Reminder: Have an emergency kit at home, in car, at school, at work

[uppityperson]

If something happens, prepare yourself to be on your own for at least 3 days, preferably a week at least. 3 days food/water may be able to be stretched to a week, but a week's worth would be better. Pick up a can or 2 extra when you go to the store. Buy a flat of water at Costco. Have extra medicine around. Do not let your car get below 1/4 tank of gas.

Timely reminder, during this 1 yr anniversary of the greatest natural disaster to hit the USA. Prepare yourself since the cavalry probably won't come and, no matter where you live, there can be a disaster.

[RB TexLa]

1. I don't expect anyone to come for me or do anything for me after any

number of days.

[uppityperson]

3. True, but kit may help you survive until you can get more stuff.

Communications will probably be non-existent, power out, etc. Several days-week will help you survive until you can get more.

[Bluebear]

36. Swoon.

[Nicole]

2. Good reminder

:kick:

[hedgehog]

4. People in the North East shouldn't ignore this advice.

Consider that a hurricane off shore can cause sudden flooding up in the hills as we saw along the Susquehanna this spring. Know how to secure your house, too. A lot of houses near Binghamton were destroyed when natural gas filled houses after the pilot flames were put out and exploded.

A reminder - Hurricane Hazel in 1954 caused about 80 deaths in Toronto, Canada because of flooding.A lot of suburbs have been developed since then, and a lot of those suburbs went in on wetlands and flood plains.

[uppityperson]

5. central states get tornados and floods too.

west coast gets earthquakes. It is always something.

[oscar111]

9. 18 months is the birdflu social chaos estimate

so get a lot more than in the OP , friends

i think that estimate waas in the fed paper issued and all over the news last march or thereabouts. The paper which said "dont count on help from the federal level of government, develop local resources instead". Shameless bush weasels out again. Taxcuts for the rich, and "destroy the gov" policy.

BOB or bug out bag is the term used for what the OP is describing.

water will be your greatest need. Drill a well.

no. two, will be hiding from roving gangs out to steal supplies. Hide, dont count on shooting it out with a gang.

that said, i hope the recent Glaxo vaccine pans out as a way to avoid chaos.

[pitohui]

12. birdflu is evolving away from threat to humanity

the consensus now that rumsfeld has sold sufficient back stocks of tamiflu is that we were silly to worry about it -- the numbers of humans killed by bird flu was small and the number killed who didn't work w. infected poultry is almost nil

over preparing is just as much a waste personally, financially, and ecologically as under preparing

it can be a symptom of anxiety, or can increase anxiety where it already exists

balance is the great goal in my opinion

[uppityperson]

14. Over preparing, can't prepare for everything.

I will not have a yrs supply, guns, etc, not into "survivalism" because if things happen that bad, I will be dead anyway. However, I also will not ignore basics and do have a small amount of stuff to tide me through. As far as bird flu, I am still on the fence. What it comes down to is you need to do what you can, but cannot prepare for everything, and eventually we all die. I want my death to mean more than just showing the administration is f*ed up, you know?

[oscar111]

18. OK, each of us has his own style.

each to his own, i respect your style

[uppityperson]

20. So, where do you live? Just checking, walking away whistling.

Yes, I know people from the whole range of "whatever" to being totally prepared, seeds, fuel, etc.

[oscar111]

23. hobby is slang terms.. please educate me as to definition

of "walking... whistling".

fascinated by new slang. CAn you define that new one for this ox?

oscar the ox.

[uppityperson]

24. Asking a question I shouldn't and pretending I didn't

Maybe it will get answered and then I will know.

Actually that post was a joke. Asking someone who seems to support survivalist stuff, probably has a good setup together, where they live so in case of emergency I can come stay with them or take their stuff. Not a funny joke, I guess, but meant in a lighthearted way, not for real. In other words, don't tell me where you live. Unless you want to. :crazy:

[oscar111]

26. lighthearded is good.. is my attitude too. No problem.

i took the post in a good way. thanks for the definition.

It is ok to ask any question ... my only gripes come when some flamers go after me. This thread is very polite, and i am enjoying sharing what little i have learned, and learning from all you guys and gals.

peace to all,
oscar

[EFerrari]

6. Don't forget pet and meds.

:hi:

[uppityperson]

8. Yes, get extra cats, might not find more for a while!

sorry, had to say it. Yes, don't forget pet food since they need to eat too and you probably won't want to have to share only yours.

