A Lesson Learned - Survival & Disaster Preparedness

[RampRat]

I'm steeling a post/thread from a friend down in Baton Rouge who's preparing for the worse. Figgured I'd pass on his perls of wisdom & a few of my own for everybody here for obvious reasons.

I thought I"d post a topic talking about some valuable lessons learned from this experience down ehre that is practical for all of us.

First and foremost, every single person needs to have a bug out bag (BOB) with a 72-hour survival kit in it. This needs to have everything that you will need to sustain yourself for 72-hours in the field without any resupply. This includes food, water, shelter, first aid kit, extra socks, hygiene kit, a pair of good quality boots, and a change of clothes. I'd also highly suggest some type of firearm and a minimum of 200 rounds of GOOD ammo. If you are going to include a weapon, have a cleaning kit in your pack.

If you are like me and believe in the unalienable right to keep and bear arms, and are willing to hump some extra weight, pick up a chest harness which has pouches to hold 9 30-round AR mags and has 2 large cargo pockets on the side for extra food, ammo, or supplies. While many people negate the effectiveness of the 5.56 round, you can carry a lot of rounds for a lot less weight. I love my AR...low recoil (faster followup time on target after a shot,) I can use ammo (and parts) from law enforcement/military agencies, lightweight, compact. Pick and chose what's best for you. Remember the first rule in a gunfight is to have a gun.

A BOB is useless without a plan. You all need to sit down right now and decide which type of natural disasters and other threats exist in your area (terrorist/nuclear targets, bad weather, mutant zombie bikers, aliens, whatever may have the potential to harm you and/or your family.) Next, you need to figure out the best place for you to evade and escape (E&E) to in the event that something happens and your security and safety is not guaranteed in your area. This location ought to be at least 40 miles (preferably much much more) from the nearest population center, but if this isn't possible at least pick somewhere on a backroad out in the boonies. You need to have at least 3 routes from your house and your work to this location; drive the routes and know how to get there with your eyes closed, on foot, in the dark, and with a hostile situation nipping on your heels. Make sure each and every family member knows these routes aas well. Have alternate fall back positions. I"d highly suggest one location in all 4 directions...north, south, east, & west. Your retreat should be a defendable place, somewhere that you can hole up and defend if you are attacked by holtiles. Network with other folks in that area so that if you are attacked, you can have reinforcements coming in to flank the attackers. Set up a community communications network; this could be simply a dedicated CB channel. At your retreat, begin stockpiling food and ammo and have at least 6-month's supply on hand for each family member that will be there. Make a plan that if the SHTF you and each family member will know where to meet up (rally poitns) and/or how to get to the retreat if they can not link up with others and must E&E on their own.

Whatever you do, be prepared for a catastrophe in your area and plan on the best way to survive it. For God's sake, don't get caught pulling your pud like the worthless mongrels down in N.O. who are waiting on good ol Uncle Sugar to take care of their every need. You are the only one who can ensure your survival.

[RampRat]

Just a heads up. I"ve gotten several reports of activity in Baton Rouge. A local radio station said that there was a firefight in downtown BR. I've had a few folks corroborate this report. The media is reporting that it was a group of people trying to steal cars from the city hall parking lot. But, there are confirmed reports of SWAT onsite and I've never heard of SWAT being called out for car theft.

There are also unconfirmed reports of looting and rioting in the city. The mayor and chief of police have told the Red Cross and FEMA to not open any more shelters here in our town and that no more refugees are to be taken in becasue we have too many people to deal with as it is. Our situation here has darkened and is becoming critical as time goes on.

Press report from the Governor:

She's askign for 40,000 troops to secure New Orleans and otehr cities in the area. By next week there sould be around 24,000 troops in place.

A confirmed first-hand experience: A convoy of buses of evacuees stopped at a gas station along the interstate to let the riders use the restroom and rest for a minute. As soon as the doors opened several evacuees bolted off the bus, beat people, stole their cars, and took off. Don't know if they were caught.

Another confirmed report. An elderly white lady was hit in the head, her groceries stolen, and her car stolen by a black man in a grocery store parking lot in Port Allen (across the MS Rv. from Baton Rouge).

Realtime intel from downtown New Orleans with webcam.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/


I encourage all of you reading this to check out this website. It's got a wealth of info on survival and disaster preparedness. YOU WILL NEED THIS INFORMATION SOONER OR LATER.

http://www.survivalblog.com/

The letters posted on there from "BDB in Baton Rouge" is me.

