If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, then you need to have a plan in place in case one strikes. Part of that plan should include having a tornado bug-out bag ready to go.
A tornado bug-out bag is a bag that contains all of the essential items you need to survive for at least 72 hours if you are forced to evacuate your home. In this post, we will tell you what you need to include in your tornado bug-out bag.
By having a bag ready to go, you can rest assured that you will have everything you need to survive should a tornado strike.
First Things First
The first thing you need to do is choose a backpack that is big enough to hold everything but not so big that it becomes cumbersome to carry. Then, you will need to stock it with the following items:
Tips for Putting Together a Tornado Bug Out Bag
One of the most important things to remember when putting together your tornado bug-out bag is to think about what you would need if you had to evacuate your home immediately. You will want to make sure that the bag is easy to carry so that you can grab it and go if necessary.
It is also important to pack items that do not require electricity, as there may not be any available during a power outage. You will also want to think about what you would need if you were stranded away from home for an extended period.
By considering these things, you can be sure that you are prepared for anything.
What Should Be in a Tornado Bug Out Bag?
There are many different items that you may want to consider putting in your tornado bug-out bag. The most important thing is to make sure that you have the essentials, such as water, food, and a first aid kit.
You will also want to consider items such as a flashlight, batteries, and a radio. Other items that you may want to include are clothes, Blankets, and money.
Water
This is where you want to make sure to pack enough water for yourself and each member of your family.
Water is another essential item for your BOB. You will need at least three days’ worth of water—preferably more if you live in a hot climate or if you have young children or pets who will need additional water. Pack both bottled water and a filtration system so that you can purify any water you find along the way.
Food
One of the most important things to consider when packing your BOB is food. You will need enough non-perishable food to last for 72 hours. Canned goods, peanut butter, energy bars, and dried fruit are all good options. You should also pack a manual can opener if you are including canned goods in your BOB.
Cooking Supplies
If you can pack a portable stove, propane, and matches, then do so. Otherwise, pack instant coffee, tea, and other non-perishable items that do not require cooking.
First Aid Kit
No matter where you live, it’s always a good idea to include first-aid supplies in your BOB. A basic first-aid kit should include bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and antihistamines.
If anyone in your family has medication they need to take daily—such as insulin or asthma inhalers—be sure to pack those as well.
Clothing
Pack enough clothing for each person for three days. Be sure to pack seasonally appropriate items such as rain gear and sturdy shoes.
Bedding
Pack blankets or sleeping bags for each person including pillows if possible.
Hygiene Products
Be sure to pack soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine products, and anything else you would deem necessary.
Tools and Supplies
A wrench or pliers can be used to turn off utilities if necessary while a flashlight will come in handy if the power goes out. It is also a good idea to pack duct tape, rope, and garbage bags.
Important Documents
Keep copies of important documents such as birth certificates and driver’s licenses in your tornado bug-out bag so you can access them if needed. You may also want to consider keeping cash on hand in case ATMs are unavailable after a disaster.
Entertainment
Pack books, games, and other items that can help pass the time if you are stuck in an evacuation shelter or without power for an extended time.
Final Thoughts Tornado Bug-Out Bag
A tornado bug-out bag is an essential item for anyone who lives in an area that is prone to tornadoes. By taking the time to put one together, you can rest assured knowing that you have everything you need should a disaster strike.
Venturing into the backcountry during winter is an exhilarating experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for the potential dangers of avalanches. A avalanche survival kit is a critical set of tools designed to assist in the event of being caught in an avalanche.
These kits are meant to increase your chances of survival and aid in a swift rescue. Equally important is the knowledge of how to use this gear effectively, which can be the difference between life and death.
Your avalanche survival kit should include an avalanche transceiver, a device that can help locate you or a buried companion under the snow. When paired with a sturdy snow probe, you can pinpoint a precise location, streamlining rescue efforts.
Additionally, a reliable shovel is crucial for digging out snow quickly. It’s also advisable to familiarize yourself with these tools before heading out, as every second counts in an emergency situation.
Moreover, wearing an avalanche airbag can significantly improve your odds of staying near the surface if an avalanche strikes. While the gear is indispensable, remember that avoiding avalanches altogether through careful planning and awareness is paramount.
Keeping abreast of avalanche forecasts, understanding the terrain, and never underestimating the power of nature are essential practices for every backcountry adventurer.
Essentials of an Avalanche Survival Kit
In the event of an avalanche, your survival significantly depends on the right equipment. This includes devices for location, digging, and immediate medical response.
Avalanche Beacon
An avalanche beacon is critical for locating victims buried in snow. As a standard for backcountry travelers, it transmits a signal that other beacons can pick up, guiding rescuers to your precise location quickly.
Probe
After an avalanche, the next step is to pinpoint the precise location of a victim. A probe is an extendable rod that you use after your beacon search to feel beneath the snow. Time is of the essence, and a probe can make all the difference.
