Category: Opinion

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Fire In Your Home? – What You Need To Do Quickly

Fire In Your Home? - What You Need To Do Quickly

Experiencing a fire in your home is a dangerous and very stressful situation that requires immediate and effective action. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

Sound the Fire Alarm

  • Alert Others: Shout “Fire!” to alert everyone in the house. If you have smoke detectors, they should already be sounding the alarm.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

  • Remain Calm: Take a deep breath and assess the fire situation quickly.
    • Stop
    • Look
    • Listen
    • Smell
  • Determine the Source: Identify the location and size of the fire if possible.

Evacuate Immediately

  • Use the Nearest Exit: Follow your planned escape route. If your primary exit is blocked, use an alternative route.
  • Stay Low: Smoke rises, so stay close to the floor to avoid inhaling toxic fumes.
  • Check Doors: Before opening a door, use the back of your hand to check if it’s hot. If it’s hot, find another exit. If it’s cool, open it slowly and proceed if it’s safe.
  • Avoid Elevators: Use stairs instead of elevators, as elevators might become inoperative or malfunction during a fire.

Assist Others

  • Help Those Who Need It: Assist family members, especially children, older individuals, or those with mobility issues.
  • Don’t Go Back: Do not return to the building for any reason once you’ve exited, even if you think you’ve forgotten something.

Call for Help

  • Dial Emergency Services: Once safely outside, call 911 or your local emergency services. Tell them your location and give details about the situation.
  • Do Not Hang Up: Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.

Account for Everyone

  • Gather at a Safe Meeting Spot: Once outside, gather at a predetermined meeting point to ensure everyone is accounted for.
  • Do a Headcount: Verify that all family members, including pets, are safe and outside.

If Trapped

  • Stay Put: If you cannot escape, stay in a room with a window. Seal gaps around doors with clothing or towels to prevent smoke from entering.
  • Signal for Help: Use a flashlight or wave a bright cloth at the window to signal for help.
  • Call for Help: Use your phone to call 911 and provide your exact location within the house.

After the Fire

  • Wait for Firefighters: Do not re-enter the building until it has been declared safe.
  • Follow Instructions: Cooperate with emergency services and follow their instructions for re-entry and safety.

Fire Prevention and Preparedness

  • Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed in key areas of your home and test them monthly. Replace batteries annually.
  • Create an Escape Plan: Develop and practice a fire escape plan with all household members, including multiple exit routes.
  • Practice Drills: Conduct regular drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.
  • Fire Extinguishers: Keep fire extinguishers in key areas (e.g., kitchen) and know how to use them. They should be maintained and inspected regularly. Keep a fire extinguisher near or in your bedrooms. So you have the tools you need to get out if you wake to a fire.
  • Emergency Fire Blankets; Easily one of the most important safety items you can have in your home! I keep multiple in my house.
  • Fire Safety Education: Educate family members about fire safety, including how to stop, drop, and roll if clothing catches fire. Ensure every family member knows how to use a fire extinguisher effectively.
    • Pull: There is a small pin that prevents the fire extinguisher from accidentally being discharged, all you have to do is pull it out.
    • Aim: Aim the nozzle low at the base of the fire.
    • Squeeze: Squeeze the trigger you just pulled the pin out of. Remember to squeeze it slowly and evenly, so the extinguisher is as effective as possible.
    • Sweep: Sweep the extinguisher from side to side to cover all areas the fire may have spread to.

Considerations for Pets

  • Pet Safety: Include pets in your escape plan. Designate a family member to ensure pets are safely evacuated, or plan for their safe relocation if you cannot reach them immediately.

Post-Fire Actions

  • Contact Your Insurance: Report the fire to your home insurance provider and start the claims process.
  • Seek Support: Contact local emergency services or community organizations for support with temporary housing or other needs.

You can protect yourself and your loved ones by staying prepared, practicing safety protocols, and knowing how to respond. Preparedness is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring a swift and effective response during a fire.

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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Water Storage – Being Successful In An Unexpected Emergency

Water Storage For Emergencies

Water storage is a crucial aspect of emergency preparedness, as access to clean water can be compromised during unexpected emergencies such as natural disasters, power outages, or contamination events. Remember, WATER IS LIFE!

How to successfully prepare for and manage water storage for emergencies:

Assess Your Needs

  • Determine Consumption: Estimate the amount of water your household needs. A general guideline is to store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Practical application shows that three gallons per person per day is more appropriate
  • Plan for Duration: Store enough water for at least three days, ideally up to two weeks, depending on your needs and available storage space.