[RampRat]

My posts, not his any more

Gear list for vest.

1. Compass.
2. 7.5 minute maps of AO.
3. High calorie energy food ration bars (2 ea.).
4. Space blanket.
5. Space sleeping bag.
6. Strobe light.
7. Gerber fire stick w/ fast fire starting cubes.
8. GPS.
9. 7 x 30 rd. magazines for rifle
10. 10' of 1/4" para-cord.
11. Fishing line, hooks and weights.
12. Signal mirror.
13. 7" blade sheath knife (Strider)
14. Gerber multi-tool.
15. 6 small black trash bags.
16. Aspirin.
17. Water sterilization tablets.
18. Medical kit (small).
19. 4 small wire snares.
20. Mess kit.
21. 2 x 2 quart canteens

[RampRat]

Bug Out Bag

$10 roll quarters
120-hour emergency candle(s)
Backpacker's compact stove and fuel pack / Package fuel squares
Batteries extra
Bic lighters
Blanket Heat reflective
Blankets Emergency
Can openers
Cans of emergency survival food
Canteen
Cartons of purified water
T-shirts
Socks
Underwear 2 sets
Collapsible basin
Compass
Cord
Cups Stainless steel
Deck of playing cards
Disinfectant
Duct-tape
Felt tip markers scissors
Ace bandages
Ammonia inhalants
Antibiotic cream
Band-Aids assorted sizes
Bottle 1-a-day vitamins
Bottle 100 Advil
Bottle 100 Tylenol
Butterfly closures
Cough suppressant
prescription glasses copy of prescription
Dental floss
EMT shears
Ex-lax (or equivalent)
Fingersplint
First-aid cream
Foot powder
Gauze pads
Heart blood pressure meds
Latex gloves
Lip balm
Maalox (or equivalent)
Moleskin roll
Mouthwash
Pepto-Bismol tablets
Prescriptions for meds
Shampoo
Splints
Sudafed (or equivalent)
Sunblock
Sutures general purpose
Tape surgical tape
Triangular bandage
Tweezers pointed / flat
Waterfilter (pur) with spare filters
Fitsr Aide:Water purification tablets
Flashlight and alkaline batteries
Folding shovel
Fork knife spoon set per person
Goop tube
Groundpad
Hard candy
Hatchet
Body/hand lotion
Deodorant
Comb and brush
Waterless liquid soap
Plastic comb
Premoistened towelettes
Razor disposable
Shaving cream
Soap bar (anti-bacterial)
Sponges
Toilet paper in a sealed coffee can
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Towel/Wash cloth
Towelettes pre-moistened box
Trash bags heaviest and largest for misc.uses)
Knife fixed blade lockblade pocket(Swiss) Leatherman supertool
Light sticks (2 hour) three
Magnifying glass
Map of your local area
Matches waterproof/windproof
mess kit
Mini-binoculars
Mink oil
Mirror stainless steel
Mosquito netting
Mre's (optional)
Notepad
Nylon thread roll
Pencils pens
Phone numbers and addresses of friends/family
Plastic sheeting
Pliers / screwdrivers
Portable water filter(Pur)
Radio (solar hand cranked or battery powered; include extra batteries)
Rope Nylon (100')
Rubber bands
Safety goggles
Safety pins assorted sizes
Sewing Awl-for leather and canvas
Sewing kit (Needles and thread several sizes of needles and thread)
Sharpening stone
Shelter Tarp (doubles as poncho)
Shovel
Signal flares
Signal mirror
Signal whistle
Sleeping bag
Special dietary items
Sterno stove / Fuel
Sun glasses
Tent Plastic tube tent (shelter)
Thermometer
Twine/string (100')
Utensils
Vise grips
Wallet with identification
$ 200 in small bills (minimum)
Watch
Waxed cotton thread roll

[RampRat]

Why Do I Need A 72 HOUR SURVIVAL KIT?

What will you do if disaster strikes your neighborhood: a fire,a riot,a flood, a tornado, a hurricane, or an earthquake? The most critical need for help after the disaster is during the first 72 hours, yet community and government assistance will probably not be available during this period.

YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE ON YOUR OWN!