Shovel
Once you’ve located someone with your probe, you’ll need a shovel to dig them out. Shovels specifically designed for avalanche rescue are lightweight yet strong, enabling you to move snow rapidly without additional strain.
First Aid Supplies
Immediate medical assistance can be crucial. Having a set of first aid supplies tailored to treat avalanche-specific injuries, like hypothermia or trauma, increases the likelihood of survival while waiting for rescue teams.
Personal Safety Gear
In your avalanche survival kit, personal safety gear is vital. Each piece is designed to enhance your chances of survival and rescue in the case of an avalanche incident.
Avalanche Airbag
An avalanche airbag can help keep you near the surface if you’re caught in a slide. To use, you’ll pull a handle that inflates the airbag. Remember, it’s an additional measure, not a standalone solution, and should be used with other safety gear. For more information about avalanche airbags, visit Avalanche Gear Checklist: Be Prepared for the Backcountry.
Helmet
A helmet is crucial—it protects your head from impact with rocks, ice, or snow. Choose a helmet specifically designed for snow sports for optimal protection.
Snow Goggles
Visibility is critical in snowy terrain. Snow goggles provide clear vision and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, wind, and debris. Use goggles with lenses suitable for a variety of light conditions.
Breathing Device
A breathing device, often known as an avalanche survival airbag, allows you to breathe even if buried. It buys you more time under the snow, which can be crucial for rescue efforts.
Navigation and Communication Tools
In the event of an avalanche, effective navigation and communication tools are vital for both prevention and rescue efforts. Ensuring you have reliable equipment can be the difference between getting lost and finding your way to safety, or being able to call for help when necessary.
GPS Device
A GPS device is essential to pinpoint your exact location in vast snowy terrains where traditional landmarks are not visible. Select a device that offers long battery life and preloaded topographic maps to ensure functionality when you need it most.
Compass
Despite technological advancements, a compass remains a fundamental navigation tool due to its reliability. Always carry a compass and know how to use it, as it does not depend on batteries or satellite signals, making it indispensable when electronics fail.
Two-Way Radios
With two-way radios, you can maintain communication with your group even in areas without cell service. Choose radios with a wide range and multiple channels to guarantee you can reach out, especially if you get separated from your party.
Satellite Messenger
A satellite messenger can be a lifesaver in remote locations where cell phones are useless. These devices allow you to send SOS signals and text messages via satellite to emergency services or family members, providing crucial information about your situation.
Sustenance and Health
In an avalanche survival kit, maintaining your strength and health is crucial. You’ll need the right balance of emergency food and water purification tools, along with insulation and sun protection to safeguard against the elements.
Emergency Food
Pack high-energy, non-perishable food bars or gels specifically designed for survival situations. These are calorie-dense, require no preparation, and take up minimal space.
Water and Purification
Include a compact and reliable water purification system. Water purification tablets or a small filter can turn snowmelt into drinkable water, preventing dehydration.
Insulation and Heat Sources
Carry emergency blankets and heat packets to retain body heat. An insulated bottle can keep liquids warm longer, helping to prevent hypothermia.
Sun Protection
At high elevations, UV radiation is stronger. Keep a broad-spectrum sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm in your kit, and don’t forget UV-blocking sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.
Shelter and Comfort
In an avalanche survival situation, protecting yourself from the elements is crucial. Your emergency shelter, sleeping bag, and insulating pad are the cornerstones of maintaining body heat and getting rest during recovery.
Emergency Shelter
Your emergency shelter is your first line of defense against the harsh environment. It’s essential to have a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-set-up emergency bivy or tent. Look for one that is designed for alpine conditions; it should be both windproof and waterproof to ensure maximum protection.
Sleeping Bag
Choose a sleeping bag rated for low temperatures, ideally suitable for the coldest conditions you might encounter. A sleeping bag with synthetic insulation is preferable as it insulates even when wet, unlike down which can lose its insulating properties.
Insulating Pad
An insulating pad not only provides comfort from the rugged terrain but also insulates your body from the cold ground. Select an inflatable or foam pad that has a high R-value, indicating better insulation to conserve your body heat during the night.
Additional Tools and Repair Kits
When building your avalanche survival kit, you should include items that assist in equipment repair and functionality to ensure you can address any gear-related issues that might arise during your excursion.
Multi-Tool
Your kit should contain a Multi-Tool, which is an indispensable item for any unexpected gear malfunctions or necessary adjustments. These tools often include a knife, screwdrivers, and pliers, all of which are useful for quick fixes in the field.
Duct Tape
Include a roll of Duct Tape as it is an excellent temporary fix for a myriad of problems. It can be used to patch up holes in gear, secure loose bindings, or even splint a broken pole. Its strong adhesive and durability make it a must-have in your kit.
