any point. Tune in and start with whatever sense you’d like. For example, say I have PTSD and I am triggered by something in my environment. I know there is no threat but now my body is pumping cortisol into my bloodstream, my thoughts are becoming scattered, and my hands start to shake. I’m able to recognize what is happening and I start with the first thing in the environment I notice. Mmmm, I smell cookies… the wood stove, and pine. I hear the piano, laughter, and crackling wood. I could taste the cookies, the wine, or the roast. I can feel the hardwood floor, the heat from the fire, and the soft blanket. I can see my favorite ornament, presents, and the cat curled up under the tree. This quick exercise quickly reduces your fight, flight, or freeze response and calms your nervous system. If it doesn’t work right away, keep trying, remember to breathe, or change your environment.

    images

    There are many ways that you can calm yourself down. These are just a few of them that are effective with my clients, and community. Next, I am going to walk through a possible scenario.

    Let’s say I hear a gunshot come from my neighbors’ house. My nervous system is now on high alert. Instead of panicking, the first thing I’m going to do is take a few deep breaths as I assess the scene. I can safely observe with my eyes 3 things: their kitchen light is on, the front door is wide open, and their children ran across the street to the neighbors. Next, I don’t hear anything coming from the house, I hear the children crying, and I hear the neighbor say that they are calling 911. Then I remind myself, breathe. Next, I smell gasoline, the lavender bush I’m standing next to, and smoke. Breathe. Taste doesn’t apply to this situation. So next, touch. I can feel the sweat on my brow, my shaking hands, and my 9mm. Breathe. Before I act, I make sure I am grounded and regulated. Breathe. Now that I’m managing and aware of my nervous system I can continue with the next steps, all while continuing to regulate my nervous system and assess the scene. Breathe. In this moment I have been able to regulate without taking a break so I continue. However, after the event when there is no immediate danger and everyone is safe, one of the police officers asks me to debrief. At this moment, I realize I’m having a difficult time forming words because my nervous system is still on high alert. So, before I try to dive in, I take a break. I ask for some water, I step back, and I focus on my breathing. Then, when I am calm and feel that I can communicate more clearly, I approach the officer.

    images (1)

    Using these techniques means the difference between being helpful or harmful. Breathing helps you physically regulate your nervous system, by focusing on what you sense in your environment, you are interrupting your erratic thoughts, and by taking a break you are creating an environment in which you can do those things. We can not control our bodies automatic responses but we can attempt to manage them, allowing us to make safer, and more effective decisions. So, instead of laying on your horn because someone didn’t see your blinker and let you into their lane, take a deep breath, assess the situation, and try again. 😉

    Sam

    Posted on

    Happy Independence Day

    Good Morning Citizens

    I beg of you one thing on this Independence Day. Please take a few minutes to consider this.

    It was on this day, or close to it, 243 years ago that the wealthiest and most educated men of the colonies, if not the world, pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to embark on the most audacious of endeavors.

    They made a conscious and calculated decision to rise and stand against the most powerful government and military in the world. They did this at the greatest of personal peril and some paid the ultimate price for this decision. Most paid with their fortunes as well, but none paid with their honor.
    The reasons for this seemingly sacrificial act are diligently listed in The Declaration of Independence. If you haven’t read it recently or at all, today is a great day to do so. http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/document/

    We live in the country generated by this audacious act of treason against the empire. But, it is not the country they dreamed of. It has been perverted and distorted by greed and avarice. Our Federal government is bloated and unconstitutional. You may find that it is now the very same tyrannical, over-reaching, self-serving empire these men deemed a sufficient catalyst to risk everything and start anew.

    “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

    Thomas Paine, December 1776

    Happy Independence Day!

    As Always,
    Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared


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    Are you ready for the road?

    We are headed into the time of year when travel reaches its peak level, especially by passenger and/or recreational vehicles. That means it is time to get them in tip-top road ready condition. This includes making certain that we have emergency supplies that are congruent with our travel plans. We don’t want to be the ones in the news that fell prey to an unforeseen incident that left us unprepared and vulnerable. We don’t want to be lost, stuck or disabled without the tools and supplies that will help us prevail in whatever situation we find ourselves. That being said it is untenable to prepare for every situation, but we can prepare for most.

    Frequent traveler

    As an instructor, I travel year round all around the NW. Often times I find that I am the only vehicle on the road. That is actually my favorite time to travel. I have a keen sense that most times the only thing separating me and the oncoming traffic is a painted line. You are at the mercy of every other driver out there when you travel. You can be doing everything right and pay the price for the mistake or indiscretion of someone else at any time. I often see debris on the roadways from storms, improperly secured loads, and accidents. These hazards can and will cause problems for you, the recreational traveler if you are not careful and prepared.