With a minimum of expense and trouble it is possible to bring together a few basic items which will ease the stress of a difficult situation and may even save you and your families life.
In any form of emergency situation, several things take place: both physical and emotional.
1 - We will all experience emotional shock and a certain amount of hysteria.
2 - The propensity of accidents increases.
The greatest threat to loss of life are accidents that lead to severe bleeding or other forms of injury or trauma.
We must keep in mind that in the event of a severe disaster, all familiar public services, including medical, will be immediately over-taxed and as a result, will be basically ineffectual to you as an individual, particularly during the first 72 hours.

HOW TO PACK IT...HOW TO STORE IT

It is important that you take a comprehensive survey of your own
family units needs and insure that you have included any special
items that are unique to you. Your needs could be very much
different than the suggested lists, only you can decide what you
and your families needs are based on your resources and experiences.
Once you have established and gathered together what you feel are
necessary requirements for both an Emergency Preparedness Kit and
a substantial First Aid Kit; you will need a container that these
items will go in.
1- Fishing Tackle Boxes
2- Tool Boxes
3- Rubbermaid Tote (recommended)
4- Plastic Garbage Cans
The items listed above are ideas for storing your emergency kit.
These kits do not have to be complicated! Rather, simple is
better than complex, however, the need of quality and durability
should be one of the major criteria for any items included.
Don't spend a lot of money.
This is a survival kit. You will want to be comfortable but not
extravagant.
How Can I Afford All This?
Let us not forget the basic survival manual that has been around for about a hundred years. Its simple to understand for the entire family.
Its the Boy Scout Handbook. This book covers every BASIC topic that a novice can handle and it readily available in almost every city.
It also has a list of scout equipment ( stoves, lights, water cans, etc.) thatare available in most scout supply centers. These centers are a little less intimidating than sporting goods stores.
Another tip is the use of Minute rice. Stock up on Minute rice, take the rice out of the cardboard boxes and put it in mason jars. Cut out the cooking instructions and place them in the jar. This rice makes efficient use of your water reserve and requires no skill to prepare.
Another good food to stock up on is cans of Ravioli. In a time of stress this food can make you feel almost normal. A sterno stove and a camp coffee pot canbe used to keep water boiling for instant coffee ( great shelf life) and to clean utensils.
Cans of sterno can be purchased at party stores for about a buck a can. Much cheaper than camping stores. They are also a good source of heat. Just remember to use than on a nonflammable surface.
Now we need light, get a Lehmans catalog in it is a good selection of Dietz oil lamps. There is one lamp that has a very large storage capacity and burns at slower rate than most. If you use lamp oil, which I recommend, you can find a cheap source for it in most craft shops. Again much cheaper than camping stores. The 120 hour candles are a great buy and you can use them with thesterno stove,, Again this is a basic poor boys approach to survival.
Without spending much money you should have 2 bottles of peroxide ( 2 year shelf life in a cool dark place) and 2 bottles of alcohol (91%),to this add an antiseptic cream and some Bactine (great for the kid's cuts and bruises.)Along with a box of assorted Band-Aids. Cheap yet it does the job.
As far as toilet stuff, you have two choices 1- Sears has an inexpensive port a potty ( hey I know it requires water. But it can be filled before time)
2- the garden bucket lined with a WASTE PAPER BASKET TRASH BAG.
After each use tie the bag up in a knot. It may not look pleasant but it will keep the smell down and the area less prone to disease.Use kitty liiter after use.
The truth is, not many of us can afford to go out and spend thousands of dollars on survival equipment. Forget about the fully-stocked hideaway and the loaded four-wheel drive you need to get there, how can you afford a good solid stash of food?
Preparedness is a lifetime journey, and your mental attitude is a key component. The best approach is to start small and build your resources. As time passes, re-evaluate and add to your plan, your stash, your skills and abilities.
Buying Smart
After shelter, food and transportation are frequently the largest expense a family faces. Buying a few extra months of food can be a burden. But by shopping wisely and adding to your food stash over time, you can make this less expensive.
One of the best resources for large quantities of food is warehouse club stores, such as Sam's, and food co-ops. You can also purchase grain and other supplies from farm supply stores and wholesalers. This may take some searching out, but can be worth while if you want to buy bushels of grain to preserve yourself.
Warehouse Club
In my experience, warehouse club stores generally offer large sizes of items that can be used for survival. While it is sometimes possible to get better buys on some items when they go on sale at the grocery store, you have to shop carefully and watch the circulars to catch them. At the warehouse club, prices are constant and sizes large. Just be careful and don't buy so much it spoils, or your savings will evaporate.
Some purchases that I have made for the stash include:
Pancake mix (Bisquick). This is great because all the ingredients are ready to go, just add water (Make sure you get the complete mix, you don't want the kind where you have to add eggs.) Muffins and other mixes are also available, but it's a lot easier to cook pancakes over an open fire or camp stove than muffins!
Powdered potato flakes. OK there not great, but they store a long time and whip up fast.
5-pound bags of macaroni and noodles. Always keep a couple bags on hand.Much cheaper buying them in bulk than the tiny boxes on grocery store shelves.
1-pound canisters of peanut butter. A favorite for kids and adults, plus you don't need refrigeration. Don't keep 'em forever or they could go rancid, but a good product to rotate in your every-day pantry. Add some crackers to your stash, too.
Number 10 cans of canned vegetables or beans. They are generally much cheaper than the small grocery-store cans, which would barely make a meal for one person. They won't keep as long as freeze-dried veggies packed in nitrogen, but they're good for feeding yourself and the hungry neighbors.To ensure rotation, use these for summer picnics.
Six-packs of canned goods, including pasta, vegetables, meats. You may grimace to think you'll be living on canned Beefaroni or Spam, but there just aren't that many canned meats, and they're a heck of a lot cheaper than MRE's. Some of the pasta-products come in larger cans, too.
Powdered milk (makes 20-quarts). These' won't last too long.
A good item to keep in your refrigerator.
120 13-gallon trash bags. I could probably come up with a whole page dedicated to 1001 uses for plastic bags. But you'll just have to use your imagination. From storing water to lining your emergency potty, you'll need them.
Pouch noodles. just add water, boil and viola: pasta Alfredo, shells in creamy garlic sauce or garden rotini. (My personal favorite)
Pouch and box drinks. These are great for bug-out packs and survival stashes that could be subject to freezing and thawing. The pouches will freeze and thaw throughout a winter stored in the car.
Paper products, cleaning supplies, candy and personal care products are also available in large quantities at reasonable prices.
Canned Foods
Let me digress a moment for a comment about canned goods. Traditional canned goods aren't the best for survival because they loose their food value over time. But I think they have a lot going for them nonetheless. They are cheaper and easier to obtain than specialty foods such as MRE's or freeze-dried foods. They also can be heated in their cans. Remove the lid (don't forget to pack a couple of can openers) and plop them carefully on the burner or stove, and the can becomes an instant pan. Also, you can drink the juice off vegetables to preserve your water reserves (as long as it isn't too salty). Plus, you can get a wide variety of foods, and cans are a lot tougher than glass.
So let's say you get an inside scoop that North Korea is going to invade South Korea in the next two days and you are worried about the use of nuclear weapons in such a scenario. You decide to high tail it off to your shelter before it's too late. If you have a survival stash which already includes survival-type foods, these canned goods will be a nice addition and provide some much needed variety. Don't forget canned fruits and vegetables.
Discount Groceries
Somewhere between the traditional supermarket and the Warehouse club lie discount grocers. This could be the "Super Kmart" that carries groceries as well as just about anything else you need. There are also Food4Less and similar stores that are a bit like warehouse clubs, only they don't carry anything except food. Becoming a careful consumer and a survival-shopper may require visit to all three types of stores over time.