Ski/Snowboard Repair Kit
A specific Ski/Snowboard Repair Kit should be at hand, especially if you’re venturing into the backcountry. This kit usually comprises items like edge tuners, P-Tex sticks for filling in core shots, and replacement screws for bindings. Quick fixes can save your day on the slopes by ensuring your skis or snowboard remain functional.
Personal Items
In the event of an avalanche, having certain personal items in your survival kit can prove crucial for your identification and rescue.
Identification
You should carry official identification such as a driver’s license or passport. This helps rescuers and medical personnel ascertain your identity quickly. Keep it in a waterproof container or pouch to ensure it remains legible.
Emergency Contact Information
Having a list of emergency contact information is essential. Include the names, relationships, and multiple contact numbers for each person. Present this information in a clear, accessible format, and protect it inside your kit in a manner similar to your ID to guard against damage from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating through avalanche hazards requires both knowledge and the right equipment. Here, you’ll find concise answers to common inquiries about avalanche survival gear and techniques.
What items are included in a complete avalanche survival kit?
Your avalanche survival kit should comprise a digital avalanche transceiver, a sturdy avalanche probe, and a reliable shovel. Some kits may also include an avalanche airbag to increase your buoyancy and visibility in the event of an avalanche.
How does an avalanche beacon work, and why is it important?
An avalanche beacon, also known as a transceiver, works by emitting a radio signal that can be picked up by other beacons in search mode, making it crucial for locating a buried person quickly.
What features should you look for in a reliable avalanche probe?
A dependable avalanche probe should be lightweight, easy to assemble, and long enough to penetrate deep snow. Look for one with a durable build and clear depth markings to aid in efficient rescue.
How do you properly use an avalanche transceiver?
To use an avalanche transceiver effectively, always have it switched on and set to transmit when traveling in avalanche terrain. Should an avalanche occur, switch it to search mode if you are searching and follow the directional signals and distance reading to locate the buried victim.
What are the steps to effectively protect yourself during an avalanche?
If caught in an avalanche, try to move to the side of the slide. Use a swimming motion to stay afloat. Deploy your avalanche airbag if available. Once the avalanche slows, create an air pocket around your face and push a hand upwards to signal your position.
What is the essential safety gear recommended for avalanche-prone areas?
In addition to a beacon, probe, and shovel, consider carrying an avalanche airbag for extra safety. It’s recommended to have appropriate knowledge of avalanche rescue techniques and the local terrain conditions.
In the event that war or terrorism strikes, are you prepared? Here are five of the best and most useful skills to learn 2021 in the event of war or terrorism.
While no one likes to think about the possibility of experiencing war or terrorism, it’s always a possibility that something so dangerous and severe could occur.
Five Useful Skills to learn 2021 in the Event of War or Terrorism
It’s far better to be prepared for the worst than to not possess specific skills that could help out during such dire situations. You should have several valuable skills in the event of war or terrorism to keep yourself and your loved ones as safe and protected as possible.
1. Basic Navigation
We talked about topographic maps before. If you don’t know this skill, you NEED to make it a top priority as it is the number one of our Five Useful Skills to learn 2021. If your navigation skills aren’t up to par, it’s an excellent time to work on them. Knowing primary navigation could help you during dangerous situations when you need to lead your family to safety. If you don’t know where you’re going or how to get to a safe place, it can put your life and the lives of your loved ones at risk.
Navigation Skills You’ll Need
Some of the things you can work on include learning how to use a compass and a printed map. In today’s world, most people rely on technology to get them from one place to the next. However, if you’re unable to access a phone, tablet, or any other type of electronic device, you’ll need to go back to using the old-school method of navigation.
Test Your Navigation Skills
You can test your navigation skills by going camping and using a compass and printed map to help you get back to your starting point. You can even use the sun as the last resort to provide you with directions to get you back to where you came from. It may not seem like a big deal now, but basic navigation skills can get you further in life during emergencies.
2. Marksmanship
If you’re experiencing war or terrorism, marksmanship is a must. You might not have a weapon to use during these situations. However, the soldiers working against you to complete their attacks will likely have multiple weapons attached to their hips to fight off anyone that isn’t on their side.
You Need to Know How to Use a Soldier’s Gun
If you know how to use a gun properly, you’ll be able to use a soldier’s gun against them. You may find the gun lying in the ground with a severely wounded or deceased soldier in the middle of a war.
If so, you’d need to grab that gun and carry it around with you for protection. However, there is no use in carrying something around if you don’t know how to use it. You can learn the basics of operating different types of guns by going to the shooting range.
3. Physical Fitness
Being physically fit is vital during challenging times when you may have a war going on in front of you. If you’re out of shape, it’s going to put your life at risk. You may have difficulty getting around or running away from potential attackers who could cause harm to you and your family. If you know that you’re out of shape and could use some exercise to build your stamina, it’s a good time to start exercising more often.
