Are you ready for disaster?

There is currently a very large fire which is affecting multiple neighborhoods in a medium size city about 40 minutes north of where I live. The factory which the fire originated from has caught on fire multiple times before, and it's ownership has refused to fix long-standing safety violations at the plant.

The cities fire departments are running low on available water reserves, and the government for that area is considering tapping into municipal water sources such as residential lines (AKA, DRINKING WATER).

In another related point, I found out that weather teams are expecting my area to have another disaster-level snowfall this coming winter, which is actually expected to exceed the previous year in which Army reserve units had to be called into the city to assist with snow removal and other emergency functions.

While watching the news, it amazed me how few people were commuting outside through the thick smoke without so much as a t-shirt covering their nose and mouth, nobody considered respiratory protection before stepping outside and going about their daily functions.

I'm curious to see how many Jedi have some plan of action to respond to unforeseen disasters such as fire, snow, flood, or attack and what their plans may involve. I always carry a Get-home-bag on me, the contents of which vary based on season but usually include food, water, and items to protect me from the elements (which include people who may be out to harm me). It has kept me from ending up in very bad situations more times than I can count, and in a couple of scenarios has quite likely kept me alive.

I always have a Get-Home-Bag with me in the car. It has evolved over the years, but it is still with me.

I have several kits. I have a survival kit for hikes in the woods. I have a get home bags in the car. I have a bug out kits for myself , the better half, and our cats. Finally I have my EDC:

I don't carry a get home bag because these colors don't run :laugh:

But seriously, I have the Kelty I use for backpacking always ready, and I carry a small backpack I carry everywhere I go with a few essentials, and a survival tin in the glove box of my car.

I rather be slightly uncomfortable than hump a bunch of crap for miles and my kit sort of reflects that.

Jack wrote: I don't carry a get home bag because these colors don't run :laugh:

But seriously, I have the Kelty I use for backpacking always ready, and I carry a small backpack I carry everywhere I go with a few essentials, and a survival tin in the glove box of my car.

I rather be slightly uncomfortable than hump a bunch of crap for miles and my kit sort of reflects that.

A get home bag or even a bug out bag is only as big as you need it. There is no " crap " in those kits unless you are poor at planing. A get home bag is literally a bag that will get you from where you are to your home or other place of shelter. So for example I am never more then a 24 hour walk from home so two water bottles a few power bars and my EDC are more or less all I will need. I however also keep some other items in case I need to shelter over night but those weigh next to nothing. My bug out bag focuses on tools as I would have to bug out a good way and thus would need more tools to get things then the things themselves. Neither of those should weight more then 20-30 pounds and that is even a lot.

I agree with your philosophy.

I know what's crap is a relative term. I've went backpacking with friends who like to pack heavier for more comfort than I like to. For example, in the fall, spring, and sometimes winter (depending on the terrain), I don't pack a tent and just use a poncho or tarp. I usually only use a tent in the summer because of bugs. Or I'll only carry a sleeping mat in the cooler seasons. It's all a matter of what the individual is comfortable with.

Jack wrote: I agree with your philosophy.

I know what's crap is a relative term. I've went backpacking with friends who like to pack heavier for more comfort than I like to. For example, in the fall, spring, and sometimes winter (depending on the terrain), I don't pack a tent and just use a poncho or tarp. I usually only use a tent in the summer because of bugs. Or I'll only carry a sleeping mat in the cooler seasons. It's all a matter of what the individual is comfortable with.

Yes some comfort items are ok but I know what you mean about going overboard. That and the more skill you have the less you need to carry as the knowledge can replace a lot of tools or items. That and being willing to be uncomfortable if need be. So for example if I had to go 24 hours with just two water bottles I might be a tad thirsty depending on how hard I push but thats not a big deal compared to just doing what needs to be done. Some people might carry a third bottle but I would rather leave out the weight. Further other then the water ( which might as well be edc as I always have at least one water bottle with me. My get home bag consists of an n95 mask in case of smoke or other items in the air, some power bars or dried fruit, a shemage, a space blanket and contractor bag and some paracord just in case. Oh and a candle and bic lighter just in case.All of that weighs at most 15 pounds when combined with my edc weight. So not too bad and I can go for a rather long time on that. Oh and I almost forgot I keep gloves too because ya gotta protect the hands in a disaster.

These are pictures of my old EDC bag. Since these I have switched to an old computer backpack for easier carry. Most of the items are the same, but I have added some and subtracted some. The second picture is what is in my pockets. Not including CCW.

I'm fortunate enough to live in an area where natural disasters (except for minor flooding) are pretty much unheard of. So I don't have a disaster kit per se. I'm intending on following my government's emergency preparation suggestions however and will start stocking some stuff (e.g. 10l of water per family member, some canned food etc.) as soon as my basement has been cleaned up. I don't believe in violence, so I don't keep a weapon selection at home. I own a sports rifle, but the lock is in the bank safe, so other than serving as an elaborate stick, it won't do me much good

There are several contingencies people need to plan for that are often over looked. When I started my “survival” kits, yes that is plural… kits, I tried to think of situations. Where I live, there are several things I have to consider.

Tornado, flood, fire, drought, economic collapse, zombie apocalypse (rioting hordes) are just the first I thought of.
Tornado: Water, air horn and deconstruction tool in the safest closet. Tornado cellar would be awesome but it is one of those things that are in the future to build.

Flood: Not as big a threat as the others. I do need some kind of floataion device, but mostly I just avaoid flooded areas.

Fire: Fire extinguishers, multiple water outlets outside with hoses, cleared all shrubs and flammables away from the house and smoke detectors in every room and carbon detectors. Also, burn kits in a large first aid kit.
Drought: Saved (stored) water and working on restoring a well.

Economic collapse: Diversified portfolio, trade goods (extra food, liquid assets, extra medical supplies…), food, water, first aid, liquid assets (gold, silver, cash on hand), Property separation (first line of defense and awareness, basically a good fence with a clear line of sight), force multipliers for personal protection (weapons, and lots of training and practice with them). I am also working on bringing in livestock and gardens.

Zombie apocalypse: body armor, bio/gas masks, property separation, electric fencing, massive first aid kits (with working knowledge of everything in them), force multipliers (with lots of ammunition for those that need it), all previously mentioned kits… now I just need to acquire a tank.
There's really not much chance of a Zombie apocalypse where I live. The gas mask I have mostly for fires to prevent smoke inhalation. The fencing is for livestock, blah, blah, blah... that section was just written to show how everyday items we have can be used for different senarios.

But seriously, in the back of my vehicle I keep water for drinking, a little food, a blanket, first aid kit and an emergency roadside kit that has flairs, air horn and other useful items. And, a good, solid walking stick. On my person I always, and I mean every single day without fail, carry one small high carbon steel pocket knife (about 1.25 inch blade) a small flashlight (uses one AAA battery) and one Bick lighter (and I do not smoke). But most importantly I carry years of experience and training in my head.