Monday, March 19, 2012

What's in YOUR bag?

Okay, okay. Maybe it was our recent middle-of-the-night fright, maybe it's all these scary TV shows I'm addicted to (The Walking Dead, The River). Maybe it's guilt that I am, after all, a public health nurse and should really be the first person to have this sort of thing on hand. But I have recently started giving a LOT of thought into what the heck JJ and I would do in case of a real emergency. We want to start our own bug out bags. This is basically a "72 hour bag" that you can grab and go in case of fire, earthquake, hurricane, and any other disasters where you may have to depend on only yourself for three days until you are rescued or get to a safe location. Although I am super interested in what kind of provisions we'd need in case of the zombie apocalypse, that kind of thing requires a lot more survival skills and emergency planning than we've got right now, as well as maybe a military bunker and someone like Rambo on our survival team. So right now, I'm focusing on the bags. I'd encourage you all to do the same. I've been doing a lot of research, and below is a comprehensive list of things we'd ideally like to keep in our bags. Look it over! Make your own!

The Bag
You can go all-out and pick a gigantic hiking backpack. You can use one of your old Jansports from college. It doesn't matter as long as you can fit the necessities in there and carry it pretty comfortably. You might want to consider water-proofing it in some fashion or another.

Water
This is the most important thing in your bag. Ideally, each adult needs one gallon of water per day. That's three gallons a person....can you carry that much, plus food, clothes, tools, etc.? Probably not. You are going to want to carry some, like this emergency drinking water from Amazon. Other than that, you will need to get it as you go. You need means to boil it, purify it with iodine tablets, or filter it with something like this in conjunction with coffee filters. Make sure to bring a variety of containers (which you fill before you leave) as well.
Platypus Platy PlusBottle - In Your Choice of Styles
These 1-liter bottles are nice because they take
virtually no space when empty.
Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Insulated Water Bottle with Loop Cap
It's a good idea to have a stainless steel canteen as well, for the purpose of boiling water.

Food
Unless you are a superb hunter or fisherman, you are going to want to bring enough food to last you three days. Canned items like veggies or Hormel chili are cheap, but they are heavy. Or you could go the freeze-dried option, the meals-ready-to-eat (MRE) option, or the emergency rations (ER) option. Make sure you bring along some multi-vitamins to supplement whatever option you pick, as well as some sort of utensil for eating.
Mountain House 72-Hour Emergency Meal Kit
This freeze-dried option by Mountain House
 is pretty awesome. Keep in mind that a kit like this
will often need boiling water, but they are pretty
tasty and cheaper than MREs.

MRE. These require heat (included). However,
they are pretty expensive unless you can get them
from someone who is actually in the military. 


Emergency rations. These are the cheapest, most lightweight, compact, and disgusting option. One bar can have 2400-3200 calories...if you pick this, bring something like trail mix or dried fruit so you don't dread mealtime.


Fire
You always need multiple ways to start a fire. Stormproof matches are a good place to start. You'll also want a lighter of some kind--they sell fancy ones, but a BIC or a Zippo will do. A magnesium fire starter and a sparkie fire starter are also good ideas. Don't forget kindling--cotton balls and petroleum jelly work well, and can also be used for first aid.

Navigation, Communication and Signalling
Every member in your family should have a good, loud whistle like this. Period. End of story. You can keep it on your keychain--so no excuses. A signal mirror is an excellent idea as well--you may need to get the attention of planes or helicopters for rescue.

As for navigation, a GPS (like on a cell phone or Garmin) may work, but to be safe, you should keep manual methods as well. Keep a map of your area and laminate it to keep it water-proof. Invest in a compass and learn how to use these things as well.
Etón Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger
A compact AM/FM radio is a good idea,
to keep track of updates on the situation.
This one is by Eton is pretty fancy, with solar power,
 wind-up crank, cell phone charger, and flashlight.
Motorola Motorola MH230R 22 Channel 23 Mile Two-Way Radios
Walkie-talkies are also a good idea...in case you get separated, to find people in surrounding area, etc.