Get Moving
Getting physically fit doesn’t mean you need to exercise all the time without giving yourself breaks. It means that you should do more cardio to improve your running skills and build stamina to get you further in any emergency.
30 Minutes a Day (3 Xs a Week)
If you’re jogging for 30 minutes a day at least three to four times a week, you’ll get used to it, and it’ll eventually become natural for your body to jog for even more extended periods. If you don’t want to jog outside, you can always buy a treadmill and get plenty of practice at home.
4. Foraging Skills
If you don’t have access to fresh food and water because of a dire situation, you’ll need some foraging skills. While people in the United States used to possess these skills, not many do anymore, and that is because food and beverages are typically easily accessible and available to us.
However, it would help if you prepared for the worst possible scenario by learning how to source water and food from the outdoors. It could mean the difference between surviving and dying out in the wilderness, which is the last thing you’d want to happen.
Do Your Research
Start doing some research on bodies of water and how to tell if you can drink from them or not. It would be best to learn more about the different types of plants that you can and can’t eat. If you need to source berries, fruits, and vegetables, you’ll need to make sure you’re grabbing the right things. You wouldn’t want to eat something that could poison you, make you hallucinate, or cause you to become sick.
5. Craftsmanship
Being crafty is another good skill to have if a war or terrorism occurs. Good craftsmanship makes it possible for people to build shelters out of sticks, hay, grass, and other items that they can find in nature.
Build a Shelter
You’ll need to learn how to build a shelter without having access to specific tools that you’d regularly be able to use when building a structure. You can learn how to use different plants, trees, and twigs to your advantage when you’re trying to protect yourself and your loved ones out in the wilderness.
Not only does it require craftsmanship, but it’s also helpful to have a creative mind to come up with ways to protect everyone while exposed to the elements and potential predators.
Five Useful Skills to Learn 2021 in the Event of War or Terrorism
If a war or terrorism occurs, you should possess these five valuable skills that can keep you safe and help you travel when you need to do so. Even if you don’t feel like you currently have these skills, it’s not too late.
You can learn more about navigation, work on your physical fitness, practice different crafts using all-natural materials, and even learn how to shoot and reload a gun properly.
Once you’ve learned how to do these different things, you’ll know how to keep everyone safe while getting out of harm’s way as quickly as possible. There may come a time when you need to use these skills to your advantage to stay alive.
Dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters is something I feel isn’t often discussed – BEFORE an unsavory situation occurs. It doesn’t matter what kind of natural disaster we are talking about – we pretty much need to follow all of the same steps going forward. Think of it like dealing with the standard steps of grieving, you need to work your way through it all so you can move forward.
There are probably a few more steps in here that you might experience, I am just covering the big basics. The bottom line? If YOU have survived a natural disaster, you CAN move forward and get past all of this.
Dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters
What constitutes a natural disaster? Natural disasters are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, and hydrological origins (e.g., droughts, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides) that can cause fatalities, property damage and social environmental disruption.
Whew- isn’t that a mouthful?
Basically, it is anything that the planet can throw at us that majorly disrupts our way of life.
Knowing that, we can plan ahead for only so much. We can have our first aid, food stores, water supply, and bug out bags – but depending on the situation? We may or may not have the access to all of that. Let’s look at what we might have to deal with:
Handling the Initial Shock
It can be very shocking at first when you see your home severely damaged by a storm, but you have to remain calm and collected.
I remember when tornadoes hit Stoughton Wisconsin in 2005. There was an F3 that leveled a few homes and farms – spreading contents everywhere. The local community pulled together and volunteers combed the area to help clean up and collect belongings for the original owners.
A mom brought her little girl along, maybe seven years old, thinking it would not only be a great service opportunity, but a lesson on nature, disaster preparation, and survival.
It backfired big time.
That poor kiddo was traumatized at seeing toys spread across a field, some speared by corn stalks. The mere thought of that happening to HER belongings was more than she could conceptualize and they had to leave.
She is probably still in therapy to this very day – the poor kiddo.
That is the thing to keep in mind though, it IS shocking to see the aftermath.
The remnants of your belongings scattered across an area.
The watermarks up to the second story of your flooded home.
Your yard covered in feet of sand and silt.
Your belongings under layers of rubble.
You need to be mentally prepared for WHAT you might be looking at after an extreme event – maybe watch a few videos, together as a family, to get an idea what might happen so there are no surprises.
Here is a great video on Earthquakes: Earthquakes 101 | National Geographic
Aftermath of Natural Disasters: Assess the Extent of the Damage
Sometimes storm damage can look worse than it really is. A few shingles missing from a roof isn’t really as bad as it seems, but broken windows or caved in structures can be quite bad.
It is important to decide if your structure is safe enough to actually stay in post-disaster. Can your windows be boarded up? Do you need to add a support beam or two for floors? Is everything soaked beyond belief?
Eventually, insurance will get involved, etc – but from the history of events in the United States? It can take months, if not years, for everything to be settled. Just look at the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. That is the lack of efficiency at its best – with government fund mismanagement and insurance fraud.