[EFerrari]

17. You laugh! I'm prepped to load up 7 cats and an old deaf dog.

(Like they'd let me leave them.)

But seriously, get a prescription for an emergency supply of any urgent meds you might need. You can always rotate them out when the expiration date comes around.

[uppityperson]

19. I do that with my meds. Have 1 that I can live without for about a month

then I die. So, I get several months at a time and rotate them. I figure with 3 months worth I can last maybe 4 and, hopefully, more will be available then. Or I die, so be it.

[blue sky at night]

7. Reading a Steve King Novel........

called "Cell", kind of makes you think about what one would do when all the services go down for a long time. Everyone is walking in the book, I would head for a marina and hit the water.......

[pitohui]

10. yes, a lot of walking around randomly in "cell"

for that matter i felt there was too much walking around in "the stand" but everyone else liked it

[Wwagsthedog]

13. "The Stand" scared the crap out of me.

Didn't get more than halfway though it before putting it, and S. King, down for good. Yes, I know I might be missing something but sleep is more important.

[pitohui]

30. part 1 of "the stand" one of the best works of horror of all time

the story of the superflu was indeed terrifying, truly gut-wrenching, the kind of thing i read a scary story for

but if you don't like a hell of a scare, i don't blame you for putting the book down and running for your life, that one starts w. a bang!

[oscar111]

11. avoid water.. like rivers, lakes, marina

roving gangs will head for them to get water and rob folks. then, typhoid will spread there. Gangs will then head for farm homes with wells that are visible.

drill your own well now.

need i add, cities will be totally unlivable.

[uppityperson]

15. camping gear, including water filter, will be good for a bit.

chemicals and water filter will keep you going for a while. Not into total survivalism, but for a bit.

[oscar111]

21. water ... bleach doesnt kill spores

just an aside to your good ideas...

i was shocked to learn that the bleach idea rec'med by many cities , kills bacteria but not spores . Spores can lead to intestinal parasites. Ugh. Cities are not giving good advice. I suppose boiling is best.

better still, your own well.

[uppityperson]

22. well, depends on where you live.

In city? Perhaps not such a good idea? In country? Many of us have them already, if not, may be a good idea, depending on contamination factors (next to pig farm, etc)

[oscar111]

25. Two months , city water plant runs out of chlorine. Your water ends then

harrowing post by a city water eng. said

the fad now for keeping NO supplies on hand beyond immmediate need

"just in time delivery" fad

or JIT. goal is to end tying up money in stockpiled stuff.

This means,

1 hospitals have very small stockpiles, which is a whole another book of gripes from us citizens. and

2.water plants will run out of chlorine in two months.

then is when cities will become unliveable. No tap water. Jugs of water in your pantry, will help you city dwellers for a while, tho gangs might be a big problem in cities. I would not want to be in a city if birdflu hits.

but cheer up, google Glaxo for recent vaccine news against bflu. They say they have a vaccine, which however might have flaws, or might work well. Experts want to hear more from glaxo.

[pitohui]

31. make a solar cooker and pasteurize your own water

another public service announcement about useful crap you can make from junk by pitohui

:-)

[oscar111]

16. SURVIVALIST forums.. find one you like, and learn what they know

many are said to be RW types, but just go and learn about survival skills.

dont think about their views and you wont get too upset by them.

[savemefromdumbya]

27. I got my duck tape!

[AZBlue]

28. Kick

[Horse with no Name]

29. Timely advice...thank you...however

I will take you to task that it doesn't matter where you live.
If it was River Oaks in Houston or Miami Beach or any other affluent neighborhood...you can bet your ass help would be on it's way--pronto.

[EFerrari]

32. No kidding. But, you know, we still have the numbers.

:)

[uppityperson]

33. Indeed that is true. As is cities will get help before rural areas.

[area51]

34. Great advice

But wasn't the "greatest natural disaster to hit the USA" the unnamed hurricane that hit Galveston, TX in 1900, killing 6,000?