Select the Right Water Containers

  • Food-Grade Containers: Use food-grade plastic containers or barrels specifically for water storage. Avoid using containers that previously held non-food substances.
  • Water Storage Bottles: Use clean, sealable bottles and jugs can be used for smaller amounts. Ensure they are BPA-free. Empty fruit juice bottles are good too, make sure they are cleaned thoroughly and protected from light.
  • Water Bladders: These are flexible, large-capacity containers that can be stored in various spaces.

Proper Water Storage Techniques

  • Clean Containers: Thoroughly clean and sanitize your containers, before filling. Use a solution of one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per quart of water, then rinse well.
  • Cool, Dark Place: Store water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent algae growth and degradation.
  • Elevate Containers: Store water containers off the ground to avoid contamination from soil and to facilitate easier access.

Regular Maintenance

  • Rotation: Rotate your water supply every six months to ensure freshness. Use the older water for non-potable purposes and replace it with fresh water.
  • Inspection: Regularly check stored water for any signs of contamination or degradation, such as unusual colors or odors.

Water Purification

  • Purification Methods: In case of contamination, purify water using methods such as boiling, water purification tablets, or filters designed for removing bacteria and viruses.
  • Bleach: Treat your water with unscented household bleach. Decide the amount of bleach you should add to the water, for example, 8 drops of 6% bleach, or 6 drops of 8.25% bleach, to each gallon of water. Double the amount of bleach if the water is cloudy, colored, or very cold. Do not use scented, color-safe, or bleach with added cleaners.
  • Boiling: Boil water for at least one minute (or three minutes at higher altitudes) to kill pathogens.
  • Water Purification Tablets: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Filters: Use high-quality water filters that remove bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Ensure the filter is suitable for your needs.

Emergency Water Sources

  • Rainwater Collection: Set up a rainwater collection system with clean barrels or containers. Ensure the system is covered to prevent contamination.
  • Natural Water Sources: Use river or lake water. Using flowing water is better than still, stagnant water. Above all always purify your water.
  • Water from Pipes: Collect water from your pipes before the water supply is disrupted and fill bathtubs and sinks if advance notice is given. Likewise, your water heater has fresh water in it, be sure to turn it off first.

Usage and Conservation

  • Prioritize Needs: Use stored water primarily for drinking and cooking, limit non-essential uses, and practice water conservation techniques.
  • Sanitation: Use alternative sanitation methods, such as disposable wipes or hand sanitizers if water is limited.

Special Considerations

  • Infants and Medical Needs: Ensure you have enough water for infants, special dietary needs, or medical requirements, such as dialysis or medications that require water.
  • Pets: Don’t forget to store extra water for pets.

Plan for Large Groups

  • Community Storage: If you’re part of a community or organization, coordinate water storage and distribution plans with others.
  • Bulk Storage: For larger groups or organizations, use larger barrels or tanks and implement a distribution plan.

Stay Informed

  • Emergency Alerts: Keep updated on local emergency plans and any alerts that affect your water supply.
  • Water Safety Information: Stay informed about safe water practices and contamination risks relevant to your area.

Following these guidelines will ensure you have a reliable and safe water supply in an emergency, ensuring you meet your drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs.

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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Traumatic Injuries In An Emergency – How To Prepare

How To Prepare For Traumatic Injuries In An Emergency

Preparing for traumatic injuries in an emergency involves understanding how to manage severe injuries effectively until professional medical help arrives.
Here’s a guide to help you prepare and respond to traumatic injuries:

Personal Safety

  • Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Assess the scene for potential hazards before assisting.

Training and Education

  • First Aid Certification: Take a certified First Aid and CPR course to learn how to handle traumatic injuries, perform life-saving techniques, and use medical equipment properly.
  • Stop The Bleed: Take a course from a certified instructor and learn how to control life-threatening bleeding. Blood loss is the number one cause of preventable death after injury.
  • Emergency Medical Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with basic medical knowledge related to trauma, such as how to recognize signs of shock, bleeding control, and wound management.