It will also need to be defensible against rioters or looters – there might be other, more desperate people out there to be aware of.
You need to decide if your home is safe enough to live in right now, or not.
What to do if your house is gone
Severe disasters can sometimes completely level houses or damage them to a point beyond repair, so you will need to figure out if a shelter or temporary housing is the best option.
Rough it
If you have camping supplies, a tent, or even a pop-up camper, you can probably make it through without having to leave the area if the environment is safe enough. It certainly beats those FEMA trailers that turned out to not only be toxic but designed for a short-term living situation. We are talking six months or so.
Public Shelters
The Red Cross often sets up shelters in schools and community centers. This may be a viable option – but those are usually build on the cheapest land and that land gets hit the hardest. Schools are often leveled in an earthquake.
Friends and family
If none of those are workable options for you then seeing if there is a family couch you can surf might be the next best step. I know I could have stayed with my mom in an instant if I needed to – and have offered my sister in Florida a safe haven when hurricanes have invaded.
They will no doubt be the most understanding if there are a lot of personal items that are destroyed. You can try to regroup and look ahead for a brighter future.
Don’t Try to Deal with it All by Yourself
You should seek out help after a natural disaster to have your home at least somewhat restored. If a disaster is serious enough, many people around the world or country will donate, even the government at some points.
While this is true, it can take a LOT of time for the funds to trickle down to those who actually need it. Some insurance companies are awesome and set up “drive-thru” clinics to speed the process along.
People will come in droves to assist – usually bringing food, water, clothes, etc and then, the manpower will come. Even kids in church youth groups will arrive to help clear debris and restore some semblance of normalcy once an area is deemed safe.
This is where you can have some faith in humanity – they WILL pull together and help you, mostly the average Joe.
Aftermath of Natural Disasters: Tensions can be High
You’ll have a lot of emotions running through your head after a disaster, but learn to handle them rather than lashing out on people who couldn’t have done anything about it.
Everyone involved are going through some of the 7 stages of grief:
Shock and denial. This is a state of disbelief and numbed feelings.
Pain and guilt.
Anger and bargaining.
Depression.
The upward turn.
Reconstruction and working through.
Acceptance and hope.
While you do need to protect you and yours, you need to realize you are part of a larger community that is going through the same thing.
When downtown Sun Prairie exploded, I couldn’t believe all of the fundraisers and volunteers! I still see #SunPraireStrong bumper stickers and T-shirts to this day – and some of those who received help? They have gone on to pay it forward for other unfortunate incidents in our community.
The bottom line when dealing with the Aftermath of Natural Disasters? It is all about your mindset. Be ready for what you MAY experience and know that we can do anything, for a short period of time. If the people you love have survived, you have saved everything that is really the most important in life. You will be OK going forward, even if it is a rocky journey at times.
It can be a very scary feeling to watch the local TV stations and see an impending weather event heading your way. Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe is one small thing that is important for you to navigate the situation effectively.
In Wisconsin, we only have thirteen minutes max from when they declare a tornado warning until it would hit. That isn’t a lot of time to panic or prepare – really just enough time to hit the basement or lowest part of your home.
It is different for those that have to watch a hurricane heading their way on TV for several days, up to a week. Are they tracking the path correctly? Is the intensity going to be what they plan? Are shelves being cleared as people stock up on water and canned food?
How do the hardware stores look- is plywood vanishing as people are trying to board up windows? Are highways crowded as people move inland?
The wildfires of the west are tracked and people try to decide if they need to leave their homes and all of their belongings just because the wind shifts.
You can see how the mental strain of watching something possible come up leaves people with a feeling of helplessness – and as they look for a semblance of control there are some things to consider.
Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe
Yes, I said MENTALLY. The illusion of control is very important to people and that is why the cold war had a ton of “duck and cover” campaigns. Looking back now, we understand that “duck and cover” would do absolutely nothing for us in the event of a nuclear bomb hitting our area – but it gave people something to focus on.
Learn How to Not Panic
Panicking is the worst thing you can do in any survival situation. It doesn’t help anything at best, and at worst it hinders you greatly.
This goes against our natural fight or flight response, but a clear head can make all of the difference. You need to be able to handle dealing with the aftermath of natural disasters and that means pushing the panic aside.
After outside help arrives, or everything is back to normal, THEN you can fall apart. Let all of those adrenalin endorphins dump and breathe – but get through the first few moments first.
Understand the severity of your situation
Not every weather catastrophe is the end of the world. Hurricanes for example may be bad, but it’s not going to kill you if you do everything right.
Are they calling for an evacuation or are they saying to shelter in place? Can you safely board up windows and hunker down? Do you need sandbags? It is a category 1 or 5?
There are so many things to take into consideration, but you need a clear head to do it.
Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe: Look on the brighter side of things
After a disaster, it can be easy to wallow in what you’ve lost, but try to look on the bright side of what you’ve kept, such as family.
Everything can be replaced. Every. Single. Thing.
It may take time, may take money, and may not be exactly the same as what you had before, but it can be replaced.
People can’t.
Hug your loved ones and keep your chin up – you are still together!
Taking Steps Before a Disaster Can Put You at Ease
Knowing that you’re well stocked up and prepared to take on the disaster can make it a lot easier in your mind, making you less likely to panic. This is a good thing to get the kids engaged so they have that illusion of control that I mentioned. It will help keep them from feeling helpless.
Do better – BE better than the FEMA guidelines that suggest a 72-hour supply for everyone. Think weeks, if not months of food, water, and medical supplies.
It’s a well-known fact that when a crisis is raging, there’s often panic among the masses. One of these reasons is because the media will often hype up situations in order to drive up the ratings.
This works because what it does is whips people into a frenzy and they make a run on supplies. You’ve probably seen empty grocery store shelves during times of uncertain weather.
When this is going on, it will often create a state where the demand will exceed the supply, which in turn only fuels more panic. What retailers do in response to this panic is they will jack up the prices.
Mentally Preparing for a Weather Catastrophe: Food storage
When stocking up on food – try keeping track of what you normally eat, as a family for a month. Look at that list, and then try to find the shelf-stable equivalent for your food storage.
You don’t need to gather tons of freeze-dried items or even MREs but can work through canned food, your own dehydrated fruits, and veggies, and your own canned soups, stews, and meals.
I know we have a lot of “heat and eat” meals ready to go – that not only make beyond busy weeks a breeze but are there for when we have to use a grill in the backyard to heat up a pot of planned goodness to fill our bellies.
You’ll need to do this for every member of your family – including your pets. For your water supply, you’ll want to look for ones labeled emergency water pouches or survival water pouches if you are looking at short-term supplies.
Water storage:
I have talked about this a lot – from rain barrels to bottled water, this is the biggie we need to make sure we have enough of. Keep an eye out on sales and pick up a case of water here and there, slowly adding to your stash instead of being in the checkout lines with the panic shoppers when something wicked is heading your way.
First Aid Supplies:
Build that extensive first aid kit before an emergency. It is good to have everything from ace bandages to pain killers on hand for helping possibly wounded survivors. You won’t feel horrible stacking people in a triage situation where they have to lay in misery until outside help arrives.
You’ll see sales on holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other days. Watch for the supplies you need to go on sale then, especially if they’re the more expensive items.
Watch the sales
Pay attention to in-store sales, discount sales, and bulk buying sales. You can usually find something on sale in every one of the categories on your list. Keep it handy (and updated) and carry it with you at all times just in case.
Survival and prepping is something every household should be doing, regardless of their level of income. Dire situations don’t discriminate when it comes to wreaking havoc on society, and you want to be just as ready as your neighbors (if not more so) when anything causes you to go into bug-out mode.
No amount of prepping is too small. If all you can buy is an extra 3-pound bag of rice, then do it. A couple of cans of soup here and there is also a start. Don’t wait until you have plenty of extra money to buy everything all at once.
Having a Radio Can Make a Big Difference
Hearing constant updates about the situation can put your mind at a lot of ease compared to just hoping it’s safe outside constantly. A Hand-crank weather radio will be your best friend, especially if you have no power.
That is great for hearing about what is going on but won’t let you communicate with others. For that, you’ll want to splurge on a communication device such as ham radio or world band radio. You might also want to consider a short-wave radio. Splurge on a decent antenna and a solar charging system.
Surviving a Terrorist Attack? The threat of a terror attack continues to be a major concern and has proven that it’s a very real threat. You never know where or when one will strike. The most important thing that you need to do is to make sure you’re prepared so that you know how to survive one.
While preparation is key, it’s also important to know what to do as an act of self-defense right at the moment, because it can mean the difference between life and death. Sometimes you’re not caught with your gear at hand, so how do you handle a terror attack using a self-defense mindset?
Guide to Surviving a Terrorist Attack
The best thing you can do is stay aware of your surroundings. If you see someone suspicious, get out of the location. Notify authorities if you feel compelled to. Watch for unattended bags or boxes, and listen for people shouting before an attack so you can flee immediately.
Surviving a Terrorist Attack: an Explosion
When an explosion happens, it can be nerve-wracking. The sounds of the bomb, shattering glass, the rocking of buildings, and the screams of people can render you immobile.
But that’s the one thing you don’t want to be in an explosion – paralyzed by fear and confusion. When there’s an explosion, it’s the pressure of the object you’re hit with that can injure or kill you.
This video covers how to survive a building explosion
Projectiles and shrapnel fly through the air with rapid force. In the event of an explosion, the first thing you should do is take cover if you want to find yourself Surviving a Terrorist Attack – especially if the place you were in took the direct hit.