    Unprepared travelers

    All too often we hear of someone who was caught unprepared while traveling. Whether it was weather related, mechanical failure, poor planning, or just bad luck the result is the same. They are forced into survival mode trying to improvise for shelter, food, and water occasionally resulting in death or severe injury. Something I say in all my classes is, “It costs us very little to be prepared and safe, but could cost us a great deal if we are not”, it is relevant to almost all aspects of our lives.

    How do we prepare?

    Skills first

    As an instructor, I will always start by developing your skills. The skills that are relevant to this topic are easily attainable. The key is to learn the skills before you need them.

    • Learn how to check your tire pressure
    • Learn how to change a tire
    • Learn how to check your oil
    • Learn how to check your coolant level
    • Learn how to check your transmission fluid
    • Learn how to check and change fuses in your vehicle(s)
    • Learn how to use a weather radio
    • Learn how to read a paper map (not google maps)
    • Learn how to use a compass
    • Learn how to properly place flares
    • Learn how to use your fire extinguisher
    • Learn how to use jumper cables
    • Learn how to use a water filter
    • Learn how to use a portable stove

    Tools and Supplies

    Now that we have an idea of what skills we need, lets put together the tools and supplies to compliment those skills.

    For your vehicle

    • Flashlight/Headlamp
    • Ice scraper
    • Tire gauge
    • Carjack
    • Spare tire (preferably full size)
    • Tire repair kit with a compressor
    • Shop towels
    • Quart of oil
    • Gallon of coolant
    • Quart of transmission fluid
    • Long funnel
    • Basic toolset (wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc…)
    • Solar or crank powered weather radio
    • Maps and compass
    • Flares (preferably electronic to avoid combustion hazard)
    • Fire extinguisher (ABC)
    • Jumper cables
    • Portable Battery Jump Starter
    • Small shovel
    • Tow Rope

    For the people

    • Candles
    • Lighters
    • Matches
    • Duct tape (we like Gorilla tape)
    • Disposable gloves
    • Well-stocked first aid kit (with any prescription meds you may be dependant on, such as an EpiPen, insulin, etc…)
    • Solar blankets
    • Wool blankets
    • Warm socks
    • Raincoat or poncho
    • Good all-weather coat
    • Cash (small bills and coins)
    • Stocking cap
    • Sun hat
    • Umbrella
    • Heavy gloves (work gloves)
    • Sleeping bag for the current season
    • Tent
    • Sleeping pads (one for each person)
    • Paper and pencils
    • Whistle
    • List of important phone numbers (on paper)
    • Can opener
    • Knife
    • Scissors
    • Garbage bags in various sizes
    • Sewing kit
    • Baby wipes
    • Toilet paper
    • Hand soap
    • Comb
    • Hairbrush
    • Toothbrush
    • Change of clothes (season appropriate)
    • Towels in a waterproof bag
    • Water (preferably one gallon per person or more)
    • Water filter (such as a Sawyer mini)
    • Backpack (small, for carrying supplies during excursions i.e. getting water, etc…)
    • Good walking shoes or boots
    • Portable camp stove (we like Jetboils)
    • Freeze Dried food (preferably 3 days per person)
    • 100 feet of Paracord
    • 25 feet of 3/8 inch rope
    • Pocket survival guide
    • A container for all your supplies

    Important things to note

    • In cold weather, your water containers should have space to allow room for expansion when the contents freeze.
    • Always have a backpack for each person. If you are forced by circumstances to leave your vehicle on foot, you will want to be able to carry as much of your gear as possible. Always choose to stay with your vehicle if you can.
    • Your kit should change with the seasons, winter gear won’t do you much good in the heat of summer, but extra water will be invaluable.
    • When taking a longer trip, add extra food and water to your kit.
    • Don’t forget about communications: you can summon help with a cell phone or a two-way radio.
    • Depending on the laws where you live and your personal preferences, weapons and ammunition can be a useful addition to your vehicle kit.

    Urban vs. Remote

    This article is focused on remote travel where you would not be able to depend on services like AAA or other roadside assistance. Although these skills, tools, and supplies will benefit you wherever you travel you may not need to prepare for the extremes that I have. Not everybody needs everything on this list.  Pick the items that are relevant to your situation, your environment, and your disaster scenarios. No list can be comprehensive for everyone, but this has done well by me. As I said before,
    “It costs us very little to be prepared and safe, but could cost us a great deal if we are not”

    As Always,
    Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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    The Myth of rising to the occasion

    Prepare for summer

    It is important that we deliberately choose how we spend our time. After all, it is our most valuable resource. No matter what we do, we can never get it back once it is spent. Each morning we have 1,440 minutes deposited in our accounts, that we must spend, there is no saving it. We can choose to waste it or use it, it is all up to us.

    There is a myth that is commonly perpetuated, but is no less a myth. It is the myth that when bad things happen to us we will rise to the occasion. This is a dangerous idea, as it could not be further from the truth. It has been proven time and time again that you or I will not rise to the occasion, we will fall to the highest level of training we have mastered.