[RampRat]

Ideas For Food For Emergency Kits
Pick foods your family will enjoy.
You will find that it is very important that you place foods in
this kit that your family will eat regardless. You might plan to
place foods in your kits that your family particularly enjoys,
but that you don't always serve.

ROTATE YOUR FOOD.
Most food comes with expiration dates on it. It will be important to rotate your food according to this schedule so that youdo not find yourself in an emergency situation with expired food. Place food in your kits that are easy to prepare or ready to eat. When you need to use this kit, remember you will have in mostcases been evacuated from your home either by car or on foot.It will be a stressful time for your family. You may be in a RedCross Shelter, in a campground or on the road or on the way to relatives homes. You will not have all the luxuries of home. Cooking at best will be difficult. Please keep this in mind as you choose your foods for this 72 emergency survival kit.
WHAT DO I NEED?
INSTRUCTION MANUALS ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS -(THE BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK)
This is a start. It can be reviewed with family members. Further
information is available to you at your local library.
BATTERY POWERED RADIO - Local stations and the Emergency Broad-
cast System will be the only source of reliable information
during an emergency.
If the radio is a permanent addition to your 72 hour kit it
should be checked regularly to make sure both it and the batteries are in working order.
FLASHLIGHT - These should be stored outside of the radio and
flashlight. The shelf life can be extended if the batteries are
kept in the refrigerator or freezer.
FAMILY RECORDS AND VALUABLES - Birth Certificates, Naturalization
Papers, and Diplomas, Insurance Certificates, Genealogy Information, Computer Disks, Passports, etc.
ITEMS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT - After the initial response to an
emergency, the disrupted life style and disorientation can cause
undo emotional stress and feeling of insecurity. Items that are
emotionally reassuring should be included in the emergency kit.
These can include crayons, coloring books, story books, puzzles,
soft small toys for children. Personal items for adults should
be included such as books, handiwork, musical instrument, or
sports equipment.
PLASTIC BAGS AND TIES - These items can serve as garbage containers, ground cloths, tents, wash basins, broken window cover, and substitute rain coat.
DISINFECTANT - Bleach, Lysol, Betadine can be used to treat
sewage, waste water, and refuse to minimize infection. Storage
containers for these items must be unbreakable.
IMPROVISED TOILET - Pack a pointed shovel, and a plastic bucket
with a tight fitting lid. Sanitation is the most important
consideration. You might want to include some cat litter to put after
each use.
Remember to also pack the toilet tissue.(1 roll per person per week)
PAPER CUPS, PLATES, BOWLS and DISPOSABLE UTENSILS - This will
help you to conserve water and at the same time minimize contamination problems.
PAPER TOWELS
SOAP - Liquid soap (soft soap or pump ivory) works best when
water supplies are limited.
FEMININE HYGIENE NEEDS
DISPOSABLE DIAPERS
MEDICATIONS FOR THREE DAYS (72 HOURS) FOR EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
TOILETRIES - Toothbrush and toothpaste, comb and hair brush, washcloth
and towel, deodorant, shaving supplies and mirror, shampoo and
mouthwash, baking soda.
FIRST AID KIT - The purpose, therefore, of the items included in the
family First Aid Kit is to treat minor injuries so that they do not
become amajor threat to health during the first few days of an
emergency.
WATER STORAGE - General Water Storage is 1 gallon/person/day.
SLEEPING BAGS Theremust be adequate and appropriate sleeping cover for
every memberof the family.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
CAN OPENER - A manual type must be packed with any canned goods.
UTILITY KNIFE - A sharp versatile knife will come in handy for
many purposes.
ADJUSTABLE WRENCH - This must be kept handy to gas and water lines.Each member of the family should be trained how to turn off gas or water in the event of an emergency. Water trapped in the hot water tank and indoor plumbing will stay clean once the main water valve is turned off. (Remember to drain off the sediment before you use the water)
EXTRA CHANGE OF CLOTHING and UNDERWEAR FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER
MISCELLANEOUS - Small Ax, Heavy Gloves, and MATCHES stored in a
waterproof unbreakable container.