[uppityperson]

37. Depends on what quality "greatest" is.

Yes, many more people died in the Galveston one in 1900, also in 1928 FL one and perhaps 1893 LA one. I think the term "greatest" has been used for not just deaths, but also includes the extent of the damage as well as the cost. From what I can tell, Galveston unnamed struck land at 145mph, Katrina 175mph. These were allbig, did a whole bunch of damage, killed a whole lot of people.

Deaths
Name Year category deaths
1. Great Galveston Hurricane (TX) 1900 4 8000
2. FL (Lake Okeechobee) 1928 4 2500
3. Katrina (LA/MS/FL/GA/AL) 2005 3 1350
4. Cheniere Caminanda (LA) 1893 4 1100-1400

Cost cost
1. Katrina (LA/MS/AL/SE FL) 2005 3 $75,000,000,000
2. Andrew (SE FL/SE LA) 1992 5 $34,954,825,000
3. Charley (FL) 2004 4 $14,000,000,000

[MazeRat7]

35. Here is my list to help others prioritize items for their "Survival Kit"

Assuming the worst and you find yourself in an "urban" survival situation as a result of a natural or man made disaster, these should be your priorities. All these items can easily fit in a small backpack, but I would suggest a water tight utility box like fisherman and hunters use.

Here is the list, but it assumes you know how and when to use each of the items. If not, I would suggest any book on basic survival techniques and several weekends practicing.

1) Water - You will need this before anything else on this list. Here are some options.
a) Hand pump water purifier. You get these at any outdoor supply store. The smaller the micron filter, the better.
b) Water purification tablets. Typically Iodine based, they are a couple of bucks a bottle.
c) Solar still, this is nothing more than a plastic sheet, a hole in the ground, some vegetation, and a receptacle to catch the condensate.

2) First Aid - As a second priority have a good quality kit available and KNOW how to use it.

3) Basic Tools
a) A multi-function knife. There are lots of choices here. I pack both the loaded Swiss Army type and a large "survival" knife.
b) Matches (waterproof), or a magnesium block, or fire starter sticks, or bic lighters, etc, etc... Bottom line you are going to need fire. Have a couple of options you know how to use.
c) Rope and Twine... pack both. The more the better.
d) Candles - these have multiple uses from light to warmth. Besides batteries will go dead.
e) Flashlight - Try to find one of the mini-mags that use Lithium batteries. They last about 10yrs and have great output for the size.
f) Stove - small white gas or bottled fuel type (check your local backpacking/outdoor store)
g) Cookware - something that includes a reasonable size pot for boiling and containers for drinking (spices optional) Again I prefer the small light-weight types we use in the back country.
h) Gloves - You are going to need them. These should be utility types to protect your hands while working and if your in a cold climate you should have a backup pair for warmth.
i) A light thin jacket or windbreaker... hopefully this with whatever other clothing you can scrounge (+ the poncho) will help keep you warm if needed.
g) A hatchet and utility shovel, these will be the heaviest things in your pack (and optional) but well worth it for hammering, chopping, and digging (including pits for sanitation).

Personal Hygiene & Medication - Its a short and personal list but dont forget about it
a) Toilet Paper
b) Soap
c) Toothbrush/Toothpaste
d) Any required medication for all parties (including pets)
e) A small personal face/hand towel and optionally a role of synthetic cloth towels like the "shop towels" at your local auto parts store.


4) Shelter - this may or may not be necessary.. but bottom line prepare to protect yourself from the weather, heat, cold, etc.
a) A good tent. This is completely optional as there are many other options in a "Urban" situation.
b) A Poncho - this is more of a personal shelter. It has many uses.

5) Communications
a) An am/fm/tv band radio - ideal is to have one with a hand-crank magneto so you dont need to worry about power (these also come with a light)
b) Something to signal with - a mirror, flare, etc
c) A cell phone (which will most likely be the most useless item in your pack)



Notice I did not mention food. Unless you suspect being stranded for more than a couple of days (3-5)... food is completely optional. If that freaks you out then opt for the processed high protein/carbo foods like nuts, dried meats (if you must), Romen noodles, etc. In otherwords, anything that you "ADD" water to and boil. Don't try to pack foods that are heavy due to their water content or need preparation beyond heating/boiling.

So thats about it really. Not sure why I bothered to make such a long post except I have seen several such topics in the past months and considering this is something I have some experience with, I thought I would share. Hopefully someone will find this useful.

MZr7