Clothes
Every region is going to have different requirements, but make sure you pack comfortable shoes and moisture-wicking socks. In cold weather, thermals are a good idea as well. Not going to go into much detail here because everyone is different, but I am going to make two suggestions:
Shemagh or Keffiyeh
A shemagh is an arab-style scarf that is much larger and more durable than a bandana. They have TONS of uses, including sun and dust protection when wrapped around the face, towel, pot holder, turniquet, makeshift bag, pillow...etc.
 Work gloves. More useful than regular gloves, and still keep your hands toasty if you need them too.


First Aid
Being a nurse, I am extremely discriminating about first aid kits. They always seem to have a thousand bandaids and nothing of real value. This one from First Aid Only is a good starting point. I'd pack some of my own stuff in it, including: burn cream, some more gloves, antibiotic ointment, a turniquet, ibuprofen, Immodium, Benadryl, some moleskin, Tylenol, cellox hemostatic granules, compression dressing, hand sanitizer, Pepto-Bismol tablets, and antibiotics.

Tools
Wind 'N Go Waterproof Flashlight (Yellow/Black)
Good, bright flashlights are a must. We like this one because of the rechargeable wind-up mechanic and the fact it's weatherproof.  Lightsticks and road flares are good, non-battery options and you should use one of those as a back-up light method as well.
A multi-tool can help you out in a variety of ways.  Leatherman is a good brand.
550lb. Type III Paracord 100' Black
550 paracord is one of those things that does a million things, from creating shelter, tying things up,  making a turniquet, making a fishing line, etc. It's cheap. Get some.
Victorinox Swiss Army Rescue Tool
Swiss Army knife...a variety of uses that will accompany  your multi-tool. 
Survival Sewing and Repair Kit
I know, a sewing kit may seem like the last thing you need. This one has a variety of needles (which you may need to suture), thread, wire, as well as duct tape. If you don't buy a sewing kit, I'd include these things in your bag anyway.
Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife, Serrated Edge
Yes, a survival knife. The little Swiss Army one is helpful, but not for everything. This one by Gerber has it's own sharpener as well as a firestarter on it, and in real bad situations, can also be used for self-defense.
Other tools you may consider (depending on space and your needs) are: a small hatchet, a folding shovel, a pocket size fishing kit, bungee cords, a collapsible camp bucket, and survival snares. Great cheap tools also include heavy duty garbage bags and ziplock baggies...useful for a lot of things.

Protection and Shelter
I mean protection from the elements here, people. You'll probably want some sunblock (I like Bullfrog because I know a little goes a long way) and bug spray (to help prevent complications like malaria and lyme disease). Protect your lungs with an N-95 respirator. Ponchos, emergency shelter, and thermal mylar blankets are all great ideas. You can also get a sleeping bag, bivvy, or real two-person tent, but that's when things start to get really heavy. JJ and I are leaning towards cold-weather gear because we live on the East Coast, but Arizona folks may want to lean towards desert protection.
Space All Weather Blanket
I like this blanket from Space-All because it's thermal, but can function as a tarp or a little tent in a pinch.

Other Helpfuls
Hygiene kit. Those travel-size hotel freebies work great. You may also want to include Kleenex packets or toilet paper (it's more compact if you unroll it and fold it up). Don't forget a toothbrush and deodorant!
Cash. You're not going to want to bring a TON of cash, but if you are in a survival situation, you may need some.
Important documents. You may want to copy them, or scan them onto a flashdrive. Things to include: driver's licenses, passports, social security cards, health insurance information, immunization records, firearm carrying license, contact information for people you know, important family pictures (may be used to help identify and reunite as well), work licenses (ie, RN license), pertinent financial documents, and health information for your pets (ie, rabies vaccination).
Items for Pets. We keep Meeko's carrier next to the bed in case anything happens, so we won't have to search for it. Keep an extra leash and flea collar in your bag, as well as food/treats for your pet and something for them to eat/drink out of.
Travel-tainer
We like this container from Traveltainer because it includes the eating and drinking cups.
Survival Handbook. Your gear is no good unless you know how to use it. I'd suggest reading some of this stuff before the emergency...I know I'm definitely planning on flipping through a couple.
Firearm. Not for everyone, but unfortunately for humanity, when shit hits the fan, there are some people out there who revert to stealing and hurting people to help themselves. Something to consider.