During the winter months meteorologists periodically reminded people to always keep in the car: water, candles, matches, chocolate, extra blankets, energy bars and peanut butter. Expecting the unexpected became embedded in our brains. Preparation was merely good common sense. This is much the same theory with a few embellishments. Always plan for worst case scenario.
EMERGENCY FUELand HEAT
Remember a to have a emergency heat source, wood/kerosene/propane.
CANNED HEAT (STERNO) - This can be purchased at most sporting
goods stores as well as most grocery stores. You will need to store 1 large can per person per day.
VAGABOND STOVE - Use a number 10 can. Cut opening around the top
of the can with a can opener punch. This is to provide a draft
for your fire. Then cut an opening at the bottom of the can
large enough to fit the Buddy Burner or a small fire. Cook on top.
Lighting Equipment
GAS LANTERN (Coleman, two mantle)
KEROSENE LANTERN - (with a 1" wick)(Best Bet)
This device will burn 45 hours on 1 quart. (Dietz Lantern
Information) burning at the rate of 5 hours per day, the following
amount of kerosene would be used: Per day - 1/9 quarts; per week
7/9 quarts; per month 3 1/13 quarts; per year - 10 gallons.
FLASHLIGHT (Two battery)
Batteries used were well-known brands in testing). Continuous
running on new batteries - 7 hours. 7 month old batteries,
continuous running - 5 hours.
CANDLES (Burning time)
3/4 diameter x 4" tall - 2 hours and 20 minutes
7/8 diameter x 4" tall - 5 hours
2" square x 9" tall - 7 hours per inch or : 4 inches - 28 hours
9 inches - 63 hours
Heating or Cooking Equipment
TWO PLATE GAS BURNER (Coleman)
With both burners burning for 4 hours per day, the following
amount of white gas would be used: per day - 1 quart; per week -
7 quarts; per month - 7 1/2 gallons; per year - 91 gallons.
CAUTION: DO NOT STORE WHITE GAS, KEROSENE, & SIMILAR FUELS IN THE
HOUSE OR WITHIN THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Consult distributors of
fuel, that would have information on the proper storage of fuels.
WATER STORAGE
The Civil Defense Bulletin Reads:
"Water to be stored should be drawn into containers
before it is needed. Don't wait until an emergency
happens before laying in your supply. When an emergency occurs, it may be to late to act. The public water
service may already be interrupted or contaminated.
Also, if thousands of households are trying to fill
water containers at the same time, they would reduce
the pressure in the street mains. This would make fire
fighting more difficult. Waiting until something
happens before you draw and store the water you need
could cost you your home or even your life."
Be Careful About Rain Water -
Rain water that has been collected should be treated
the same as any other unknown water source. Rain water contains small particulate and acid.
Good Methods of Storing Water -
Store Bottled Water - may be stored up to six months
with no detrimental effect or rotation required.
Store Water in Old Bleach Bottles -
Rotate every 7 to 9 months.
No not rinse the Plastic Clorox Bottles
before filling with water. You should not get ill from drinking this water as the residue left in the bottle is probably just the
right amount of chlorine to protect the water.
Purchase five gallon water containers from a camping
supply store or Army Surplus store. Keep in mind,
however that you will need to transport this and possibly
on foot so consider the weight involved if you
choose this method.
Water Purification Methods -
Boiling-Most water can be purified for drinking purposes by boiling it for 10 minutes. This will destroy the bacteria. In order to improve the taste it will be necessary to aerate it after boiling. This is accomplished by pouring it from one container to another several times. Then through a PUR water filter
This should be done after thewater has been allowed to cool.
Chlorination- You can use any commercially available bleach solution. It should contain 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite. Add the following to a clean container in which when the water is added. It can be thoroughly mixed by stirring or shaking.
4 drops per gallon
20 drops = 1/4 tsp. or
enough to purify 5 gallons.
After adding the proper dosage and stirring, allow the water to stand for 30 minutes. It should then have a distinct odor of chlorine. If this odor is not present, add another doseof the solution and let stand for another 15minutes.
The taste or smell or chlorine in water as treated in this manner is a sign of safety. It is not harmful. On the contrary, if you cannot detect chlorine in water you are trying to purify by this method, do not drink it.

