Thursday, September 01, 2005
Preparing for disaster
I lived less than 3 miles from ground zero on 9/11, and it was quite a wake up call. In the months that followed I made some basic preparations that would allow my family to stay in our apartment without power or water for at least several days. I also made preparations in the event we would have to evacuate on short notice (in the event of, say, a dirty bomb detonation). Basic emergency supplies should include water, food, light, basic hygiene and first aid supplies, a radio, and perhaps some tools, depending on your situation. The ability to grab a pre-stocked bag could make a big difference if your street is filling up with water or your neighborhood is about to be swallowed by fire.
Imagine how much easier the plight of the New Orleans refugees would be if every family had nothing more than a basic 72 hour bag (as suggested by the Dept. of Homeland Security) to rely on as they wait for the government and other agencies to get help to them.
There are a lot of good resources available for preparing, and some excellent vendors. If you really want to immerse yourself in this stuff, Captain Dave's Survival Center has loads of information (although it leans somewhat into survivalist territory). Nitro-pak is also an excellent source for emergency supplies and basic information. There are many others.
The point is that if you wait for the disaster, it is too late. No matter where you live, everyone should take some steps to protect themselves and their families. We can see how quickly local services can be overwhelmed in a major disaster, and how quickly desperate people can bring about total chaos.
1 Comments:
By 
Papa Ray, at
Fri Sep 02, 12:39:00 AM:
Living out in the wild flatlands of Texas has taught our family many things over the ( apx. 180 years)years.
It has taught us that we must (at the very least )have the following ON HAND at all times.
Water- storage tanks, several, wells-3, windmills-4
Food- canned, freeze dried, dry, preserved.
food seeds and fertlizer
hand operated garden tools
Basement, large, six room, two for storage, two for living complete with bathroom and kitchen. Three emergency exits, filtered air supplied. Flood protected.
Plus we still have two "root cellars" that are over a hundred years old for storage.
Extensive Medical supplies
(this can not be overstated)
FUEL - for transportation electricty,heating and cooking-More than one kind.
Wood
Coal
propane
gasoline
kerosene
Wind powered turbine
solar cells
Spare lamps, lanterns, batteries,wires,connectors
Solar cells for trickle charge to Marine type batteries
Insect replent, poison, all kinds of soap, cleaners and bleach, lots of bleach.
Containers, lots of them, open and ones that will seal. All sizes. Hose, lots of hose, different sizes. Clamps, lots of different sizes. valves
for hoses, all sizes.
hand powered generator type radio[s], flashlights
old style telephones
roll of telephone wire
Shortwave radios, two
Plenty of heavy clothes, blankets, tarps, rolls of heavy plastic, a case of duct tape, ropes, tent pegs, wire (several sizes) hand tools of all descriptions (hand powered).
Spare boots, shoes, socks lots of socks and heavy work clothes. Gloves, all kinds, artic, leather, cloth, plastic.
Containers, heavy duty, different sizes with lids.
Spare vehicles, off road, three wheel and bycicles. Wagons, trailers and tires.
Air pumps, tire repair kits. tire preservitive.
Three generators, one small,one medium, one large
Spare parts and maintenance parts and supplies for generators.
Service manuals for same.
My list goes on and on, but I am rural and have plenty of storage space and practice in dealing with bad weather and other crisis.
Last but not least by any means. four pistols, three high powered rifles, three 22 rifles, two shotguns and cases and cases of ammo.
Cleaning kits for weapons.
Of course, I have several cases of wine,vodka and whisky, but that's just me.
Don't forget to rotate perishable items and replace aged items.
And no, I'm not one of those survival nuts, just careful and prepared. I have a large family, they are scattered, but they are all coming here if and when there are problems.
I'll take care of them.
Papa Ray
West Texas
USA