Other Ways to Prepare
Keep your bag in a close location, so you can grab it at a moment's notice. Keep up-to-date on your Hepatitis A and Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis vaccinations. Have a plan. Talk about the plan. Act out the plan. Teach all children and pets about the plan. Meeko knows his carrier is a safe space. Anytime we pick it up and put it in the living room, he runs right in....that definitely was helpful on Friday night.


Anyway, I know that was a LOOONG post, but I think it's important. I don't claim to be any sort of survival expert, but I think everyone should work on a kit like this...even if all you can swing right now is an old backpack, some granola bars, some water bottles, clean socks and underwear, and copies of your documents, DO IT. You'll still be way more prepared than most people, and you can always upgrade as you go.

What do you have in your survival kit? 

Saturday, March 17, 2012

We were almost ASLEEP!

That night before Thanksgiving my senior year of high school may have been the scariest night of my life. There is an image etched permanently into my mind from then; an image I have shared with every fellow fake-fire-alarm evacuator (and more importantly, the sit-in-the-apartment-and-plug-my-ears while-that-alarm-drills-into-my-skull-ers). I cannot adequately describe the feelings associated with flinging opening your shutters at 1 am and realizing that the house ACROSS THE STREET is not just on fire, people. Not just on fire. ABLAZE. Spewing it's flame-tongues across the street you walk every day to the school bus, to your house. Your room. Your home. Running down the hall to where your parents are fast asleep, barely able to get out the words "The house is on fire" (even though that wasn't precisely true), pulling on pants, shoes, jackets, herding our two puppies and RUNNING out the back door. My father still in his underwear hosing down our roof. The telephone ringing, ringing, ringing. I have these flashes of memories in my head, but no words could do them justice.

Unfortunately folks, I know what that's like.

That night is etched into my head so completely that when I was lying awake this evening in bed, staring at shadows on our wall, the first thought about that soft orange glow, the sounds of lumber crashing, wasn't, "Stupid noisy truck. Dim your headlights!" I was on my feet, yelling at JJ to wake the hell up before I even looked out the window because I KNEW in my BONES what the hell that was. A quick peek from the window of our fifth-story apartment only confirmed this--flames spewing out from the window across the alley from where we live, licking the sides of our building. I could feel the warmth from that blaze from the window.

I'd like to think that I'm an expert in this whole the-fire-is-real-so-lets-evacuate-quickly thing, but I'm totally not. JJ was calm and cool while I was running around with one slipper on yelling about how I wasn't going to leave the cat behind. It was a flurry of motion and movement, but all in all, I think we are both glad I didn't clean too much today, as shoes, jackets, and pants were all readily available on the floor around the bed. Kitty and purse in hand, we darted out the door (all the while I was pounding on our neighbor's doors to wake them up) and ran down the hall to the stairs and out the building. We sat in the parking lot for two hours, unable to really see the progress of the flames and wondering how far that fire got.

We were lucky. Right now, we are sitting comfortably on our couch, soothing Meeko (the fire alarms are still going off and he's a bit freaked out). I know it's always easy to think that this could never happen to you, but please, people. I beg you. You may not be so lucky. ALWAYS evacuate, even if you live in an apartment or dorm building that is notorious for fire alarms for things like burnt pop corn in the basement. Have a plan. Keep important things (animal leash/carrier, passports, wallet, shoes etc.) someplace you won't have to look for them in case of a fire.

This is the creepy old building the fire was in. As you can see, it's VERY  close to us. The fire was probably arson. After all, can you think of a better place for general crime and skullduggery than a creepy abandoned old building like this one?

For obvious reasons, no I don't have a picture of the blaze. Right now the fire ladder is just outside our window, smoke billowing out, and you can see the flashlights of those hardworking firemen on all the floors of that building.  

A video by someone in Lowell. Our apartment is directly across from that covered catwalk.