Emergency Kit Preparation

  • First Aid Kit: Assemble a comprehensive first aid kit with items specifically designed for treating traumatic injuries. Essential items include:
  • Adhesive bandages: Various sizes for minor cuts and abrasions.
  • Sterile gauze pads and rolls: For covering wounds and controlling bleeding.
  • Hemostatic Gauze: Dressings proven to clot blood and prevent blood loss quickly.
  • Pressure Dressings: For covering wounds requiring pressure to control the bleeding.
  • Adhesive tape: To secure gauze and bandages.
  • Antiseptic wipes or solution: For cleaning wounds.
  • Elastic bandages: For sprains or to apply pressure to wounds.
  • Trauma shears: To cut clothing and bandages.
  • Tourniquet: For severe bleeding when direct pressure isn’t effective.
  • Chest Seals: For penetration wounds in the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
  • Splints: To immobilize suspected fractures or sprains.
  • Burn dressings: For treating burns.
  • CPR face shield or mask: For performing CPR safely.
  • Medical gloves: For hygiene and protection. Consider using drug-resistant gloves.

Plan and Prepare

  • Develop a Plan: Create an emergency plan that includes responding to traumatic injuries. Share this plan with family members, coworkers, or anyone who may be involved in emergencies.
  • Designate a Safe Area: Identify a safe and accessible location to treat injuries, especially if you have to move people to safety first.

Recognize and Respond to Common Traumatic Injuries

  • Bleeding: Apply direct pressure to control bleeding. Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding on a limb is severe and doesn’t stop, use a tourniquet above the injury.
  • Fractures and Dislocations: Immobilize the injured area with a splint, never try to straighten the break. Avoid moving the person unless necessary to avoid further injury. Seek professional medical help as soon as possible.
  • Burns: Cool burns with running water for at least 10 minutes. Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing and avoid using ice or ointments. Seek medical attention for severe burns.
  • Shock: Keep the person warm and comfortable. Lay them flat and elevate their legs if possible. Monitor their breathing and pulse. Avoid giving them food or drink.
  • Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries: Minimize movement of the head, neck, and spine. Keep the person still and provide support until professional help arrives. Move the injured person only when absolutely necessary.

Communication

  • Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and medical facilities, in your emergency kit and accessible locations.
  • Information Sharing: Communicate clearly with emergency responders about the nature of the injuries, the number of injured persons, and any other relevant information.

Mental and Emotional Preparedness

  • Stress Management: Prepare yourself mentally for high-stress situations. Understanding that traumatic injuries can be overwhelming can help you stay focused and effective.
  • Stay Calm: You must remain calm to be an effective rescuer.
  • Emotional Support: Be prepared to provide emotional support to injured individuals and bystanders. Traumatic injuries can cause significant psychological stress.

Regular Review and Practice

  • Practice Drills: Regularly practice emergency response drills, including dealing with traumatic injuries, to ensure readiness.
  • Update Supplies: Regularly check and update your first aid kit to ensure it contains up-to-date supplies and replace any expired items.
  • Stay Informed: Be aware of any legal considerations regarding first aid and medical response in your area. Knowing your responsibilities and limitations can help you respond appropriately. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that will protect you when you are acting in “Good Faith”

By preparing adequately, understanding how to manage traumatic injuries, and having the necessary tools and knowledge, you can effectively respond to emergencies and provide critical care until professional help arrives.

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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Develop a successful communication plan for unexpected emergency

Develop a successful communication plan for unexpected emergency

During an emergency, conventional communication methods may become compromised due to power outages, network failures, or high volume. It’s important to have alternative communication methods ready to ensure that information can still be conveyed effectively. Here are several alternate methods of communication during an emergency:

Two-Way Radios

  • Advantages: Reliable for communication over short to medium distances, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage. They don’t rely on cellular networks or internet connectivity.
  • Usage: Ideal for coordination among emergency response teams, community groups, and in situations where immediate, reliable communication is needed.

Satellite Phones

  • Advantages: Operate independently of local cellular networks, making them useful in remote areas or where infrastructure is damaged.
  • Usage: Useful for contacting emergency services or coordinating with external support organizations when other communication networks are down.

Emergency Broadcast Radios

  • Advantages: Can receive broadcasts even during power outages if battery-operated. Useful for receiving official updates and information from emergency services.
  • Usage: Ideal for staying informed about weather conditions, alerts, and other important updates.

Whistle Signals

  • Advantages: Simple, requires no technology, and can be heard over long distances in quiet environments.
  • Usage: Effective for signaling distress or coordinating in small groups, especially in outdoor or remote areas.

Visual Signals

  • Advantages: Includes methods like flares, signal mirrors, or flags. Great for signaling over distances or in situations where verbal communication is impractical.
  • Usage: Can be used for signaling distress or coordinating with others in a visible range.

Community Bulletin Boards

  • Advantages: Provides a physical place for posting updates and instructions. Useful in areas where people gather.
  • Usage: Effective for disseminating information in local communities or neighborhoods.