You don’t know if there’s going to be a second explosion where you are, and you might not be able to see through the dust and chaos to know whether or not the responsible party is waiting to pick off survivors.
Everyone’s instinct is to run from explosions but how you run away from the event does matter. Keep your head down and make tracks until you reach a place that’s going to offer you some protection.
If you’re inside a building that was weakened by an explosion, you must get out because the building could collapse. But don’t make the mistake of running right out in the open.
Keep yourself close to other buildings and stay down to make yourself less visible as a target. Head for another building if you can and look for the strongest point of the building.
If you can’t escape the building that you’re in, find the strongest point of the place that you’re in. You must keep calm and not panic if you want to survive. Panic after chaos works against people.
If you’re with a group of others, try to make sure everyone remains calm and works together. For those who are injured, set up a triage area to make sure they get help first. If you’re injured, take care of your injuries or get help. Group panic can hamper you Surviving a Terrorist Attack.
Your chances of surviving a chaotic explosion lessen if you pass out from injuries or loss of blood. Locate the exits if you’re inside a home or building so you’ll know how to get out when you’re ready.
If you can’t get out, once you get to a safe point in the building, do not go near the doors or any of the windows. If you’re inside an office building and there’s an explosion, the debris and fire could cause secondary injuries.
You’ll want to cover your mouth using whatever is handy so that you’re not breathing in that dust or anything that could have been associated with a biochemical attack. Once you’re in a safe place, remain undercover until you know for sure it’s okay to leave.
Surviving in the Middle of Gunfire
It only takes one hit from a bullet to a vulnerable spot of your body to end your life. Yet people have managed to survive horrific situations involving gunfire throughout history by following survival tips.
This isn’t new to any grade-school child in America. They have constant drills for “code black” constantly because sadly, there have been too many active shooter scenarios on their turf.
The second you hear gunshots, try to locate an escape route. Even if everything is confusing, try to take a second to know where the shooter or shooters are and go the opposite way.
Don’t assume that there’s only one person doing the attack. As you make your way toward an exit, don’t run away in a panic. Instead, go as quickly as you can, keep your head down, and stay out of sight as much as possible.
Trying to escape might mean not following the crowd of screaming people. When people are screaming and making a lot of noise, it lets the shooter or shooters know exactly where they are.
In the event that your escape routes are blocked, your next best bet is to find a place that you can hide and stay until the threat is over. Look for a place where you can get completely out of sight.
That might be a location such as a room you can lock, a janitorial closet, a bathroom, a break room, a walk-in refrigerator, or in an office. Once you get inside the room, you’ll want to block access to the door.
While you’re in the room, quietly add layers between you and the door. Keep your head down and lie flat on the floor. If it comes to a point where you must escape from a safe room and run, constantly be aware of your surroundings.
If you get cornered, fight back with whatever you have on hand such as a computer monitor, desk items, and anything else you can throw or beat the assailant with. For shooting cases in large public places such as a mall, use whatever you can reach to defend yourself if you have to.
Never make a move blindly. The shooter or shooters are actively searching for victims. If you run directly into his path, you could be next. If you can’t see where you’re going, don’t go that way.
If you barrel through a door without checking first, the shooter could be on the other side. When you’re in the middle of gunfire, don’t take the time to call anyone except emergency authorities.
You can’t think clearly when you have a sobbing loved one crying in your ear. Keep your phone off so it doesn’t distract you or call attention to your location. Save yourself and not your possessions.
You need your hands free. If you’ve been shopping, let go of your bags so you can run unencumbered and have your hands free to fight back if necessary. If the worst-case scenario occurs and you happen to end up in the shooter’s line of fire and you can’t fight back, then you must run.
To keep yourself from becoming an easy target, never do the expected – which is to run in a straight line. Run from side to side in a zig-zag line, and try to keep objects between you and the shooter. That is the easiest way to surviving a Terrorist Attack when there is a shooter.
Surviving a Dirty Bomb
Most people associate a dirty bomb as being the exact same thing with the same impact as a nuclear bomb, but they’re not the same. A dirty bomb can contain nuclear material but has a shorter blast range.
When a dirty bomb is chosen by a terrorist, the goal is to cause panic as well as kill, but the widespread devastation isn’t as big as a nuclear bomb. While the material inside can be radioactive, it can also be created with explosives like C-4 or dynamite.
The radioactive content isn’t usually what kills people with a dirty bomb – it’s the pressure per inch that’s caused by the explosion that maims or kills. The closer you are to the actual bomb, the more likely you are to sustain an injury or die.
CNN’s Deb Feyerick reports on how to survive an improvised nuclear device attack.
In the event of a bombing, if you’re able to, you need to put as much distance between yourself and the explosion as possible. The more distance you put between you and the bomb, the more you lower your risk from radiation exposure.