[RampRat]

Purification Tablets -(recommended)
Tablets that release iodine may be used safely to purify drinking water. These tablets can be found at most drug stores and sporting goods stores.The names vary but it is generically known as halazone tablets. Follow the directions on the package. Usually one tablet is sufficient for one quart of water. The dosage is doubled for cloudy water.
Iodine -Ordinary Household Iodine may be used to purify small quantities of water. Add 2-3 drops of Tincture Of Iodine to each quart ofclear water (8-10 for cloudy water). Mix andallow to stand for 30 minutes.
It is suggested that each member of your household have a minimumof 1 gallon of water per day. This is including infants (nursing mothers will need more). It is suggested then, that youstore 5 gallons per member of your family for your 72 hour supply.
Some of you will probably want to put supplies together for longer
than three days but the idea is that if need be you can pick this up
and run.

[RampRat]

IDEAS FOR FOOD FOR 72 HOUR KITS
Corned Beef Hash, Soup-for-One
Roast Beef Hash, Cheese & Crackers
Beef Stew ,Oyster Crackers
Dried Beef, canned Pasta
Canned Ravioli, Fruit Cups
Applesauce ,Vienna Sausages
Pudding Cups, Bread Sticks
Cookies ,Snack Pack Cereal
Canned Milk ,Powdered Milk
Fruit Rolls, Fun Fruits
Packages of Raisins ,Packages of Peanuts
Granola Bars ,Cambells Hungry man soups,
Box Juices, Hot Cocoa Mix
Hard Candy, Tang powered OJ
Trail Mix ,Power Bars
Saltine Crackers,
apple drinks ,bouillon cubes
fruit cocktail, Minute rice
applesauce, dessert mix
mountain stew ,stroganoff casserole
Spanish rice entree, scrambled egg mix
vegetable soup ,rolled oat cereal(instant)
macaroni & cheese,
Dinty Moore beef stew,
B&W baked beaks,
Large cans of fruit juices,
Cambells Hearty Man soups( no water needed),
Progresso lentil, ministrone and bean soups.
Ramen Dehyrdrated soups,
A large container of trail mix from Price club.
I like to throw in a large box of baking soda . This serves many purposes just send away for their (Arm & Hammer) tips book.
As each families taste differ you will need to adjust for your own families taste. If you are unsure how much to stock use the rule of three’s.For every three items add one item. Trust me it works.
Some of you will probably want to put supplies together for longerthan three days but the idea is that if need be you can pick this upand run.
The following is a list of survival items. I have NOT categorized these items to allow flexibility for each family to modify this list to their needs.
$10 roll quarters
120-hour emergency candle
5-gallon water containers
Cord
Ace bandages
Ammonia inhalants
Ammunition if a firearm is selected
Antibiotic cream
Awl -- for sewing leather and canvas
Baby formula
Baby powder
Baby wipes
Backpacker's compact stove and solid fuel pack
Band-Aids,assorted sizes
Bank account numbers
Batteries, alkaline
Batteries, extra (for hearing aids)
Bible
Bic lighters
Births, deaths, marriage certificates and divorce decrees
Blanket , spare
Body/hand lotion
Book for pleasure reading
Boots and heavy socks
Bottle 100 Tylenol
Bottle one-a-day vitamins
Bottle water purification tablets
Bottles, spare
Butterfly closures
Buttons
Can opener
Cans of emergency survival food
Canteens, plastic, 2qt
Cartons purified water
Charge card account numbers and their "lost or stolen" notification numbers
Children's survival kit
Children's vitamins, pain-reliever, cold remedies, etc.
Children’s coloring books, and activity books
Collapsible basin
Comb and brush
Compass of good quality (these are expensive but necessary)
Complete change of clothing
Cough suppressant
Current prescription glasses
D-size flashlightand d batteries
Deck of playing cards
Deeds and contracts
Dental floss
Denture care items
Deodorant
Diapers, disposable
Disinfectant
Duct-tape(2 rolls min.)
Dust masks
Emergency blankets
EMT shears
Ex-lax (or equivalent)
Eye glasses
Felt tip markers, colored pencils, scissors
Fingersplint
Firearm if selected
First-aid cream