Emergency Alert Systems (Local)

  • Advantages: Use sirens or automated messages to alert the public of emergencies.
  • Usage: Often used for immediate, widespread communication of emergencies such as natural disasters or chemical spills.

Pre-Arranged Meeting Points

  • Advantages: Ensures that people have a designated place to go for information and coordination.
  • Usage: Effective for families or groups to reunite and receive updates during and after an emergency.

Signal Lights

  • Advantages: Includes methods like flashlight signals or beacon lights. Useful for visual communication over distances at night.
  • Usage: Effective for coordinating with others in low visibility conditions.

Social Media (if operational)

  • Advantages: Provides real-time updates and allows for sharing information widely. Can also be used to coordinate with others if internet access is available.
  • Usage: Useful for disseminating information and receiving updates from others, provided the platforms are functioning.

Community Networks and Local Radio Stations

  • Advantages: Offer localized communication and information, especially if they have backup power systems.
  • Usage: Effective for receiving specific updates related to local conditions or instructions.

Manual Messaging

  • Advantages: Handwritten notes or messages passed manually can be useful in localized settings.
  • Usage: Effective in small, contained areas or for communicating directly with individuals when electronic methods fail.

Emergency Kits with Communication Tools

  • Advantages: Pre-packaged kits can include radios, batteries, and other essential tools.
  • Usage: Ensures that individuals and families have communication tools during emergencies.

Having a variety of communication methods ensures that you can maintain contact and relay critical information even when primary systems fail. It is important to practice using these alternate methods as part of your emergency preparedness plan.

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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Hygiene During Survival – Will You Be A Victim?

Hygiene during an Emergency

The risk of getting sick and potentially dying during an emergency largely depends on the type of emergency and how well you manage hygiene and health precautions. Here’s a breakdown:

Types of Emergencies and Their Risks:

Natural Disasters (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes):

  • Sanitation Risks: Flooding can contaminate drinking water and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Disruption of waste management can lead to unsanitary conditions.
  • Health Risks: Poor hygiene can lead to gastrointestinal infections, skin infections, and respiratory issues.
  • Mitigation: Purify water, use proper waste disposal methods, and maintain cleanliness to reduce the risk of disease.

Hygiene during Pandemics or Infectious Disease Outbreaks:

  • Sanitation Risks: High, risk of spreading infections if good practices are not followed, such as frequent handwashing and proper sanitation.
  • Health Risks: Increased chance of contracting and spreading the disease, which can lead to severe health complications or death.
  • Mitigation: Follow recommended hygiene practices like handwashing, using sanitizers, and wearing masks if advised.

Hygiene During Power Outages:

  • Sanitation Risks: Loss of refrigeration can lead to food spoilage, and if there’s no running water, maintaining cleanliness will become very difficult.
  • Health Risks: Foodborne illnesses from spoiled food and dehydration or contamination from inadequate sanitation.
  • Mitigation: Use alternative methods to keep food cold, purify water, and use hand sanitizers.

Extended Isolation (e.g., in a remote area):

  • Hygiene Risks: Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities.
  • Health Risks: Increased risk of infections and other health issues due to poor hygiene.
  • Mitigation: Use water purification methods, store and manage waste properly, and use any available sanitation products efficiently.

How to Minimize Risks:

Preparation:

  • Keep an emergency kit with hygiene supplies (e.g., soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants).
  • Have a plan for water purification and waste disposal.

Practice Good Hygiene:

  • Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Keep living areas clean and disinfected.

Monitor Health and Hygiene:

  • Watch for signs of illness and seek medical attention if needed.
  • Manage any injuries promptly with a first aid kit.

Stay Informed:

  • Follow local health and safety guidelines specific to the emergency you’re facing.

In summary, while poor hygiene during an emergency increases the risk of illness and complications, following proper hygiene practices and being prepared can significantly reduce these risks and help you stay healthy.

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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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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Emergency Preparedness, The Rule of Threes

Emergency - The Rule of Threes

In an emergency, you will not last more than …

  • Three seconds without staying calm
  • Three minutes without breathing
  • Three hours without taking shelter
  • Three days without water
  • Three weeks without eating
  • Three months without community

Numbers are not concrete because they depend on the situation, environment, and person, but the rule of three gives us a solid base

In an Emergency -Stay Calm, Apply First Aid, Find shelter, Find water, Find food, Build community