    It behoovs us to train and develop the skills we need to meet our needs during a potential disaster. This is anything from a natural disaster like a cataclysmic earthquake (The Big One) to a man-made disaster such as the next depression. These events will need an entirely different set of skills then most of us have and use on a regular basis.

    Make no mistake, these skills will be needed, it is only a matter of when not if. We all need to prepare for the eventuality choosing, not to can and probably will prove to be a fatal mistake. These are skills that our ancestors used on a daily basis, yet we have lost them through lack of need. We have been spoiled by the technology of the new world. It has made us dependent on it, and we will suffer if we do not take steps to break that dependence. we need to bring back the skills of our predecessors.

    Water

    We need to be self-sufficient and secure our own water sources whether it be through collection or retrieval. Water is life and we will not survive more than 3 days without it. If you are on city water, what happens when you cannot pay anymore, or the lines are broken due to liquefaction? How will you provide water for yourself and your family? Do you have the tools, skills and knowledge to overcome this crisis?

    Shelter

    We need to have safe and secure shelter, Is your current dwelling sufficient to provide you with this need should the big one hit? Do you have the tools, supplies, and skills to repair your house to a point where it will provide the needed shelter? What happens to you and yours when you can’t pay the rent? Will you survive without shelter? Unfortunately, you will not survive without shelter for more than 3 weeks, and those will be miserable.

    Food

    Do you grow your own food? Do you hunt and know how to dress an animal? How will you provide food for your family when the stores are empty? In the event of a disaster there will be a run on the stores. We see it every time there is some perceived threat, remember what happened this winter? Imagine it lasting 6 months, a year, or longer. Are you ready?

    Security

    Now let’s just assume, even though that is a bad idea, that you have all those bases covered. What about security? How will you protect yourself and your loved ones when disaster strikes? Because most of us now live in high-density cities we will feel the sting of not being prepared much more than the rural areas, let’s face it there are a lot of rates in the cage. When the shelves and bank accounts go empty those that have not prepared are coming for what you have. It is human nature to preserve yourself and the ones you love, you will only be an obstacle to them. Are you prepared for this eventuality? What tools do you have? What skills do you have?

    Conclusion

    I know this may sound alarmist or apocalyptic to some. But, let me ask this question, will it harm you in any way to be prepared? Knowledge is the easiest tool to carry! Always remember, the more you know, the less you need to carry. There is no harm in preparing yourself and your family for a possible disaster, but it may prove fatal if you don’t.

    As Always,
    Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

    Posted on

    Don’t be a taco sauce hero

    I hope it has been long enough to be sensitive, but not so long that you don’t remember. I have to say it angered me greatly to listen to the news about the man and his dog that survived 5 days in the wilderness on nothing more than 3 packets of taco sauce. They not only completely misrepresented what it takes to survive, they essentially made the idiot a hero. The media going to the extreme and Taco Bell stepping up to salute the young man for being so resourceful and rewarding him is ridiculous and dangerous.

    This is probably the worst thing that could have happened. It sets up a lot of ignorant albeit well-meaning people to fail in a survival situation. The facts are that this young man failed at everything but death. His situational awareness was non-existent, had he even the slightest bit he would have recognized that he was getting in over his head. He would have seen all the warning flags that were flying around his head. If he had any sense at all he would not have gotten in the bad situation in the first place. It is not as if some exigent circumstances caused the problem, it was sheer carelessness, and we paid for it. Who do you think paid for the search efforts?

    Don’t get me wrong I’m happy he and his dog survived, but it wasn’t because of taco sauce. He did enough things right after the fact, that he survived, and he would have without the taco sauce! What is being missed here by the media, and all those watching it yet ignorant of reality is the rule of threes and how it relates to survival.

    The rule of threes

    • You will not survive for longer than 3 seconds without staying calm
    • You will not survive for longer than 3 minutes without air
    • You will not survive for longer than 3 hours without shelter
    • You will not survive for longer than 3 days without water
    • You will not survive for longer than 3 weeks without food
    • You will not survive for longer than 3 months without community

    As you can see from the list above he would have survived an additional two weeks without any food, let alone the taco sauce. It was completely irrelevant. We need to take our survival and preparedness seriously and not propagate these aggrandized misconceptions about survival, that helps no one.

    I am an advocate of getting out there and exploring, pushing your limits, and expanding your skill sets. But I am wholeheartedly against being foolish and reckless, let alone the media making a circus out of such foolishness.

    Remember, Knowledge is the easiest tool to carry!

    • Know where you are going.
    • Know who you are going with.
    • Know what you are taking with you.
    • Know the limits of your own skills.
    • Know when to turn around.
    • Know better than to foolishly put yourself at risk.

    As Always,
    Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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