Five gallon pail with lid
Flashlightbulbs
Folding shovel
Foot powder
Fork, knife, spoon set
Four-person cooking kit
Games
Gauze pads
Gloves, leather,
Gooptube
Groundpad, go under sleeping bag, bedroll, etc.
Hammock(optional)
Hard candy
Hat,
Hatchet
Heart and/or blood pressure medications
Heat reflective blanket
House and life insurance policies
Infant supplies
Inventory of valuable household items
Jacket, wet weather
Knife, fixed blade,
Knife, lockblade,
Knifepocket(Swiss)
Latex gloves
Leather work gloves
Leatherman supertool
Light sticks (2 hour) three
Liners, gloves,
Lip balm
Liquid bleach and eyedropper
Liquid soap for personal washing
Maalox (or equivalent)
Magnifying glass
Map of your local area
Matches, waterproof/windproof
Medical records including immunizations
Mini-binoculars
Mink oiltin,
Mirror, stainless steel
Moleskin roll
Mosquito netting
Mouthwash
Mre's(optional)
Multi-purpose tool with knife, pliers, screwdrivers
Needles and thread, several sizes of needles
Notepad
Nylon rope (100')
Nylon threadroll,
Package fuel squares
Pair latex gloves
Pants,
Pants, wet weather
Paper (waterproof)
Paper clips
Passports
Pens
Pencils
Pepto-Bismol tablets
Pet care (if applicable)
Pet food and food bowl
Pet leash and collar
Pet muzzle
Pet toys or chew bone
Pet water bowl
Pet water, one gallon (4 liters) per dog per day.
Phone numbers and addresses of friends/family
Plastic comb
Plastic sheeting
Plastic tube tent shelter
Poncho
Poncho liner
Portable stove
Portable water filter(Pur)
Pre-addressed, stamped postcards of friends and family out-of-state (if a disaster is widespread, you’ll want to contact someone out of the area)
Premoistened towelettes
Prescriptions for current medications
Radio (solar, hand cranked or battery powered; include extra batteries)
Razor, disposable
Rolls of toilet paper
Rolls of surgical tape
Rubber bands
Safety goggles
Safety pins, assorted sizes
Scout mess kit(one per person)
Scriptures
Senior care (if applicable)
Sewing kit
Shampoo
Sharpening stone
Shaving cream
Shelter Tarp (doubles as poncho),
Shirts,
Shirts, long-sleeve,
Shovel,
Signal flares,
Signal mirror
Signal whistle
Sleeping bag, modular (for use in -20 degrees Fahrenheit to +40)
Small toys
Soap bar (anti-bacterial)
Social security numbers
Socks,
Space blanket (reflects up to 90% of your body heat, weighs 20 oz or 500g)
Special dietary items
Splints
Sponges
Stainless steelcups
Sterno stove fuel
Sterno stove, this will support a hold a heavy pot, folds flat for easy packing. While it is designed for sterno or similar canned heat, it will burn solid fuels.
Stocks and bonds
Sudafed (or equivalent)
Sunblock
Sunglasses
Surgical gloves, (these are inexpensive, obtained in discount stores)
Survival manual(boy scout handbook)
Sutures, general purpose
Swiss army knife
T-shirts,
Tampons/sanitary napkins
Teething ring
The majority of people will need to consider seasonal changes. Every season, make sure to update your stored change of clothes for the appropriate weather conditions. For winter, include coats, hats, gloves, thermal underwear, snow boots and clothes for layering.
Thermometer
Tools and handyman items
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Towel, cotton
Towelettes, pre-moistened, box
Toys
Trash bags (for human waste and misc. Rubbish)
Kitty litter for use in 5 gallon buckets lined with a trash bag
Trash bags, extra (heaviest and largest available for extra misc.uses)
Triangular bandage
Tube tent
Tweezers
Tweezers, pointed
Twine/string (100')
Underwear, 2 sets
Utensils
Vise grips
Wallet, with extra identification and $200 in small bills (minimum)
Warmer clothing (generally the elderly have trouble with poor circulation
and get cold easier.)
Wash cloth and towel
Watch,
Water canteen with strap
Water proof a plastic buckets with lidsto store these items
Water purification tablets
Waterfilter (pur)with spare filters
Waterproof map case with necessary maps waterproofed with map seal
Waxed cotton threadroll,
Whistle
Wills
Work gloves, heavy duty