  1. Stay Calm: Your initial response in an emergency should be to stay calm and think clearly. This will help you make rational decisions and manage the situation effectively.
    Stop, Look, Listen, Smell, and Breathe
  2. Apply First Aid: Tend to any injuries and provide first aid to yourself and others if needed. This might include treating wounds, administering CPR, or stabilizing injuries.
    https://www.nwsurvival.us/2024/05/15/cpr-aed-and-first-aid-training/
  3. Find Shelter: Secure a safe place to protect yourself and others from environmental hazards. Shelter is crucial during an emergency for maintaining safety and comfort. https://www.nwsurvival.us/2018/06/26/tarp-shelters-learn-them-love-them/
  4. Find Water: Locate a source of clean drinking water. Staying hydrated is essential for survival and overall health. https://www.nwsurvival.us/2018/05/31/water-is-life/
  5. Find Food: Source food to maintain energy and nutrition. This can involve foraging, hunting, or rationing existing supplies.
  6. Build Community: Strengthen your group’s cohesion and collaborate with others. This can include:
    • Assessing Skills: Identify and utilize the skills of each member for tasks such as first aid, navigation, and cooking.
    • Assigning Roles: Delegate tasks to ensure everyone contributes and meets all needs efficiently.
    • Sharing Resources: Pool resources and share information to maximize survival chances during an emergency.
    • Supporting Each Other: Provide emotional support and encouragement to boost morale and maintain a positive group dynamic.
    • Creating Plans: Work together to develop plans for long-term survival, including safety strategies and ways to signal for help.

Building a strong community in an emergency can improve resilience and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

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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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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Veterans Day

Today is not a day to celebrate those that died for their country.

It is a day to celebrate all of those that stood up and said, I will defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the principles that it stands for against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. I will do this at whatever cost it levies, up to and including my life.
 
They do not serve or fight for politicians, they serve and fight for us, the citizens of this country, after all, they are us. They serve and fight for those that stand next to them and those that stand behind them. This is the heart of the veteran.
 
They represent a very small group, only about 5% of our population 1 in 20, yet they are the defenders of liberty and freedom. They stand to and say, you shall not pass!
 
My uncle once said to me 

I do not wear this uniform and serve my country because I love war, I do so with the greatest of hopes and convictions that the generations to follow me will not have to. So that they may inherit a world where peace and love rule.

 
He finally retired when he returned from Iraq, after serving 27 years.
Some veterans never saw the violence of war and never will, yet they made the same commitment and steeled themselves against the possibility.


These are the men and women we honor today!

As Always,

Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

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National Preparedness Month

Well, here we are well into the third week of National Preparedness Month. What have you done to make yourself and family more prepared? Nothing, why not? Who is going to get you prepared? Do you think you will just magically be able to deal with whatever crises are presented to you? Do you believe the government will save you?

A disaster is defined as an incident where the needs of those affected exceed the available resources!

Read that again! There is a common phrase used by people that live outside of the urban/suburban areas where response times by emergency services is easily in excess of 30, usually 60 minutes. It is YOYO, (You’re On Your Own), this is how it will be should a disaster strike. The resources provided by the Federal, State and Local governments will be stretched beyond their capacity. It is a simple truth, by definition.

It is advisable and important for each of us as responsible citizens to do our best to have at least the basic supplies needed to endure through a crisis or disaster. We not only owe it to ourselves and family but our community as well. By getting ourselves prepared we make ourselves an asset to all those around us. It is similar to the safety briefing on a plane. When the oxygen masks come down, put yours on first, only then are you prepared to assist others.

Do you want to be an asset or a liability?

Now, I don’t want you to feel like you need to be an over the top prepper unless you want to be. All I am asking is that you take a few minutes and dollars and put together a few things for just in case.

Grab-n-Go Bag

Here is a good start on a Grab and Go bag. It takes very little time or resources to put one together. You can get the backpacks at a resale shop, the clothes you already have. You can use last years clothing if it is out of style you won’t care when you are warm and dry. Put that pair of shoes you just replaced because they were just too dirty in a plastic bag and stow them in your vehicle. There is literally very little excuse not to at least put something together, something is better than nothing. Remember to include feel good items, like toilet paper, fresh underwear, a clean shirt, and clean socks. Make a bag for each member of your family. If you have children have them help!

Most important of all, just start doing something!

Every journey starts with the first step, without it we will never go anywhere. So stop putting it off. Get up off your couch, go to the thrift store. Take your list with you to the dollar store. Just start moving towards being an asset to yourself, your family, and your community.

We offer classes on most subjects related to urban safety and survival.

CERT.jpgIf you are interested in contributing to the welfare of your fellow citizens during a disaster, consider joining your local CERT organization. They will provide you with training for free, all you have to do is show up!

As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared

 

 

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