Never run with a crowd. What happens with some dirty bombings is that terrorists want to strike a second time and they want to hurt as many people as possible. So the more people that you’re around, the higher your chances are of going through a second attack.
Leave the crowd behind and get away from the point of impact. Because terrorists are known to hide other explosives to create more fear and confusion after an initial bombing or to hurt responders, don’t go near any unattended bags, packages, or vehicles that are near where the bomb went off.
If you’re having to leave a building, be careful to watch for the sudden collapse of that building or ones nearby. Stay away from buildings that have been affected by the explosion so that you’re not hurt in the event of a secondary incident or by debris falling to the ground.
Keep going until you’re someplace safe before you worry about calling anyone – and that includes the authorities. If you stick around in the immediate area and try to call, you could make yourself a target.
Reconnect with your family and friends who were not at the shooting location at a different place by using your emergency plan to meet up. Facebook now has check-in measures for disasters so you can let everyone know you’re okay.
Surviving a Nuclear Bomb Attack
Surviving a Terrorist Attack that involves a nuclear bomb? I know – it seems like it would be impossible. I look back to my grade school “duck and cover” drills and think how they simply gave us the illusion of control – but would never have really helped us.
A vintage “duck and cover” video for school children
You can survive a nuclear bomb attack if you’re prepared and know how to react when one hits. A nuclear bomb doesn’t just kill a few hundred or a few thousand people. It can kill millions and wipe out entire cities.
The fallout from a nuclear bomb strike is what can continue to injure people. After a nuclear bomb strikes the damaging radioactivity from the bomb is spread beyond its point of impact and anyone within range of the fallout is subject to radiation poisoning or death.
The pressure wave from a nuclear blast can disrupt air transportation, radio waves, and communication abilities. It can level buildings and create fires from that destruction. The first thing you need to know is that certain areas are more at risk of experiencing a nuclear bomb attack than others.
Cities with a military presence are at greater risk. So are port cities. State capitols and anywhere important government buildings and infrastructure exist are at risk. Airfields and power plants are also high-risk areas to live near.
To survive a nuclear attack, there are three things you need to do. Run, shelter, and avoid. You must run to get away from any potential radioactive fallout. Find a safe building or structure and get inside of it.
But make sure this place is not within the range of the nuclear fallout. If you remain in a contamination zone, you’re at higher risk of not surviving the bomb after effects. Once you’re inside, remain sheltered there until it’s safe to leave again – which is when it’s considered safe from fallout radiation.
The closer you are to the bomb, the less likely it is that the area will be safe until many years have passed. Consider the Chernobyl disaster which occurred in 1986, yet, there are still areas where the government has closed it down and deemed it unlivable even after all these years.
If you come in contact with anything that was touched by the bomb such as building materials, debris, shrapnel, immediately take a shower. If you’ve prepared in advance and know a nuclear bomb went off nearby, get into your fallout room.
This should be a room with walls designed to prevent radioactive material from seeping through. Make sure your room is stocked with the survival supplies that you need such as food, water, medication, and first aid items – especially items needed to treat burns from the radiation if needed.
Never build a fallout room that’s near an outside wall. You’ll want your fallout room to be away from the outside walls. Seal off any vents, windows, and anything else that will allow material to seep in.
Avoid contamination. You’ll need to remain inside your shelter for a minimum of four days – but it may be longer, depending on your proximity to the blast site. Don’t allow anyone to come in if they’re contaminated.
Surviving a Biochemical Attack
Terrorists are always looking for ways to cause the most deaths possible. One of these ways is by striking with a biochemical attack. By using biochemicals, terrorists can slip under the radar until after the event occurs.
One of the ways that terrorists strike using this method is by attacking a major water system. Once the contaminant is introduced, it can travel widely and affect a great number of people before anyone realizes what’s wrong.
In the case of a biological or chemical attack, quick thinking can keep you safe
An entire city can be caught in the grip of this type of terror attack within just hours. They might target your water supply or some sort of food supply. It’s not simply the water supply system that’s vulnerable.
Anything that can be used to quickly spread a hazard, such as air vents, can be used. In the event of an attack, you need to make sure you stay away from highly populated businesses and avoid crowds.
That means don’t go to the mall, the grocery store, or anywhere there will be a lot of people – including public transportation such as the subway. Most people think fleeing is the right thing to do, but everyone is going to have the same idea.
The more people flee, the more the biochemical has a chance to spread. Immediately after an attack, make sure you’re sheltered in a safe place. Don’t use any water that comes from the public utility.
Instead, use the water that you’ve set aside in your survival stash that you’ve had for a while. This is why it’s important to plan ahead. Since water can be safely stored for years and you can’t survive without it, it’s wise to set aside a lot of it.
However, if a strike does happen, make sure you boil water that you use for any reason and that includes bathing. Listen to authorities to find out when they give the all-clear for any kind of terror attack. You should be ahead of the game for Surviving a Terrorist Attack.