[RampRat]

Another post again not my post, but one I'm stealing
If kalifornia has done anything right, its the pushing of the "survival pack" message to the citizens living in earthquake zones. Placement of the BOB or survival pack is also important too. It needs to be easy to get to if the home/bldg collapses. Here's a couple of my thoughts that needs to go along with what has already mentioned.....
1) a diesel genset. Why? the feul for one can be stored for extended periods of time before going bad. remember my post on "bad feul"? I should have kept my feul rotated. BTW, I am running four year old feul that had been treated with biocide when the tank was filled, and the tank was kept out of the weather too.
2) a good chainsaw. This is critical for clearing trees and debris. Also, extra oil and chains is a good idea too.
3) prybars. I have a 8 foot prybar and a short one that is used by FD's.
4) bolt cutters.
5) electrical cable cutters. use only when downed power lines must be dealt with.
6) accesories to your winch. chains, straps, blocks, cribbing material, wire rope with extra repair parts, and a extra set of gloves.
7) hylift jack and accessories.

these are the items I keep in a van to be transfered into my truck when the unthinkable arises.

One other thought, if you are going to carry a gun, make sure you will have plenty of sling and holster choices. there are times where you don't want the unecessary attention of an ammo vest may attract. Also, if you are clearing debris and you need to keep your rifle near, a good sling is priceless. In the event you do need to set down your gun(s) a combo cable lock is a great thing to keep the opportunist from taking your gun.

[RampRat]

Here's a web site that's well worth checking out

http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/


It's a web "blog" from downtown New Orleans with lots of pictures & a live internet feed.

[Freakinout]

Excellent post ramprat, I've been needing to start getting this kinda info off of ar15.com to get some SHTF stuff setup.

[RampRat]

Excellent post ramprat, I've been needing to start getting this kinda info off of ar15.com to get some SHTF stuff setup.

Actually the above posts came off of a diesel truck site I'm a member of, but AR15.com has excellent info and even if you have no intrest in AR-15's or firearms it's well worth checking out www.ar15.com

[CTRider]

That's a really long list. That's less of bug out bag than a bug out truck load. However, it never hurts to have an emergency kit ready to go, especially in earthquake, hurricane or flood prone areas.